A variation on a post I made to the Supertopo forums (Happy Father's Day):
Today, as a father of four, I'm turning the tables and expressing my gratitude for my kids. It's a privilege to be their dad and I feel very lucky to have them in my life. Today is a great time to acknowledge that.
My own father is a complex guy. His interest in being outdoors and backpacking inspired me to start backpacking; and, that in turn, lead me to this wacky, beloved climbing world. He's currently lost somewhere in America now. I hope he's found his peace; the door is always open. He just has to walk through it. If he wants to... and if he can.
I'm grateful for what my father has given me, no doubt. At his own initiative, he was present at my birth (and my brothers') at a time when it was considered medically dangerous to have a father present at delivery (good grief!). My parents searched far and wide for a hospital that would allow the father to be present. I have most of the letters they wrote (and replies received) in search of a hospital, including one from the head of the Yale medical school stating such an idea was absolutely out of the question. I always wanted to find that guy and show it to him, though he's probably long gone by now.
Anyway, they eventually found an enlightened Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Stoneham, Massachusetts that was fine with his presence (except for an anesthesiologist that almost has to be punched out!). Mayhem was averted and all was well. My dad was there and he got to see me enter this world. That presence, so long ago, has had a hugely positive impact on me, both as a son and as a father.
Comments