Life by Art: Part Seven
Jesse Hulse
Thanks, dad.
Recently, a friend had been posting some humorous and witty things to his Facebook page, which, if you knew him, seemed a little out of character for what I’d come to expect from his usual banter. We typically crack jokes or poke and prod each other about various things, political and otherwise, while we struggle through nine holes — which, by the way, we both suck miserably at. And, although we may not always agree on certain points, it doesn’t change the fact that we still remain friends. It’s good to have different points of view about stuff in life, keeps things interesting that way.
So, I ran into him the other day and commented that his most recent post made me chuckle a bit, being silly humor and all. His comment back was that with so much negativity and disruption going on in our daily lives, he thought he’d do his part and interject a bit of levity into these otherwise stressful times. Laughter has always been the best medicine after all. And, you know, he was right. There is too much ill-will and clutter in the news, not nearly enough positivity and pleasantries. But please, don’t ever tell him I said he was right or I’ll never live it down. But, because of him, I backed off the commentary angle that I wanted to originally take in this week’s blog, and took a turn towards gratitude instead.
Coming off a great Father’s Day weekend, I thought it would be a good time to sit back, relax, and reflect a little. My oldest and best friend from high school texted me over the weekend and said he had visited the cemetery on Sunday to talk with his dad, a way to reconnect for a little while. I’m sure bringing him a moment of well-deserved peace and solace. I thought on my own father as well, and step-father, both passed on at this point — thinking on happier times and wishing they were both here to help celebrate the day. Helping to toast a beautiful end of June with an ice-cold Stella for dad, and a gin, rocks, no fruit for Joel. Man, they would have enjoyed the day! And, even though I was with my wonderful family, including my 90-year-old mother, I still missed the old men with their dry wit and witticism, for sure.
I take on my father’s role now, I guess. Most of my friends do the same these days as we’re all pretty much at that age. It’s just the way things work out, and if we’re lucky enough, all us guys should get that chance to live through these aspects of life — from being the child, to being the father, and eventually, hopefully, a grandfather. I am eternally grateful that mom and dad found each other all those years ago, despite an awkward first date (high heels and golf balls — it’s a pretty funny story if you ever get the chance to ask her). And despite mom’s trepidations about dad early on, I’m glad she didn’t run off with her old boyfriend at the time, otherwise things would have ended up completely different for me.
Hopefully, and God willing, one day our own son and daughter will think back on these days as happy times, despite the current debacle playing out in front of them. I try and tell them to remain positive and forward-thinking, not to get too hung up on the news and the crap that bombards us these days. Change what you can, if you can’t, move on and don’t worry about it too much. Things always have a way of working out in the end.
It’s exhilarating to watch as they begin their own lives as meaningful adults. Watching how they change and grow and cope with whatever gets thrown at them, just like we did when we first started out. Building relationships, gaining responsibility, adjusting as they go along. As their father, along with their mother, we couldn’t be prouder, honestly. I guess some of the advice and direction we gave them in life rubbed off a little, despite the years that we thought none of it would stick. But, thankful that it did.
So, in honor of Father’s Day, thanks dad for being there when it was most important. It’s a wonderful passage to take. This life thing. And even though there may have been moments of despair along the way with probably still more to come, there will always be so many more times of happiness. Life, after all, is something to cherish for as long as it may last.
Enjoy the moment.
Wild Bill by Jesse C. Hulse
® 2016 Jesse C. Hulse. All rights reserved.