A Father's Job
Saturday, June 19, 2010 A father smiles in the face of adversity. Even though he hasn't strapped on a pair of skates in 30 years. Even though he will skate like a zombie in fast forward past herds of snickering teens. Because you ask him to.
A father doesn't always know the best or the right way to do things himself. In fact, his form is downright embarrasing sometimes. But he's there to pick you up as you try to figure it out. Because you expect him to.
A father makes the difficult seem easy. He may be on the verge of falling on his ass, but he'll put on a facial expression that makes it look like a cool Westside Story stage slide. Because you inspire him to.
A father brushes the melting ice off your pants, makes sure the coast is clear, gives you a little push, and lets go. Because you need him to.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there who get the job done, grit their teeth and wait till the kids are asleep to apply the Ben Gay.
Reader Comments (30)
You're doing a great job . The benefits will be two amazing kids who will pass along that parental love and devotion to their kids.
Now you gotta teach him to stop on a dime and skate backwards! Better buy an extra large tube of ben gay for that!
Let me pause and think of you "applying" Mr. Gay.
......
Now, I can wish you a happy Daddy's Day!
That's sweet! You and Fury are still handsome and fun as ever! And you definitely make ice skating look more effortless than I do. I become way too intimate with the ice. You're such an awesome dad.
And Happy Father's Day to you, Jim! Make it a great one!
lmao... if that was me- I'd have spent pretty much the entire time on my arse!!
Happy Fathers Day!!
Happy Father's Day! Way to rock it with the kid!
Well done! :-)
Well said, Jim.
As always, I love your dad posts! Happy Father's Day Jim! BTW- I like the longer hair!
Happy FAthers DAy to you!
This is just like Rocky and Adrian's first date on Thanksgiving. JUST LIKE IT.
Excuse me, your form? In that second picture? You look like an Olympic figure skater!
Also - what a beautiful post. The last sentence about letting go made me all emotional, too!
You rock. My husband just spent three hours at the roller rink with our son at a birthday party a few weekends ago. Less ice to wipe off, but similar slippin' and slidin' on the old-school wheels. Dads are awesome. Happy Father's Day!
That's why I sit on my Lazy-Boy and just chill.
Looks like a good time - and a duty that ALL parents should have to endure! (Hockey player here!) I'm taking Abby out next fall with any luck!
Happy Father's Day, Jim. You're a good one. Keep up the great job you do!
1) Awwwww
2) Just don't ever move to Canada. Ever. Really.
Outstanding! (that's where I would be - out, standing next to the rink and cheering him on). You are a credit to our lot, Mr. Busy Dad.
I took my Little Brother ice skating a couple months ago. I never did learn how to skate and it was his first time. I made it around the rink, with a death grip on the wall, exactly one time. After that I was, as Tom said, outstanding.
I told him going in he didn't have to stay with me, just make sure he could see me at all times. He was off and on his way. Did way better than I did.
I'm not a dad, but you sure make it sound like fun! I enjoy your posts!
I just have 2 words... SIMPLY AWESOME... or LOVE IT.. you could put them together but that would be 4 words.
Peachy was right. What a dad. What a dad. What a mighty good dad!
Aw :) Glad you did it jim. I have skates back home, but clearly have the same ice talent as you do. Hope Fury turns out better than either of us! Hugs to Fury!
apply the ben gay.
That sounds a little, well, gay.
Because I have no freaking idea what you are talking about and DUDE fathers day is in September!
Crazy Americans.
Sweet. Happy Father's Day (a little late!)
I love being a dad, it's the best job in the world!
Keep it UP big guy!!
UP
Great post -
Really a lovely photo essay -- almost a haiku with photos.
you're one of my favorite fathers in the world! happy week after father's day, yo!
xo
Hi
my name is Thais, I'm editor assistent of CRESCER magazine (such as Grow up in english), from Globo Corporation.
I saw your blog and i'd like to talk to you. Is that possible?
I'm waiting your answer
all the best
Thais Lazzeri
www.crescer.com.br
my blog: www.comereumbarato.com.br
A very belated father's day to you :)