Fatherhood
Father's Footprint
Introduction: Fatherhood, a timeless institution that transcends generations, holds a profound impact on shaping one's identity. Throughout my life, the presence of my father, a guiding light and unwavering pillar of support, has played a transformative role in shaping who I am today. His nurturing, wisdom, and unwavering love have left an indelible mark on my journey, instilling in me valuable lessons that have guided my path. As we celebrate the launch of the Men Community and Father's Day, I find it fitting to reflect deeply on the profound influence my father figure has had on my life and the lesson that has had the greatest impact.
By Haseeb Ahmad Khan3 years ago in Men
Bound by Pages: An Unlikely Friendship Through Literature. Content Warning.
The sun shone brightly over the small coastal town of Sandbourne as its residents went about their daily routines. Among them was Amelia, a vibrant and energetic young woman who had recently moved to the town to escape the fast-paced life of the city. Amelia had always been adventurous and eager to explore new places, and Sandbourne seemed like the perfect escape.
By ADITYA SALVE3 years ago in Men
Coach's Son
I struggled with addiction as a kid… that’s right… TV. I couldn’t get enough of it. Still haven’t really kicked the habit. But because of this, I saw all the TV shows. I saw all the families. I saw all the TV dads. I saw all the talks… dad to son… dad to daughter… dad to Arnold and Willis Drummond… who, of course, became Mr. Drummond’s legal sons once they took on his last name.
By Stephen Kramer Avitabile3 years ago in Men
Finding My Own Way
If you've followed my writing on Vocal, you may have read a story about my father I published a little over a year ago. On rereading that story, I decided that it wasn't exactly what I wanted to say for this new challenge. It does say a lot and I'll link to it at the bottom of this story, but please, don't jump to read it now.
By Dana Crandell3 years ago in Men
What Dad Taught Me
For years I have liked to go to the mall on Father's Day. People who have fond thoughts of their father see a little of him in me, and a lot of good will comes my way. I realized I was a fraud because I had no children, but that did not stop me from enjoying the experience, and I also had the joy of finding the odd sized 3XL shirt that some thoughtful person "accidentally" put in the sale bin at the department store.
By Paul A. Merkley3 years ago in Men
Walking on Tip Toes
At church. At school. In sports. At home. Dad made his presence known everywhere, in somewhat big ways. Because of his job, he took me around the world, where we lived. I mean, we lived there, not just a quick look-see and off again. I was immersed in Latin American culture for six years.
By Sherry Lowell-Lewis3 years ago in Men
Bought and Paid For
For most of my life, I felt like a mere shadow in my father's world. It was as if my existence was nothing more than an inconvenience to him. His love language was gift-giving, and while I never went without material possessions, I lacked the one thing that truly mattered - his attention.
By Melanie warman 3 years ago in Men
The Planting
The Planting At times, there are memories that set themselves apart from the causal ones, those daily ones that we don't pay much attention to. Living at a place that was called O'Toole, my dad tilled the land (or he hired a person to do it) that was downhill from the house, a patch of property of about two acres. The method he used, or hired someone to use, involved a horse or mule, and a plow. It wasn't anything fancy, definitely nothing up-to-date as the world would see it today. A horse or mule and plow with a man to yell ("gee" generally means turn right, while "haw" means turn left.) was all it took to get the good earth turned and ready for planting. Leaving the back-breaking work after the plowing called sod-bustin', to be done that would take some time. From early morning when the dew was still glistening on the grass yet to be turned under, my brothers and I would walk with my dad to the virgin field just over the embankment off of the dirt road down from our coal-mining camp house. The coal mines weren't known, at least at that time, for paying the miners much money for the backbreaking work and long hours of breathing coal dust that would later cause Black Lung. In the early ages of the coal fields, many coal miners tilled their yards and fields to grow enough food to feed their families. It was a struggle to till the land because most of the land was on downhill slopes and was hard to get to plow. No matter what I thought or what my brothers thought, my Dad was determined to "turn the earth", he use to say. "You can smell life in the dirt," he'd say as we stood watching the "Gee Haw" man getting ready to put the bridle around the horse he brought with him from another field. He'd trained his animal and hired it out to the local miners in the area. The Gee Hall man was hired by many of the local coal miners because coal miners didn't know the tricks of the trade to get the horse or mule to turn left or right. The "Gee Haw" man was someone that my dad relied on to get the job done every spring right after the shows finished up and the dirt was dry enough to start planting seeds in. Living there on the hill, we were given instructions that required application, a hands-on approach that meant getting our hands dirty. There wasn't any sitting back and letting someone else do the work for us. Perhaps we didn't 'bust all the sod', but we gave it our best shot. We were children, my older brother David, me, and my younger brother (at that time) Billy Joe, learning the value of the land and developing 'character', as we were told. There wasn't anything like, "I don't want to do it or I'm not into this stuff." As children, we did our part, howbeit not the greater part of preparing the land for planting. We did what we could do with what we had. A spade, a mattock, and a pitchfork were common friends helping us get the job done. Mostly, Dad and the gee-haw man did a far greater portion to turn the land and get it ready for planting. The day was long and hot as the afternoon sun baked our heads and sweat poured off of our backs as we followed along behind my dad and the Gee Hall man until all of the fields were turned from green to dark brown. It was ready. We were there to observe, do what we could, and remember the lessons being taught. My Dad, a simple man from a simple era, planted integrity and honesty in his for boys who were yet to become men.
