I was sitting at the bar of a restaurant this weekend, having a pint and a pizza with my boyfriend amongst the friendly faces of a neighborhood joint. A family of four walked in and the young son, probably age 5 or 6, joyfully greeted one of our friends at the bar. He was a cool kid, not shy, and clearly comfortable with our mutual friend, a guy of about 50. The kid told our friend that he'd been at the pool and now they were going to eat. His little sister looked about 2 and joined their parents at the table while the little boy chatted. Cute kid and cute scene.
The little boy wrapped up his conversation and joined his family at the table. I enjoyed occasionally hearing their chatter while they ate pizza. They seemed like a nice family. When they finished and paid their bill, the little boy shouted goodbye as they left the restaurant. The four of them walked out the door, one parent each holding a child's hand. I was wistfully thinking how sweet the scene was when our friend, the 50 year old, spoke out loud to no one in particular.
"Yeah, I've done a lot of things in my life... A lot. The Navy, the police force... I've done a lot and I've seen a lot... [somewhat of a long pause] But I never had kids. I always like seeing that, watching families together. Because... Yeah... I never had that."
It was bittersweet. I could relate to him and was reminded how childless men are affected too.
Yep. It wasn't Father's Day here (ours is in September), but I'm glad my DH was spared from seeing all the F Day posts on social media. That will come. I want to hug you and the unknown 50-something.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy not being on social media. This blog is the only thing I have. I can't avoid commercials and advertising and everything, but sometimes I almost forget that social media exists.
DeleteIt surprised me to hear a male perspective shared so freely in a public space. I was already thinking along the same lines as him, so it felt validating to hear him say that.