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.
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.
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.
Profoundly moving. Very thought provoking. Makes.me realise how lucky I am with my father. I am full of admiration of your obvious desire to be a true father to your daughter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tough read Gid. Beautifully written. Thank you.
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 🙏📚
Beautiful
Thank you so much for this very brave and heart rending piece Gideon
Beautifully written GH. As always. Really he was the one who lost out really. You would be a son most people would order if they could.
Profoundly moving. Very thought provoking. Makes.me realise how lucky I am with my father. I am full of admiration of your obvious desire to be a true father to your daughter