Comments on: The Stuff that Dreams Are Made Of: Capitalizing On A Day with Dad

By: Kathryn Britton

Kathryn Britton — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:00:31 +0000

John,
This is a gift to those of us who know our parents won’t be with us forever. It’s a reminder that we have a choice about what we think about. It’s also a reminder that no particular point in time defines an entire relationship and things go on changing all the way along.

I’ve been reading my grandfather’s letters to my grandmother, written while he was an officer in France during WW I. His first son was born while he was away, so there are a lot of dreams and greetings to his baby at home. I happen to know that the reunion did not go well. Like many babies who meet their fathers long after birth, my uncle had trouble accepting his father, and my grandfather experienced great disappointment that his daydreams on the front didn’t materialize the way he wanted.

I also know that my uncle was the one child who was always there for both my grandparents up until the end. He was the one they called on if they needed any help.

So either snapshot would be an incomplete representation of what was a relationship of many colors.

Thanks for your story, and Bravo!
Kathryn

By: Senia

Senia — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 17:52:15 +0000

John,
This is the most beautiful piece. Thank you,
Senia

By: Kirsten Cronlund

Kirsten Cronlund — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:22:45 +0000

John,

I just got a chance to read this article, and it brought tears to my eyes just to picture the open expression of love at your father’s event. It seems that it’s so much easier many times to capitalize with non-family members, but what a gift you gave your father — and received from him.

Kirsten

By: John Yeager

John Yeager — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:24:46 +0000

David: Thanks for your kind words. It was a wonderful event that I can call upon at any time.

John

By: John Yeager

John Yeager — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:23:33 +0000

Dave: Thanks for your thoughts. Framing the environment is a powerful tool. John

By: John Yeager

John Yeager — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:22:25 +0000

Elona: I apologize. My last comment was meant for you.
I love your feedback on the reciprocity of “catching people doing good.” I will use this as a mantra for future events. Thanks. John

By: John Yeager

John Yeager — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:21:05 +0000

Dave: I love your comment on the reciprocity of “catching people doing good.” I will use this as a mantra for future events. Thanks. John

By: John Yeager

John Yeager — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:19:58 +0000

Angus: Thanks for your kind words. We can use our “remembered pleasures” in similar ways in celbrating our parents. Also, please send me your email when you have a moment so we can catch up - yeagerj@culver.org.

John Y.

By: Angus

Angus — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:05:31 +0000

What an absolutely delighful piece John. Thank you for writing it and sharing it with us - my own father died nearly 20 years ago and I was deeply moved by your account.
Best wishes
Angus

By: David J. Pollay

David J. Pollay — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 07:09:11 +0000

Happy Birthday to your dad John! It’s clear that you helped make your Dad’s experience a positive one. And in so doing, you made everyone else’s experience better too.

Congrats and best to you,

David