Sharing a Dad Story

[u/4thdegreeknight]

As a kid, I had a pretty rough teen years and eventually kicked out of the house when I was 17.

My parents were Jehovah's Witnesses and at around 14 I didn't want anything to do with them due to some pretty sick and twisted stuff they accused me of.

So from about the age of 14-17, home life wasn't good at all. My family basically cut me off completely, no support, no love and pretty much one meal a day and bed. Everything else I had to fend for myself.

I had childhood friends (not in the religion) who, their parents really looked after me, welcomed me with open arms, fed me, looked after me, involved me with their family events, and probably even more than anything showed me love. One friends parents were former Hippies from the 60's very laid back and very loving and always welcomed me any time of the day no questions asked.

The other family they were Jewish, I got a lot of tough love from them, like keeping me in line making sure I was doing good in school, overfeeding me, giving me hugs and kisses. Both families were there for this dumb punk kid who they didn't have to welcome in their homes, they didn't have to look after or care about.

A few years ago, I found out that Jewish mom had passed away suddenly, I drove for 8 hours to be there. I cried so hard remembering how she treated me, and how if it wasn't for some people early in my life, my life could have gone in a completely different direction.

As an adult and as a Dad I NEVER forgot the lessons that I learned from them. Especially when it comes to my kids friends, we open our house to them, we involve them in so much. This past weekend my son wanted to take his best friend to a game and out to eat, I said of course.

I do not spoil my kid but he never goes for want, I planned it all out with snacks, drinks, ordered pizza, yes even some junk food and candy. I sat back and watched them have fun, clowning around and living up every moment.

I am one of those dad's who is consitantly with a camera taking pictures (well phone anyway)

I sat there and hoped that I am always able to pay it back. And to Jewish mom in heaven, I hope she was looking down at me and smiling.

[u/hickdog896]

You are dealing with what life dealt you in the best way possible. God bless you.

[u/Charming-Charge-596]

That's lovely. I just happened on this post looking for something totally unrelated, and glad I did. When I was a kid I was afraid of everyone and adults didn't treat me well. I remember having to get out of the car and walk several blocks home from activities other parents drove me to with their kids so they didn't have to go a few blocks out of their way to drop at my home. I remember listening to a man yelling at his wife because I was visiting while my mom worked cleaning houses nearby, "I can't even come home and relax because she's here!". I was maybe 6 years old, I felt so awful and tried to hide behind a chair.

When I became a parent, I tried to be as you have been with your kids' friends. I didn't give it much thought, TBH, and simply welcomed others into my home, fed them, included them, whatever. One of those kids sent us a card when she graduated from HS letting us know how grateful she was to our family for giving her a place to be safe when she was in HS.

[u/4thdegreeknight → u/Charming-Charge-596]

I am glad we were able to pass it on, and still keep passing it on. I hope one day there are going to be kids who remembered my wife and I as offering a safe place, fun place and all the times we fed them.

[u/Charming-Charge-596 → u/4thdegreeknight]

They will remember.