The Bitter Spice to When It's Just The Dudes At Home
A father who didn't have enough time for his son
A father who may have a little too much time with his son
The Bitter Spice (Shakespearean sonnet)
Someone who used his time to do his best
Who tried to always answer yes I can
Tomorrow there�d be time enough to rest
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There always seemed to be a world of need
Another soul whose hands stretched out toward me
Another cry for help which I did heed
How many dreams did I help to set free
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Yet as the father reached out toward his son
He was aware of who had paid the price
So many sought his help except for one
And here it was the bitterest of spice
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My son I leave to this now full grown lad
Who turned politely said I love you dad
A father opens up to his son in this Shakespearean sonnet. Typically Shakespearean sonnets are about love. This is not a hard and fast rule. Here is example of using a Shakespearean sonnet to paint a picture of a different type.
This was not going to happen to me. When Arlene and I became parents, we had slightly different ideas about our relationship as parents.Arlene believed, we had make some time, every once in awhile, for ourselves. I believed that our kids needed all our attention, until they were old enough. When Peter and Robin were babies, Arlene and I shared in all the necessities (changing diapers, feeding, cleaning and the rest). Weekends and holidays were for taking the kids out and about. Both of our kids went to preschool, but I taught them reading and math. Peter was reading by his forth birthday. Robin was more socially gifted. She took to music, until cooking and food caught her interest. Peter was a straight A student. Arlene and I were very involved with our kids' schooling, school and homework. Neither Arlene nor I ever struck our kids. Both Peter and Robin were volunteers at the San Francisco Zoo. Both went to martial arts school to learn how to defend themselves. They were both active in sports. One of Peter's science projects made it to the state finals. Peter was accepted into Lowell High School, the top high school in the city. He worked very hard. So hard that Arlene and I decided to let up a little on Robin. Lowell was so hard that Peter had to give up the extracurricular actives we all enjoyed in our high school days, like dating. I felt really bad for Peter. I wanted to put him in a regular school. Peter wanted to see his hardships through. Both Peter and Robin are now successful adults. Peter is going for his Phd in anthropology at the University of California at Berkeley, all expenses paid. Robin is a successful chef. She was recognized as one of the Bay Area's top ten up and coming chefs by Zagat (a restaurant rating service). Robin was on an episode of "Cutthroat Kitchen". Neither Peter or Robin is in a relationship. I see no grandchildren in my future.
Parenting, I can tell people this with confidence: I'm not certain if I knew what I was doing. My whole family gave up so much to get where we are. Being a parent,for me, was hard (and fun). Perhaps Arlene and I could have, should have made a moment or two for ourselves. But from here it is all hindsight. Most of my charity work was with the youth. I did observe this: Parenting was different. I mean different in all aspects of different (experience, life styles, culture, expenses and on and on). Two individuals (sometimes one) are blessed with another individual, who is an open sieve in search of knowledge. Soon this individual brings home a world to deal with. Then there are the memories that come alive. "When I was their age." Then they become adults. (That's another story.) For those of us who made it, there are the smiles.To everyone else, there is my sister. She had no time for her son. She had to work to make ends meet. Her son became a fireman to make his mother proud and to show her that he loved her. (It all works out.) Parenting is part of life. Life is a wonder; So Enjoy.
Parenting, I can tell people this with confidence: I'm not certain if I knew what I was doing. My whole family gave up so much to get where we are. Being a parent,for me, was hard (and fun). Perhaps Arlene and I could have, should have made a moment or two for ourselves. But from here it is all hindsight. Most of my charity work was with the youth. I did observe this: Parenting was different. I mean different in all aspects of different (experience, life styles, culture, expenses and on and on). Two individuals (sometimes one) are blessed with another individual, who is an open sieve in search of knowledge. Soon this individual brings home a world to deal with. Then there are the memories that come alive. "When I was their age." Then they become adults. (That's another story.) For those of us who made it, there are the smiles.To everyone else, there is my sister. She had no time for her son. She had to work to make ends meet. Her son became a fireman to make his mother proud and to show her that he loved her. (It all works out.) Parenting is part of life. Life is a wonder; So Enjoy.
Back to the sonnet: Harry Chapin "Cat's in the Cradle"
Here's a baby who likes Michael Jackson
The U.S. Census reports that 32% of married fathers (approximately 7 million dads) are �a regular source of care for their children under age 15, up from 26% from 2002.� The U.S. Census defines �regular care of children� as an arrangement that is consistent at least one day per week. Adam Ballard is one of those dads. What do these two do when all the work is done?
Here is Miles Ballard performing "Beat It". "When It's Just The Dudes At Home"
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We never know the love of a parent
till we become parents ourselves.
Henry Ward Beecher
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