Tribute to the Good Man

 I've had a rough time lately in the dating and "men's department" and I have to say, I may have been a little hard on you guys.   I want to apologize to all of you good men out there.  This is my way.  I am paying tribute to the good men by acknowledging the good men in my life...  My dad and my Grandpa. 

When I was little, I would go somewhere with my dad or grandpa and I would be amazed at how many people would stop us to say hello.  The both of them were good husbands, good friends, good fathers and just all around good people.  It was not an uncommon thing to take an hour or two to do a ten minute errand due to the socialization they had to do while they were out.  Everyone liked them.  They were both genuine people with good hearts. 

I remember at my grandpa's funeral, when he passed away a couple years ago, the pastor delivering the graveside message had this to say... "Troy was a good man, a friend to everyone.  I remember years ago, Jean (that was my grandma) told me she came in and Troy was taking the kitchen stove out of the house.  She asked him what he was doing, and he replied, Charlie's stove quit.... we are going to let him have ours".   He really would have done anything for anyone, regardless if he had to do without something or not.

My dad worked hard, took care of the financial side of things and always made time for me and my brothers and sister.  He was/is very good to my mother.  I remember he would always come in dog tired from working a 12 hour shift and take my mom to the bedroom and let her take a nap.  I know it sounds silly to some of you men, but taking care of 4 kids all day wears a person down just as much as 12 hours of hard manual labor.   He respects my mother and did/does everything he can to make her life easier and comfortable.  He looks at their marriage as a partnership, he does everything he can to make it better each day, I don't believe my mother has ever had reason to doubt his love, respect and devotion to her.  I think that is what life is about.... making it each day with someone beside you to hold your hand and help you through your troubles...  not someone to sit back and watch you struggle and then step in when you look and do your best. 

Men, we women are not perfect, by no means, It is just  nice to have a partner, a lover, a friend to float through life with.... enjoying the ride instead of feeling like you are in a row boat with only one paddle going in an endless circle to nowhere....  I hope I have made more friends here with this one instead of enemies...