First of all, its not my father, but that doesn’t mean I do not admire him.
Anyway, a while back I was having dinner with my friend Don. We sat diagonally across from what I gather was a father with 2 young children, about 4 and 5. I really was amazed at how well their dinner went. My mental image of dining out with kids is usually of unending high pitched wailing. As honoured SNL philosopher Jack Handy said it, “The face of a kid says it all, especially the mouth part.” Nevertheless the kids were well behaved and sat through their meal nary a shout.
What really amazed me was how much time and devotion the dad put into his kids. He attentively went through the colouring books with both his kids, and when the meal came, took his time to divide the meal between the two of them, making sure they were eating and not playing. He basically served them hand and foot for the entire meal. Now I know this is really what is expected of a parent, especially one without the help of their partner, but I guess it was a realization of how much goes into being a father. I only hope I could demonstrate such patience and love.