It seems, a father can teach, and be taught, by both their kids and their friends children.
Most days we hear about a smart ass teenager that has fun fooling around with women. One day, at work, he gets a call to hurry to the hospital. Someome he knows asked him to be there for some reason.
He parks his truck, rushes to the receptionists desk and gives him his name. The note, on a red post-it note, tells the nurse to take him to room 201.
As he is led to the lift, his synapses search for answers from his conscious mind. 'Why she didn't call my cell is beyond me. Which girl asked for me?'
'First door on the left. She's been waiting for you.' The nurse nods, closes the lifts door and returns to his post.
His mouth is dry and beads of sweat form on his brow. As he rounds the corner and passes through the doorway his face turns ashen.
'Hi Brett. Please take a seat. I wasn't sure if you'd come if I called your cell.'
'Kate! Why are you here? What happened?'
'You'll find an answer soon.' She attempted a smile, but frowned.
'Excuse me Kate. I am back.'
A female nurse passed by and Brett jumped from his seat. He points and shakes his head left and right.
'A baby!! You called me to see a baby? Whose is it? Where is the father?'
Kate points at Brett and then looks down and uncovers the baby's face.
'See..., a perfect match. Your ears. Your eyes. And your handsome smile that melted my heart nine months ago.'
Brett sees the resemblance. He has a son.
'If I'd known. I could've....' He looks down as he bites his lip and blood runs down his chin.
'What would you've done?' I'd've changed and been there for you. I'd stop fooling with the lasses.'
Kate smiles and motions for him to come to her side.
'You're here and you haven't left.' Tears swell up and slide down her rosy cheeks.
'You're right Kate.' He ran his right and left thumbs across her cheeks to wipe away the tears, kisses her, then kisses his sons forehead.
::-::
Not everyone has a happy ending. Love is a path wrought with mud, thorns, wild beasts, venomous insects and evil humans.
Stand up and be a man our forefathers would be proud of. Justice isn't black and white. Make the best decisions based on solidarity and wisdom.
Happy Father's Day.