I should save this
for Father’s Day but these feelings are with me now, so I thought I’d share
them even if it’s a little early.
They entered the restaurant exhilarated: an older man
carrying a small boy, a grandchild probably, his hand cradling the back of the
child’s neck, their heads close enough to touch. I surmised this was the first time ever that
these two had ventured out just by themselves. Somewhere, I imagined, there was
a houseful of relatives from which they had escaped.
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| photo by David Mercer |
They discussed their order at length, which was a complicated
affair: Burgers or chicken nuggets? Fries?
Milk or soda? A chocolate shake instead? And which small toy to choose? That task completed, they reached their
table, where the man began to set out their meal.
Then the boy darted away, I think in search for a
restroom. The man did a double take as
he processed that his charge had vacated the vicinity. I had been enjoying watching them, and when
the boy took off, I kept my eyes on him until the man could catch up. The boy turned a corner, and I saw another
man come to attention to keep watch over him.
The old man scurried past, muttering about how fast the little guy could
move. I pointed him in the right direction.
The second man also pointed.
The old man caught up with him and they continued their
outing. The other man and I relaxed our vigil and resumed our respective meals.
There was something significant about that moment when
all three of us men, strangers to each other, shared guardianship over the
child. I have no doubt that each of us was
a father, in the older man’s case a grandfather, because we each automatically slipped
into the role of protector. It’s what we do for our children. And when
necessary, we watch over each other’s children, too.
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| Photo by David Mercer |
My sons are grown and preparing to pursue their
destinies. Like that child, they will be
darting away outside the range of my protection. I think they’re ready but I
hope there are some dads out there who will lend a hand if I can’t be there.
I’ll do the same for the young ones around here.
Presumably, one day my sons will become fathers, and the
moment it happens they will understand me a little better. We will look into
each other’s eyes and recognize the protective quality we share for the
children.
