Gentle Under the Rough Exterior

I don't see a lot of television, but I happened to catch a commercial recently that drew my full attention.  The camera panned down a burly, tattooed hand to fingernails being painted with bright polish.  As the camera pulled away, a little girl dressed in a fairy princess costume was painting her dad's fingernails in her very feminine, little-girl bedroom.  Dad and daughter admired her work, both blowing on the polish to dry.  The commercial was an appeal to fathers to be fully present to their children.  I loved that commercial.  Something so sweet particularly stood out in this season of not-very-sweet political commercials.  It was all about what's truly important -- being with the people we love, creating memories in the simplest and perhaps silliest of activities, finding joy just by being together. 

Good Dads

During the past weekend, I had the opportunity to see two men interacting with their sons.  What made it a unique experience for me was that I knew those dads when they were the same age as their sons.  Time has a way of flying by, but I tend to only be reminded of it when seeing other people's children or parents.  As I watched Chris and Randy interacting with their sons, I recalled the boys they once were and the silly and fun things they did that made them so endearing.  But, now I view them as men with dreams and responsibilities, joys and sorrows, and sons who truly enjoy their company.  And their sons are neat people, too.  Teo has a clever wit, practical mind and mature outlook.  D.J. is creative and intent on carrying on a multi-generational family hobby.  So, congrats, Chris and Randy, for becoming the good men you are today and for being such great dads.