Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. My oldest boy and I are going golfing tomorrow. I haven’t golfed in a year so it should be interesting.I don’t have anything for Blue Jays news, so I thought I’d ask you to give us a story of your dad.

My dad? I’m very lucky. My dad didn’t have much of a role model for fatherhood. My dad’s mom died when he was very young, and his dad didn’t have any interest in his family. My dad would never say anything bad about him. Dad told me my grandfather played professional soccer, sang in the clubs, and did all sorts of jobs.What dad didn’t tell me is that he was an alcoholic and didn’t worry about feeding his family. His older sister tried to take care of the younger ones, but, without getting any money, it was hard. My dad said he knew every place in Newcastle that would give a bit of food to a young, hungry boy. My uncle, who I only met a couple of times, told me that he had the most aunties in the world. Every weekend there was a new auntie at the house.

My dad says the best thing that ever happened to him was getting evacuated from the city, during the war. He ended up living with a family that ran a fish and chip shop, so he got regular meals for the first time.Despite all that my dad was very natural with kids, he knew how to joke with kids and how to play with us. He worked a lot, was a bricklayer, and always was doing jobs for friends on weekends. And he was also in the army reserves, so he was busy every Sunday and one night a week. When I was old enough, I came along, on his weekend jobs, as ‘labourer’, which was good cause it gave me time to be with him. And let me see what hard work was. I’m still not a fan.

I am always amazed at how good he was with kids, considering his raising. I always felt I wanted to be as good a father as he was, but it was easier for me because I had a good role model. He and I share a name.

I wish I could see him today, but he’s in a care home and they aren’t allowing visitors. Hopefully one day in the near future.

Tell us about your dad.