Black Wednesday

This morning I received an email from my son, who had just flown to LA to do some work out there for the next three weeks.  His computer had just died and the hard drive is gone.  Now there he is, 3000 miles away without the technology that operates his daily machinations, his lifeblood at work,  and my heart went out to him.  I emailed him back to lift his spirits but all my rationalizing did little to lessen the sadness I felt.  Sometimes there is a roughness to the world that only a dad can smooth out.  I guess the desire and need for paternal support and approval is so strong that it trumps reasonable evidence that such support may not be forthcoming.   Even when submerged, the longing remains intense.While the biological act of fathering entails no real commitment, the ongoing process of “daddying” requires a lifelong commitment to your children. But it’s never too late to begin the process of becoming the father you want to be, the one you always wished you had.  I offered my services to him, availing myself to do whatever I could to help him through this process.  He told me that he had it all handled, all under control and this brick wall would be scaled as well.  He just needed his “dad” to vent with.  It was then, that I pondered, apparently I had done something good in raising this young man.