Modern Manhood, Part I "To Be A Son"
Being a child is about testing boundaries. As you age, you become more comfortable with your environment. In your bones, you are part explorer and part scientist. You are slowly set free to explore and test your world. While you do, you experiment and learn. You succeed and fail.
Most of us, don't process the world alone. Our parents or guardians are there to support and correct. They make the lows easier to overcome and correct our actions in an effort to show us attainable highs.
As we progress, we often forget that our parents are human beings. They are made of faults. They make mistakes. They have their own drama to contend with on a daily basis. They disappoint. Being a son, is about forgiving your parents for their shortcomings and failings. While most actions they take will have an impact on your life, very few of those things are beyond repair. So, forgive often with courage and conviction.
Being a son, is knowing that the aging and the death of your parents is inevitable. Your parents cared for you and one day you will be expected to return the favor. This is a simple act. It will interrupt your life. It will change your well intended plans. Do it anyways. Don't allow your parents to go to their graves wishing you could have said and done more. You only get one chance at this thing; respect the process.
No two people are raised with the same exact experiences. I wish every kid could be filled with the love I have for my parents. I know this is not the case. Some parents fail, royally. They cross lines that should never be crossed. They influence who you are and who you are to become. Modern manhood is about finding the light in the darkest of nights.
Thanks for entering my world,
-Nathan
