My father has said much to me over the years. ‘You’re a lot like me Son. Whether you like it or not.’ He was right. He’s also told me many times 'We do what we do because that is our way.’ And he is correct.
I have recently grown reluctant to continue to put up with some things and do the things I do for others. The ungrateful, and time are beginning to take their toll.
Which leads me to my hand. I was 20 years old, almost 30 years ago now. My younger brother by 3 years, had this asshole kid for a 'friend’ that was always picking on him. I guess what bothered me most was he was considerably larger than my brother. Didn’t seem to bother my brother much, but it wasn’t right. He picked on him at school and at our own home. The asshole kid would push my brother in the pool, make him for a fool and what have you.
One Saturday I get home from work, and there’s asshole pushing and teasing my brother. It was a good 200ft walk from my truck to the pool. I had plenty of time to watch and listen as I’m walking towards the bastard.
I spun the asshole bastard around, said a few few words to him, pushed him around like he did my brother and proceeded to knock him the the fuck out. Literally. Down he went. One hit to the head. Well, I broke my knuckle and he got a concussion out of the deal. My thanks was the silent treatment from everyone. So be it. That kid never bothered my brother again. Ever.
So thirty years later I’m still paying for something I did for someone else. My knuckle hurts like hell tonight and I’m out of tape to boot. My brother has no idea. I’ve never said anything. Doesn’t matter.
I guess what bothers me, I don’t know if I’ll ever change my ways. I just don’t have it in me to look the other way when it comes to those I love. Knowing darn well they wouldn’t do the same for me.
My father, who I no longer speak to, was right. 'That’s our way’. I’d knock that kid right the fuck out all over again.
And here I sit with ice on my hand tonight. And that’s ok.
I have no idea why I wrote this or why anyone would read this long ass shit! Things are just getting to me I guess.
7 more days til the 17th. Maybe it’s all bullshit, maybe it’s not.
Whatever the case, I don’t feel I’ve wasted time here. This blog has served a purpose. I am grateful for the few core men I have met here, men that have restored my faith in the core man. The kind of men I am proud to call friends.
I have met a small handful of great ladies. Classy women that respect a man for what he his, in this case, married and faithful. Conversation without assumption or threat, I am grateful. It is refreshing to speak with a woman without worry of misinterpretation. They bring what a man cannot.
The last 5 years have been some of my most difficult out of almost 50. All is well today. I made it. Thank you to my long time followers for taking the ride with me. That’s what good people do. They stay.
Let’s hope Tumblr doesn’t overlook the good.
If they do they cannot take away what they have already given. And I will remain thankful for that.