By Dan R Fowler3 years ago in Men
Chinedu's Market Journey: A Nigerian Tragi-Comedy of Dreams, Betrayal, and Unexpected Twists
In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, lies the vibrant Chattering Market, a place where dreams are born, laughter echoes through the air, and the rhythm of life pulses with every step. This is the backdrop for Chinedu's remarkable journey—a tragi-comedy that unveils the tapestry of Nigerian life with its moments of joy, heartbreak, and surprising twists. Chinedu, a young and ambitious man, finds himself immersed in the bustling market's whirlwind of activity. His infectious laughter and quick wit draw people near as he navigates the labyrinthine alleys, engaging in spirited bartering and building connections with customers. Chinedu's dreams seem within reach, his enthusiasm lighting up the path ahead. But as in every tale, challenges arise. The harsh realities of an unequal society and pervasive corruption cast their shadows upon Chinedu's aspirations. Yet, he encounters a cast of characters that reflect the diverse facets of Nigerian life—the kindred spirits who offer support, and the cunning adversaries who seek to exploit his dreams for personal gain. With a blend of humor and pathos, the story unfolds through hilarious mishaps and poignant moments of heartbreak. Chinedu's escapades bring laughter to the market's weary souls, infusing hope and respite amidst the daily struggles. Yet, there are darker undercurrents at play. Betrayal lurks in unexpected corners, threatening to derail Chinedu's journey. Deceit and treachery tangle his path, challenging his trust in those he thought were allies. The market, once a place of unity, becomes a battleground of conflicting interests. In this tragi-comedy, Chinedu's resilience is tested. He forms unlikely alliances and discovers the strength of his community. Street hawkers and wise elders provide support and wisdom, reminding him of the power of unity and shared experiences. As the story reaches its climax, Chinedu confronts his inner demons and confronts the choices that will shape his destiny. In a surprising twist, he realizes that true success lies not in material wealth but in the connections and bonds he has forged along the way. The journey transforms him, revealing the resilience and spirit that lies within. With laughter and tears, the Nigerian tragi-comedy uncovers a profound truth—that life's journey is a complex dance of emotions. It celebrates the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people, who navigate adversity with determination and find solace in their shared experiences. As dusk settles over the Chattering Market, the echoes of laughter and tears linger. Chinedu's market journey serves as a testament to the power of dreams, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring spirit of Nigeria. It reminds us that amidst life's trials, a touch of comedy can bring lightness, and the unbreakable bonds of community can guide us through even the darkest of days. Chinedu's days in the Chattering Market were filled with vibrant colors, energetic conversations, and the aroma of spices that wafted through the air. From the crack of dawn until dusk, he would navigate the narrow paths, zigzagging through a maze of stalls that offered a wide array of goods—from handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce, and everything in between. His infectious laughter would draw people in, as he engaged in lively banter with the market traders. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Chinedu would use his charm to strike the best deals, both for himself and the customers he served. His bartering skills were unmatched, and it wasn't long before his reputation spread throughout the market. Chinedu had big dreams. He wanted to build a better life for himself and his family. With each successful transaction, he would set aside a portion of his earnings, slowly accumulating the capital he needed to turn his dreams into reality. He envisioned opening his own store, filled with the finest goods and providing employment opportunities for his community. But the Chattering Market was not just a place of dreams and laughter; it also harbored secrets and hidden agendas. Behind the colorful facade, there were whispers of envy and treachery. Some traders, driven by their own ambitions, saw Chinedu as a threat—a young upstart who threatened to disrupt the established order. One fateful day, Chinedu stumbled upon a clandestine meeting between two rival traders, Ikenna and Obi. Their hushed voices and furtive glances piqued his curiosity. He discreetly observed their conversation, only to discover their plot to undermine his growing influence in the market. Feeling a mix of anger and betrayal, Chinedu realized he needed to outwit his adversaries. Drawing upon his wit and resourcefulness, he devised a plan to turn the tables on Ikenna and Obi. With the help of his trusted friends, he uncovered their corrupt practices and exposed them to the market community. The revelation sent shockwaves through the Chattering Market. Traders who had once aligned themselves with Ikenna and Obi now rallied behind Chinedu, recognizing his integrity and commitment to fairness. The tide had turned, and Chinedu's star continued to rise. But the tragi-comedy did not end there. As Chinedu basked in his newfound success, a series of unforeseen events unfolded. A fire broke out in the market, engulfing several stalls and causing chaos and panic. Chinedu, fueled by his determination and sense of responsibility, sprang into action. He organized a community effort to extinguish the flames and provided support to those affected. Amidst the ashes and rubble, a new sense of unity emerged. The market traders, once divided by competition and personal gain, now stood shoulder to shoulder, rebuilding their livelihoods and supporting one another. Chinedu's role in rallying the community cemented his position as a beloved figure in the Chattering Market. As the story drew to a close, Chinedu's dream of opening his own store became a reality. The grand opening was a celebration of resilience, triumph, and the enduring spirit of the Nigerian people. The market was adorned with colorful decorations, and the air buzzed with excitement. Chinedu stood at the entrance of his store, filled with gratitude for the journey that had brought him to this moment. In the end, Chinedu's tragi-comedy was not just about personal success or overcoming betrayal. It was a testament to the strength of community, the power of perseverance, and the unwavering spirit that binds Nigerians together. The Chattering Market became a symbol of resilience, where dreams could flourish, laughter could heal, and unexpected twists could lead to triumph. As the sun set on another day in the Chattering Market, its vibrant energy began to wane, but the echoes of Chinedu's journey remained. The laughter, the tears, the lessons learned—they would forever be etched in the hearts of those who had witnessed this Nigerian tragi-comedy. And as new stories unfolded within the market's walls, the legacy
By okpala michael3 years ago in Men
