Thank God for the kids!

One of the aspects that come along with a 62 year old dad suffering from cancer is the feeling that “dad” is no longer as strong as he should be as part of his family.  I had a long chat with one of my daughters last night and as we were talking the words to Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in the Cradle entered my head. The 1974 song written by Harry and his wife Sandy have long tugged on my heart.  Here is a sample of the lyrics that focus on a fathers love for his son (in my case, a daughter).  The following is an excerpt from the lyrics….

 My son turned ten just the other day
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today
I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home, Dad
I don't know when, but we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while"
He shook his head and said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son
I don't know when, but we'll get together then, Dad
You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

 I’m so proud of my daughters. They are absolutely my “rock.”

 To listen to the song click on the following link…

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7OqwKfgLaeA