16Sep/092
Dad… Do you Forgive Me?
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The oldest (he's 4) was a pretty good stinker at bedtime tonight. Granted, he was tired. But some of the behavior he pulled was unacceptable.
So, being the dad, I promptly carried him to his room and put him in his bed, turned out the light, made our wishes and said our prayers, and said good night.
He started to throw the (usual) crying fit that he starts when he's in trouble and I'm leaving him for a solo bed time.
Now a solo bed time is hard enough to force on him - and he knows the ways to push my buttons and get me to cave in. Normally it's something akin to "But daddy, I'm scared and I need you to protect me."
But tonight, I said something that started a dialogue that really touched me.
ME: Son, I have to let you go to sleep alone tonight. I told you that if you [insert problem behavior here] again, you would go to bed by yourself. And I have to keep my promise. It's a punishment.
HIM: Dad, what's a punishment?
ME: [Pause to think. This is deeper than I expected.] It's when a grown-up who's in charge does something to help you learn that what you've done is wrong.
HIM: I'm sorry dad. I'll be good tomorrow night.
ME: I know. I love you, son.
[I head out of his room and to head downstairs.]
HIM: [Shouting from his room] Dad... Do you forgive me?
Okay, that got me. I can remember similar conversations with God my Father in my prayer life. Dad... do you forgive me?
So of course I had to go back into his room. "Of course I forgive you, son. I love you. And I want you to be a good boy and a good man when you grow up."
As I left him upstairs alone, he shouted one more, for a giggle... "Dad, what if Voldemort comes?"
But seriosly. "Do you forgive me?" Wow.
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September 17th, 2009 - 11:39
Awesome post, Michael. Would you consider putting up at Catholic Dads too?
September 17th, 2009 - 11:58
Absolutely! I’d be honored. I had thought about it, but didn’t know if it was too self-focused. I’ll cross post it at Catholic Dads for sure.
Thank you.