Back in the early 1950's Da had to leave home, leave his wife and family of three young kids, leave his country and his friends, leave a way of life. It was a bad time, no work, no money, the only thing to do was to 'take the boat', go to England, hope to find work on the building sites and send money home every week to provide for his family. And this he did this for ten years. Ten years! The things men will do for their families. (I presume this is why there is a ten year gap between me and the big bro!) And yes, I know women are just as capable of such things, and DO such things, and make sacrifices and accomplish extraordinary feats when it comes to caring and providing for their loved ones. But today I am talking about Dads/Husbands. And the things they do to provide for, and protect those who are 'life itself'! And I don't know about the rest of the world, but us celtic men are probably a bit 'old fashioned' when it comes to the 'providing and protecting' thing. No, now that I think about it, I'm sure it's not just us, I think all Dads/Husbands must be the same the world over. And all Mams/Wives too for that! I just know I would do anything to protect my kin, would suffer any pain if it meant shielding them. Would lay down my life if it came to it, and that is not a boast, just fact. What man wouldn't step in front of his wife or child to take the force of a blow? And I know 'quite a few' people who are like me.
And I can think of one in particular.
I don't know you all that well but I think I can look inside your mind's eye and know who you're referring to. I've been wondering...
ReplyDeleteamen, brother. xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYes, I am quite sure there is one other who is very much like that, if not even more so... I second Savannah's xoxoxoxoxoxo!
ReplyDeleteThe things we do..but this next generation wont even shift their asses off the couch to take out the rubbish let alone move across the globe to provide for their famillies
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful and i too think i know who it was in reference to, i've got that good Celtic blood in my veins even though i am a septic tank, here in America though i'm amazed at how many deadbeat fathers there are, men who just don't seem to care, i for one am not one and would do anything for my boys and the woman, have done, things that were on the wrong side of the written laws, i learned from my father who sacrificed endlessly for his kids, i'd see myself a failure if i didn't do the same, punch or kick or talk shit on me all you like but if you attempt to hurt my family, well that's a whole other fucking can of worms. Great post Sir.
ReplyDeleteTis a trait I admired in my own Dad. Tried to explain that to my little sister once, when she was complaining about her job. She had declared she "wasn't going to be caught in some dead end job like Dad."
ReplyDeleteThat's the difference...I understand that Dad did it for US, not to climb an employment ladder. Must be genetic: I seem to have it too.
Standing ovation for all the men amongst us who do good and no one remembers to say THANKS!
And I think our other pal would be smiling here as well.
My comment is about you alone, Map, and my admiration for you as a dad and husband. You understand what doing for family is all about since you experienced it first-hand.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like to think that I would take one to protect Martha, my "family" for almost 36 years.
A tip o' the cap to ye.
Only in looking back can I even come close to seeing what my dad did for his family.
ReplyDeleteOne in particular, huh? Is he someone I mmiss reading?
ReplyDeleteYour father. Ten years. What a man! And your mother! What a difficult time that must've been...
Pearl
So much respect to your dad, and you, and all the other good men who do right, including my own Sarge.
ReplyDeleteand so it is, map - so true - love alone knows no boundaries and then, love for family knows even fewer than none! beautiful tribute here to that kind of love - to those who share it - and to one celtic man in particular! peace - jenean
ReplyDeleteThank you friends, and welcome newcomers. :¬)
ReplyDeletexxx
god bless dads!.. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou take after your dad I suspect and I'm sure your family are very proud that you do. I'm rather glad that my father didn't take after his, for all sorts of reasons, but mine is rather fab too. And I know who you mean too.
ReplyDeletewatercats; I don't believe in Gods, but I do believe in Dads, and they should indeed be blessed! Welcome to the Map train! :¬)
ReplyDeleteMadame DF; I have been told that I do indeed take after me ould fella! A better compliment a lad couldn't be given! I'm glad yer Da is fab! As fer yer man, och did'na ye go tae school wi himsel? :¬)
xxx
Well said, Map, and a lovely tribute to your dad. That speaks to a kind of courage which seems to be scarce these days. I think the tribute to good men of that ilk is very timely.
ReplyDeleteTui; Thanks. How are you? :¬)
ReplyDeletexxx