This was one of my first posts when I launched Chubby Chatterbox last year. It wasn’t intended for Father’s Day, but it seems appropriate.
THE SHAPE OF THINGS
On our way home from the barbershop when I was a kid, Dad would take a moment to tell me what a great haircut I’d gotten, adding, “It’s because you have such a nicely shaped head.”
Dad was an extremely upbeat guy, always finding something positive to say, which couldn’t have been easy when it came to his chubby, non-athletic younger son. Still, it always made me feel good when he said it, and there’d be starch in my walk the rest of the day. Dad is gone now, and nobody ever compliments me on the shape of my head, although my wife sometimes tells me not to let it get too big.
A short time ago I was traveling on the light rail when a young man sat down opposite me. He was dressed in leather and covered in tattoos. His numerous piercings made me wince inside. But his hair! His stylist must have been having a seizure at the time. There were bald areas, bristly patches, and lengthy strands dyed in colors I associate with a bruise. His rough appearance seemed to match his personality when he growled at me, “What the f#@k are you looking at?”
I flashed on my dad, how he could always find something positive to say. I leveled my gaze at him and smiled. “You certainly have a nicely shaped head.”
He didn’t pull a shiv out of his boot. He surprised me by returning the smile. When he exited several stops later he said, “Have a nice day.”
I miss my dad. If you are still blessed to have your Dad, give him a call and tell him how important he is to you. Do it for those of us who can’t.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
ReplyDeleteFathers are blessing .
Lovely post, Stefhen . Thanking for sharing :)
happy father's day
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day to you, and all great fathers out there in blogland!
ReplyDeleteYour dad may have saved you a beating that day! lol
ReplyDeleteA man of wisdom your Dad, a wisdom that has lasted to this day. Great post Stephen.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder about people that are dressed or groomd in a most unusual fashion and then want to know "What the fuck are you looking at!" Your responce is one that I think I might steal. Thanks to your dad for that.
ReplyDeleteHappy father's day
I miss my daddy, too. He never told me I had a nicely shaped head. Instead, he would tell my mom all the nice things he heard people say about me, knowing she would pass them on to me, starting with "Daddy says . . . . "
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Happy Fathers' Day, Chatterbox.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great post. I love that you have fond memories of your father. Every post you do about him makes me think he was a really good dad. Maybe the guy with the tattoos needed men in his life to say positive things to him. At least for one day on the train, you filled the need.
What a great post! And happy Father's Day to you, too~
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect response! All thanks to Dad. And you know I wish I had a book of perfect responses. Maybe YOU should write one. *smile*
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day CC!
My mother has kind of the female version. Though not so inspiring and uplifting. When asked her opinion of a less-than-flattering haircut, she simply smiles and says, "It will grow."
ReplyDeletea kind word often dispells anger...very nice sentiment!
ReplyDeleteSound advice about dads, Stephen - I've been to see mine this morning with a "Miserable Old Git" card and a giant Toblerone! He is now in his 80s but still hanging on in there.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the statement, "there'd be starch in my walk for the rest of the day." I think I'll pinch that one!
Neat story. And "a soft answer turneth away wrath."
ReplyDeleteHow many times could a few nice, friendly words make someone's day. Your Dad sounds like he had the skill mastered!
ReplyDeleteWe need more people...fathers or not...like your Dad!
ReplyDeleteI lost my father long ago, so happy fathers day to all the great dads out there.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have been as kind as you. I would have just stared at him. Just saying.
Have a terrific day and happy fathers day too. :)
This was a nice post indeed. Good to be calm in the face of aggression. I'm not much good at that!
ReplyDeleteYou had a really neat Dad. You used one of his strong points to deal with the snarly kid on the bus.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a nice day.
you do have a nicely shaped head on your picture!
ReplyDeleteHappy Fathers Day!
This is a perfect Father's Day story! I love that the young man appreciated the compliment. Most people do. Don't you wish we'd all be kinder to each other--much more often! ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day; and yes, i called mine.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I talk to my dad about once a week. I will miss the days when I can't anymore.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the appreciative and delightful post. Hope you enjoyed Father's day.
ReplyDeleteCherish your time with either parent. They're not there for ever :)
ReplyDeleteNice post and what a nice hat.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Sausage...
Excellent. I agree...dad's have magical powers to make us feel good. Happy Father's Day my friend. :)
ReplyDeleteS
Fathers are like a perfect mixture of criticism and acceptance. A wonderful short yet meaningful post btw. Happy Blogging! and a belated Happy Father's day mr 'delightful' chatterbox ^_^
ReplyDeleteAnother fine tale. I'm one of those who can't and I miss my Dad, too. Belated Happy Father's Day to you, Stephen.
ReplyDelete