FRIDAY NOTIONS

There’s A Notion That The Man Is In Charge

I’ve never found that notion written anywhere, in any book, good or otherwise.

Photo by Tina Dawson on Unsplash

Recently, Nathan, a neighbor’s boy, played with our grandson. He saw me washing dishes and told our grandson, “Your grandpa isn’t in charge of this house. He washes dishes. Women and girls wash dishes.”

My grandson said, “Who told you that?” Nathan said, “My dad says real men don’t do dishes.”

My grandson, Atticus, is a very considerate, thoughtful boy. He’s a thinker. Listening in on his conversation made my day. He said, “Nathan, if your dad is such a man, why can’t he help his wife and kids? Can I ask you this:

• Did your dad fight in a war?
• Did your dad ever help anyone who needed help?
• Is your dad someone you can say anything to, anything at all?
• Do you ever see your dad come up behind your mom and surprise her with a kiss?
• Have you ever seen your dad do anything to surprise your mom or sisters?

Be honest with me, Nathan. Has your Dad done any of those things?” Nathan said, “I know he wasn’t in any war. And, no, I’ve never seen him do any of those things.”