Of the few sparks to be found from this still-ongoing global pandemic, one that's definitely making it into my books was watching my sons grow closer to each other as brothers. If nothing else, it made me see anew the plus point of having both my kids being of the same gender, born a mere … Continue reading Brothers are (almost) as important as parents
Tag: Fathers & Sons
My Monday Metrical Musings #12
Rocking Chair Photo by Mohammad Sanaei on Pexels.com There he sitsIn his father's old rocking chairBobbing back and forthBack and forthBack and forth. It takes him backTo happier timesOr maybe they were justInnocent times?When the world seemed easyAnd when 'gay' meant 'happy'. "I feel your pain, son"His dad once told himBut he didn't reallyThough the … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #12
My Monday Metrical Musings #9
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash The Colour of Monday is Blue "Will you pack me a snackFor Tuesday?""Sure, my son."I always say "Will you drive over humpsAlong the way?""Of course dear one"I always say "Will there be school Wednesday, Thursday, FridayToo?""Yes, my son.And don't forgetMonday is blue!" (Cos that's his favourite colourThe colour of … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #9
“Model breadwinning fathers” make stay home dads look like losers
I know I’m supposed to offer grace, but I can’t. Not now, not yet. Not when I’m still living through my Waterloo; my daily dose of stay home parenting blues.What am I talking about you ask? I’m talking about “model breadwinning fathers" Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash There are many such "model breadwinning fathers", … Continue reading “Model breadwinning fathers” make stay home dads look like losers
Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #1 The Hypocrites
My dear "Ku-Ju-Chi-fu-fees", You're into the swinging 20s. Congrats! But... In the blink of an eye, you have pocketed two earthly decades and are launching yourselves into your third. Congrats! Now's a good time to talk to you about human relationships. But rather than texting you like we always do, I thought I'd write you … Continue reading Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #1 The Hypocrites
What car rides with Caleb taught me about autism and attention
Living with my son's autism from day to day teaches me many things - provided I bother to pay attention. Provided I bother to learn. Sadly, I don't. Not enough anyway. For me, arguably the greatest hurdle parenting him all these years, has been to try and come to terms with his fixations. How to … Continue reading What car rides with Caleb taught me about autism and attention
To a child, LOVE’s not only spelled “T-I-M-E”; it’s also spelled….
As parents, we've all heard this adage more times than we care to count: For kids, LOVE is spelled T-I-M-E. Cos spending time with them is the best sign that we the parents care and love them. Many have even gone on to qualify that it's not just about Quality time; it's also about Quantity … Continue reading To a child, LOVE’s not only spelled “T-I-M-E”; it’s also spelled….
How soaked bibs, leaked diapers and supervised showers are my daily lessons in acceptance
There are three things you'll typically hear in my household on any given day or night:   "Caleb! Is it (his chin) dry? C'mon Caleb, swallow your saliva, please. Look, your bib's all wet!!"   Night: "Caleb! Come and shh-shh (pee) now before bedtime. Then wear your diaper  properly before you get into bed. … Continue reading How soaked bibs, leaked diapers and supervised showers are my daily lessons in acceptance
My Car Saga Musings #1 — How a car accident exposed my ‘inner engine’
BANG! That moment just before impact seemed to almost slow to a crawl, like a slow-motion replay, as I watched in utter jaw-dropping disbelief. The way a spectator at an F1 race would watch as a race car suddenly goes off course and flips. I knew what was about to happen, but I was powerless … Continue reading My Car Saga Musings #1 — How a car accident exposed my ‘inner engine’
Living in my 50s #2 – Please Lord, may I have 50 more Father’s Day?!
So what to say about this coming Sunday, my 11th anniversary of celebrating Father's Day as a dad? After all, it's an unfinished journey, so maybe I should wait a few more years to say something meaningful? Or when the kids have all grown up and flown the coop? Yet, as I turn 50 in … Continue reading Living in my 50s #2 – Please Lord, may I have 50 more Father’s Day?!