We Can Be Heroes
Growing up I didn't have many positive male role models. Come to think of it, I didn't have any positive male role models. Not a one.
My dad left us, my brother died, there were no grandfathers, uncles or cousins around... No teacher took me under his wing, our pastor was a womanizer who eventually divorced and left the church... It goes on and on. I was surrounded by neutral or negative men during my formative years.
So who were my role models through the early to teen years? Cuz every boy has to have some, right? Mine were men I didn't even know. John, Paul, George and Ringo... David Letterman... The dad on "Land of the Lost"... Mister Rogers... Walter Cronkite... George Lucas... John Denver... Andy Griffith... Pa Walton... I took a little bit from each of these people (or characters, in some cases) to figure out who and what I was supposed to be. Sad, I know.
The biggest influence on me as a father today came from the character I consider to be the best TV dad ever, Charles Ingalls.
There he is... Wasn't he great? I mean, was he the perfect dad or what? Do men like that exist in real life? I hope they do. At least I'm going to strive for that kind of perfection with my own family. I can't quite get the quivering lip thing down like Michael Landon did, but my kids know I'm not afraid to be honest and emotional. They know that I'm always there, always reliable, solid as a rock. They can talk to me about anything and I will always listen and communicate.
I am the role model to my kids. They'll never have to wonder why there were no positive male influences in their lives. I know I won't be the only one, but I want to be the best one. I want to be my kids' hero. Nothing else matters... It's the foremost thought in my mind as I teach and guide my children through to adulthood. They are always watching me, learning from my actions, listening to my words. It's a monumental responsibility, one which some men shirk from too easily. But it's worth doing, and the payoff is immense.
So, who were your heroes growing up?
This post was originally published on May 11, 2005. Summer is a good time for reruns, right?
My dad left us, my brother died, there were no grandfathers, uncles or cousins around... No teacher took me under his wing, our pastor was a womanizer who eventually divorced and left the church... It goes on and on. I was surrounded by neutral or negative men during my formative years.
So who were my role models through the early to teen years? Cuz every boy has to have some, right? Mine were men I didn't even know. John, Paul, George and Ringo... David Letterman... The dad on "Land of the Lost"... Mister Rogers... Walter Cronkite... George Lucas... John Denver... Andy Griffith... Pa Walton... I took a little bit from each of these people (or characters, in some cases) to figure out who and what I was supposed to be. Sad, I know.
The biggest influence on me as a father today came from the character I consider to be the best TV dad ever, Charles Ingalls.
There he is... Wasn't he great? I mean, was he the perfect dad or what? Do men like that exist in real life? I hope they do. At least I'm going to strive for that kind of perfection with my own family. I can't quite get the quivering lip thing down like Michael Landon did, but my kids know I'm not afraid to be honest and emotional. They know that I'm always there, always reliable, solid as a rock. They can talk to me about anything and I will always listen and communicate.
I am the role model to my kids. They'll never have to wonder why there were no positive male influences in their lives. I know I won't be the only one, but I want to be the best one. I want to be my kids' hero. Nothing else matters... It's the foremost thought in my mind as I teach and guide my children through to adulthood. They are always watching me, learning from my actions, listening to my words. It's a monumental responsibility, one which some men shirk from too easily. But it's worth doing, and the payoff is immense.
So, who were your heroes growing up?
This post was originally published on May 11, 2005. Summer is a good time for reruns, right?
Permalink posted by Idaho Dad at 10:59 AM
9 Comments:
Charles Ingalls was a good role model. I remember him as wise. He also could cry and not be ashamed about it.
Thankfully there were some good "dad" role models out there. Too many dad on television were not good role models.
Blessings
My role models were all males.
1. My brother
2. My dad
3. My grandfather
Ironically, I never had any strong female role models until I was older.
It's amazing how some people that have 'disadvantages' growing up become strong adults to overcompensate for what was missing in their childhood/youth. My parents divorced (twice) and made me a strong person knowing how important child rearing is and that I wouldn't put my kids through that. You've come a long way 'baby' ...
This post really touched me! If your blog is an accurate snapshot of your life, you are a great dad, Phil. And you're right--Charles Ingalls was awesome. Even when he didn't know the exact right thing to say or do, he held fast to his faith in God, love, and his family. He was a great mix of firm and affectionate--quintessential "dad-ness". :) And I'm not sure how the writers of that show did it, but they managed to squeeze a few tears out of me in every single episode!
My role model was my father. when I was about six I became convinced that he should either run for president (I didn't know a better man), or be a trash collector (I was sure that they found the best toys!)
Actually, quite a provocative post. I would say Kay Graham, Queen Noor and Melinda Gates are my heroes. Strong, smart women who made contributions to community and civilization that made change forever. William Shakespeare, of course; PJ O'Rourke; John Paul II and Benedict, of course. Hunter Thompson. Can't leave Hunter Thompson out. American slaves. I think I better stop here and write my own post about heroes. Thanks for the visit.
Definitely Dad. We owned and operated a dairy growing up and dad could do anything and always worked hard to provide and still be there to guide us through growing up. I still think he is the most outstanding man I know.
I have a great dad--he is quiet and unassuming, but he taught me that strength doesn't have to be loud. I also found role models in the classic movies--Gregory Peck, Gary Cooper, James Stewart, Cary Grant. I thought they were charming, strong and smart and I loved watching them on the screen interact with women. My husband is beloved by our two daughters and their role model, so I know I picked a good one...
The Charles Ingalls in the books was even better! He was real and very wonderful.
My Dad is wonderful, too. He was my first hero. I married my second one.
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