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Jordan Rice's avatar

And I'm going to be thinking about this line all week "Our parents shape us in ways that we can perceive and in ways that are completely hidden." whew

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

They really do huh. For better and sometimes for bad. I am learning to reclaim all of it, inspect it, and cherish

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Sharifa's avatar

Robert, this was beautiful. I was struck by the potency of that simple phrase: “I am my father’s child,” and the worlds of reflection and significance that phrase holds. I’m going to sit with your reflections for a while.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

That phrase is absolutely having me weepy today. Phew

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rebecca ince's avatar

This is so good. I have legit been thinking about ways that I am my Father's child all week. I'm definitely feeling inspired to write something similar lol. Thank you for this.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

I would never have said this years ago but here I am. lol. Yes write it. We need more of this in the world :)

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Marc Typo's avatar

Do we have the same father? I see shades of my own in this piece. Maybe we are really brothers.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

I wish we were brothers sincerely

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Marc Typo's avatar

I feel the same man. It's truly validating to me myself in you. Reflections are vital, especially for us Black men.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

😭

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Patricia's avatar

Really appreciate your honest and gentle reflections here. Thank you so much. Your words travel deep.

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Jordan Rice's avatar

Truly beautiful brother. Very helpful for me as I process some stuff about my own parents.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

Brother…you’re a good and loving father.

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Tina Leonard's avatar

My dad died recently and I’ve been contemplating my relationship with him. We weren’t close, but we were alike in a lot of ways. For years, I felt anger and resentment toward him, but later came to realize that he did love me but just didn’t know how to express it well, and I was able to feel empathy and compassion for him. I’ve come to terms with the fact that we weren’t close, but can appreciate the connections that we did have, and it’s been freeing. Your writing touched me, so thank you.

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Kelly Dawson's avatar

Powerful! I understand this so very well! Lots of love to ya! ♥️

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