I don't know anything about my dad. Never met him. Don't know his name. I often pondered whether I would be better off knowing him. This piece went a long way towards resolving that question for me. Thank you Gideon.
Thank you once again, Gideon, for this powerful reminder of the fundamental things in life that we all, too often, take for granted until they are denied and their absence becomes both life and death defining.
Beautiful writing again, Gideon. I’m glad we’ve got your talents for cricket, but a shame more won’t get to experience what you can do, because you’re “that cricket guy”. Thanks for sharing this piece today.
Overwhelming Gideon. My husband died on 16 th July. His birthday was last Sunday, and, of course, Father’s Day today. While he was physically present a lot of the time, emotionally he was on another planet all the time. I see him too as “The Father Who Didn’t “. He had a very confronting death over a ten week period, and yes, we were there for him. He decided there would be no funeral or memorial service, a decision which made things so much easier for me and our children.
Thanks Gideon for sharing this. I too was brought up by a single mother. The story very different but I too seem to be shaped by someone I never knew and in my case never met. Reading your article brings some clarity of these things for me.
Thanks Gideon. Me too. All the more for seeing how we can shift the currents we experienced. Both towards our kids, and in forgiveness of our fathers. There was often such harsh context to these stunted fathers - mine certainly, and his, I came to understand. And they're far from alone of course. So I celebrate the possibility of a healing culture of fatherhood today, counting our blessings.
Oh goodness me what a remarkably sad, poignant and visceral piece of writing. Your cricket stuff is good but these are the columns for which I subscribe to this platform. Thank you.
Gideon, after spending part of my day with a couple of my special mates, my daughters ... your words moved me. Without him knowing it, no doubt, the power of the lessons of his inadequacies gives you the strength to be the devoted reliable, loyal, loving father you are. Hard to give any credit to an accidental father though, I guess.
I don't know anything about my dad. Never met him. Don't know his name. I often pondered whether I would be better off knowing him. This piece went a long way towards resolving that question for me. Thank you Gideon.
That's hard, Paul. My sympathies.
Powerful and deeply personal. Brave piece. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you once again, Gideon, for this powerful reminder of the fundamental things in life that we all, too often, take for granted until they are denied and their absence becomes both life and death defining.
Beautiful writing again, Gideon. I’m glad we’ve got your talents for cricket, but a shame more won’t get to experience what you can do, because you’re “that cricket guy”. Thanks for sharing this piece today.
Such a beautiful and honest piece of writing. This is a weird day for many people for many reasons. Thank you for sharing yours.
Overwhelming Gideon. My husband died on 16 th July. His birthday was last Sunday, and, of course, Father’s Day today. While he was physically present a lot of the time, emotionally he was on another planet all the time. I see him too as “The Father Who Didn’t “. He had a very confronting death over a ten week period, and yes, we were there for him. He decided there would be no funeral or memorial service, a decision which made things so much easier for me and our children.
That sounds very challenging, Lesley. Those birthdays of a lost loved one can be quite eerie. My condolences to you and your family.
I wish I could express myself about myself like that. Hats off.
Deeply moving piece of writing Gideon. Impactful and unsettling on many levels. A relationship beyond repair and due to infirmity beyond reproach.
A different path taken and lived.
Don’t know what else to say but thank you for sharing your life.
Gideon, thank you for providing a counterpoint.
My history is not dissimilar all of which made me closer to my mother.
Not sure above forgiveness, more a case of nothingness.
I live in hope the current and future generation parents don’t replicate my parents’ generation parenting style.
I wish you a lovely day with your daughter, she is fortunate.
Tough read Gid. Beautifully written. Thank you.
Thanks Gideon for sharing this. I too was brought up by a single mother. The story very different but I too seem to be shaped by someone I never knew and in my case never met. Reading your article brings some clarity of these things for me.
So moving I could barely read it & I won’t have the audacity to describe my own father
2 different experiences aren’t they - being a father & having one
I love being a father.
Thanks Gideon. Me too. All the more for seeing how we can shift the currents we experienced. Both towards our kids, and in forgiveness of our fathers. There was often such harsh context to these stunted fathers - mine certainly, and his, I came to understand. And they're far from alone of course. So I celebrate the possibility of a healing culture of fatherhood today, counting our blessings.
I hope today gives you special pleasure 🙏📚
Gideon, you are an international treasure. Cricket is lucky to have you.
Oh goodness me what a remarkably sad, poignant and visceral piece of writing. Your cricket stuff is good but these are the columns for which I subscribe to this platform. Thank you.
Thanks Gids
Gideon, after spending part of my day with a couple of my special mates, my daughters ... your words moved me. Without him knowing it, no doubt, the power of the lessons of his inadequacies gives you the strength to be the devoted reliable, loyal, loving father you are. Hard to give any credit to an accidental father though, I guess.