Fathers Day. So Much More Than Have A Catch * * * Im sitting here, watching hundreds of people - possibly more, no, make that definitely more - at the Field of Dreams Movie Site just outside of Dyersville. This is probably an appropriate point to talk about Fathers Day. So much of the reason this movie resonates is because of the whole have a catch moment, involving fathers and children. I wont pretend that I talked to everyone who walked in but, among the people I did connect with, were a ton of fathers and their young children. Mostly boys - not all, of course - but there was definitely a father/son vibe. I met Ron and Tucker Lovell of Nashville, Tennessee. I spotted the 13-year-old Tucker because of his VANDERBILT hat (I love Vandy) and struck up a conversation with him. Ron said his wife heard about the event and bought tickets. They drove ten hours from Nashville, just the two of them. Tucker said his dad showed him Field of Dreams on a VCR machine. (I might add, Tucker was incredibly polite, mixing in his yes, sirs when addressing me. Well done, Mr. Lovell.) Michael Dunn and his family didnt have as long of a drive as they came up from Mount Vernon, about 45 minutes from Dyersville. Yet, I asked why they were decked out in Cincinnati Reds gear. I mean, who in the Cedar Rapids area is a Reds fan?!? Apparantly, they are. Season ticket holders. I couldnt believe it. We drive seven hours, Michael said. Yet Michael wanted his young son, Samuel, to experience this day. Samuel did -- getting to play catch with Kevin Coster. As did Tucker. Pretty awesome was how Samuel Dunn described it. Im honored that I was the one assigned to cover this story today. Its not as much about a movie as about being an involved father in a childs life. For almost twelve years, Ive been in this dad thing. This isnt done for the glory. Selfishly, I often say being an involved and engaged parents is not for the praise... its for the hope that their little headaches of youth dont become big headaches later. An involved and active father plays such a critical role in a childs life. I know that because Ive seen it on both ends. I grew up with parents split two different states from age ten on. As an only child, believe me, it does have an effect on those difficult years. Its the little things that an involved father can do... Telling a teenager that the reason their body aches so badly during basketball conditioning is that they are out of shape. In a week, the pain will go away. Fight through it and dont quit. Showing a son how to iron a dress shirt, the difference between French cuffs and regular cuffs, how to match the socks/shoes with the belt, how to tie a tie. Showing a daughter than the love of a father and knowing that his affection for her is effortless can keep her making the correct decisions during those transitional years as she reaches independence. Showing a child - male or female - that its paramount to respect other people, even if they dont reciprocate. Showing a pre-teen how to interact, socially, with others among the different groups or cliques within their circle. Treat people well and theyll always remember that. Being an involved father doesnt mean hovering over your children as a helicopter parent. It means allowing them to fail in ways that arent permanent but ways that teach and allow them to grow on their own. To gently steer them in certain directions but knowing that, ultimately, they will do whatever they will do. More than all of this, the weekend at the movie site is about buying an experience. I talk about this quite a bit. Were all surrounded by stuff. Our society is one where, to steal a phrase from Pastor Mark back in Eau Claire at Peace Church, were in a world of abundance. Yet for all of the gadgets, the things and the stuff that we accumulate, how about a life of buying experiences instead? They dont have to be pricey but they can always give, over and over. Ive been blessed to have had those experiences with my children. Looking at the sundial of my life, Im about halfway through this parenting world -- at least while they under our roof. Our experiences have been unforgettable. This Fathers Day, ask yourself, what will YOUR next experience be? Happy Fathers Day, Dads.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Jun 2014 00:44:54 +0000
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