Craig is very fortunate to have you as his storyteller. You raise many questions in your narrative. You also provide some solid answers to those of us who had fractured relationships with those we considered our biological fathers. You make a good point; it is not about biology so much as about multiple crucial conversations with a male who cares, and who you care about.
"Craig searched the men’s group at a congregation we liked for a spiritual mentor too, and he found one in a wise man a little farther down the life-path than he." A very wise man, your husband! Though he seeks spiritual direction and advice, I'll guarantee the mentor gets equal to, or greater than what Craig gets out of the relationship!
This is real expression of the heart. Genuine work was done within your husband. It’s amazing that he found a “real” father in your father. Thank you for sharing this tender story!
Shell, you continue to use turns of phrases that I want to openly plagiarize. Leaving a bar in an angry puff of smoke. Imagery. And, the "blended cocktail of trepidation and excitement swirling in his belly" took me to so many experiences in my years walking this earth. I have been there. Sometimes I am "there" as I begin to write on Substack.
We tend to place so much weight in relationships tied by DNA, however equally as many bond and learn with those connections who are not blood related. "Becoming a son taught him about being a father" is so deep and powerful when you realize the love you gain from one role naturally overflows into the other. I am so captured by your writing style. Great work Shell!
WOW! Shell! This was such a great story. Again, I didn't want it to end. This work of yours is just lovely. Paints a real picture. So excited for your next entry. Thank you!
Craig is very fortunate to have you as his storyteller. You raise many questions in your narrative. You also provide some solid answers to those of us who had fractured relationships with those we considered our biological fathers. You make a good point; it is not about biology so much as about multiple crucial conversations with a male who cares, and who you care about.
Thank you for always thinking through my stories. I like to raise those questions. 💡
👍🏻Thought provoker! Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Well, you did it again, Shell. Great story/writing.
"Craig searched the men’s group at a congregation we liked for a spiritual mentor too, and he found one in a wise man a little farther down the life-path than he." A very wise man, your husband! Though he seeks spiritual direction and advice, I'll guarantee the mentor gets equal to, or greater than what Craig gets out of the relationship!
Indeed. They are great friends to this day.
This is real expression of the heart. Genuine work was done within your husband. It’s amazing that he found a “real” father in your father. Thank you for sharing this tender story!
And thank you for reading it ☺️
Shell, you continue to use turns of phrases that I want to openly plagiarize. Leaving a bar in an angry puff of smoke. Imagery. And, the "blended cocktail of trepidation and excitement swirling in his belly" took me to so many experiences in my years walking this earth. I have been there. Sometimes I am "there" as I begin to write on Substack.
Oh my💓
A story very eloquently told. Love your imagery!
We tend to place so much weight in relationships tied by DNA, however equally as many bond and learn with those connections who are not blood related. "Becoming a son taught him about being a father" is so deep and powerful when you realize the love you gain from one role naturally overflows into the other. I am so captured by your writing style. Great work Shell!
It is my honor to capture readers for the purpose of going deeper. Thank you.
WOW! Shell! This was such a great story. Again, I didn't want it to end. This work of yours is just lovely. Paints a real picture. So excited for your next entry. Thank you!
I don’t know if you realize just how nice it is to hear a comment like this. Thank you. I pray for my work to somehow touch people.