My day started with the threat of physical violence…and ended with the profound sadness of a father – the two events are not directly connected. In the first instance, there’s not much to say other than I refused to accept the lowest common denominator as the acceptable starting point for the matter at hand, and rejected his sense of entitlement, and ignored his perceived sense of self importance – how about not threatening me and step the fuck up and become someone who matters. The later event…far more important and legitimate and meaningful…and also confidential. So while with the details of this exchange will not be shared…it was a 60 minute conversation that reminded me that being a good father is the single most important role I can play in the lives of my children…that I must be active and vigilant in this role at all times – that children learn what they see not what they are told – and that we are all incredibly fragile and vulnerable in the face of our weaknesses and obsessions. There is very little more tragic than a parent, having finally seen the destructive path of their own life transferred to their children…now suffer the deep anguish and overwhelming regret of the lost souls they created. The lessons for the rest of us in both these events reveal the value and importance of making choices that matter…that our actions can resonate so profoundly that other lives decay or thrive…that we all have the obligation to exist beyond the boundaries of our own narcissism. Ignore these things…and you may just find yourself one day in an untenable place void of forgiveness and redemption.
Photo by Lawrence Lewis (2012)
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Lawrence Lewis
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” ― James Baldwin
About Lawrence Lewis
I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