"The Bad Seed"...
Jun. 19th, 2008 07:12 amMy Dad figured out early on that there was something "Wrong" with me. While none of my brothers were into Sports, I liked to Hike, Ride horses and minibikes and Rock-climb. Chris liked to Play Pool and this new toy called "Pong".
I was also Respectful of my Elders and WOmen, Hard-working, did my Chores without Complaining and got Good Grades.I didn't Drink, Smoke or get into Trouble. In other words, I wasn't a "Normal" boy. If I'd been a "Jesus Freak", he'd have a reason other than "Queer"(one of the many reasons I HATE that term and refuse to "Reclaim" it...)but...
To this day and even with his Alzheimer's, the Attitude remains. Once, I asked why he didn't put Chris down for not Knowing how to work on a car or fix major appliances and his comment was "he can afford someone to do it for him". I "chose" to be Poor and need to "take Responsibility for that Choice"(sort of like the Attitude of one of OM's old Moderators;>)...
Since I'd Lived in cities all my adult life, I had no need to learn skills that I didn't NEED. It's funny, in a sad way that by and to my city friends, I'm a Handiman. I've the tools and skills to fix most things around the average apt. I'm the one they call when their super can't get around to or can't fix something(I don't do Wiring though;>)...
So this AM I'm getting a lecture about "breaking" a mower that not only was a "hand-me-down", it came with 3 functioning wheels and a nicked blade. Situation normal...
I Love my Dad but he IS what he IS. I've long learned to tune the snide bits out. His may have been "The Greatest Generation" but thier Attitudes about Race,Religion, Gender, Sexuality and Self-Worth WEREN'T. We'll miss them but not their "baggage"....
Truth,
Pat
I was also Respectful of my Elders and WOmen, Hard-working, did my Chores without Complaining and got Good Grades.I didn't Drink, Smoke or get into Trouble. In other words, I wasn't a "Normal" boy. If I'd been a "Jesus Freak", he'd have a reason other than "Queer"(one of the many reasons I HATE that term and refuse to "Reclaim" it...)but...
To this day and even with his Alzheimer's, the Attitude remains. Once, I asked why he didn't put Chris down for not Knowing how to work on a car or fix major appliances and his comment was "he can afford someone to do it for him". I "chose" to be Poor and need to "take Responsibility for that Choice"(sort of like the Attitude of one of OM's old Moderators;>)...
Since I'd Lived in cities all my adult life, I had no need to learn skills that I didn't NEED. It's funny, in a sad way that by and to my city friends, I'm a Handiman. I've the tools and skills to fix most things around the average apt. I'm the one they call when their super can't get around to or can't fix something(I don't do Wiring though;>)...
So this AM I'm getting a lecture about "breaking" a mower that not only was a "hand-me-down", it came with 3 functioning wheels and a nicked blade. Situation normal...
I Love my Dad but he IS what he IS. I've long learned to tune the snide bits out. His may have been "The Greatest Generation" but thier Attitudes about Race,Religion, Gender, Sexuality and Self-Worth WEREN'T. We'll miss them but not their "baggage"....
Truth,
Pat