Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Measure of a Man


As Coach and I attempt to raise our boys into men we can be proud of, who --more importantly-- can be proud of themselves, I find myself asking What makes a man?

Is it having a job, working himself to the weariest point of his soul, to ensure he brings home a paycheck?

Is it fiddling with the cars, coaxing them with MacGuyver-like ingenuity to go just one more mile?

Is it taking what little free time he does have, and spending it teaching kids the games he loves so much, hoping to instill in at least one of them the same passion for the sport that he has?

Is it uncomplainingly wielding the vaccuum, day after day, to keep up with the dog hair? Making sure the dishes get done each day? Willingly making dinner so that his wife can help the kids with homework? Or how about helping out with homework himself?

There are so many things that make a man a good man. Respect for others, the ability to let other's disrespect roll off your back and not make you bitter, consistently doing the right thing not just the easiest thing. Holding your wife for just a minute longer at the end of the day, or pulling her close for a stolen snuggle moment in the morning before you both get out of bed. Being sure to tell your kids you love them every day.

My boys could not possibly have a better guide into manhood than the man they call Dad. And I am more thankful for that than he can possibly ever know.





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Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

10 comments:

Flea said...

Oh! You're going to make me cry! You have a gem of a man, girl. :)

Cecily R said...

I tried four or five times yesterday to leave a comment...dumb blogger wouldn't recognize me from my phone.

I just adore how much you love your husband. Its so refreshing to hear and it makes me happy that your great kids have such great examples in the two of you. You really are a lucky bunch!!

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Awww what a sweet post tribute to your husband!

Chris said...

I can only hope my wife feels the same way about me.

Being a guy and being a man are two different things, aren't they?

Kidzmama said...

What? It's not his birthday? You love him like this every day?

You are one lucky woman Sports Mama. And the thing is, you know it. You got an awesome man there.

Susie said...

You are so sweet and I think that you guys have THE BEST family!!! I love it and I love this blog and I love that you guys have so much love.
WOW, what a happy feeling you just left me with. whoohoo for you!

TisforTonya said...

When my oldest turned 12 I had his Dad and each of his uncles and grandfathers write him a letter about "what it means to be a man" - some were hilarious, some were touching... but they came from the men in this world I most respect as MEN! It has become a treasured possession to have that book of advice!

(now if they'd all just answer and send the letters before boy #2's birthday next month!)

Anonymous said...

So very well said. And, something every dad would love his wife to say about him.

Anonymous said...

what a great blog, uniquely different as your a man, its great to hear a mans perspective on parenting.

The Sports Mama said...

Um, Cherry... I'm not quite sure where you got the impression that I'm a man....

But since you're new here, let me introduce myself. :)

Hi, I'm SportsMama! Wife to Coach, mother to Jock and Bug. One very busy woman in a household full of men of various ages.

Nice to meet you! Thanks for stopping by my space, here. I do hope you come again!