Like My Father

Sometimes, the most minor, unassuming comment signals that one is doing something right. I am a firm believer in living by example.

The parenting philosophy I grew up with was to do as I say, not as I do. This was my parent’s mantra, and I often felt frustrated and angry with this approach. Sometimes the people in our lives teach us lessons about what we do want for our lives by showing us what we don’t want. I make mistakes every single day and often berate myself for my shortcomings, but then out of the blue, a comment is made, or behavior is observed, and I think, okay, maybe I’m not such a screw-up.

While riding in the car, listening to the radio, a “TikTok song” began playing. My now thirteen-year-old bean gave an excited squeal and turned up the volume. The song playing was Like My Father by Jax. The lyrics are a daughter’s perspective of her parent’s relationship. The examples given could come from any given day in our home. My little bean informed me that she “loves this song! It reminds me of you and dad.” That was it; that was the comment. However, replaying the song and focusing on the lyrics brought tears to my eyes. I’m so relieved our daughter views our relationship in such a positive light. It moves me that she feels like she wants the kind of relationship Eric and I share. Most of all, I’m so proud of my husband for setting such an amazing example for our child.

His example teaches our girl that how one treats women is essential. That women should be treated with respect, kindness, and cherished is the message my daughter receives from her dad. Also, she realizes it’s not the grand gestures that matter; it’s the small everyday things consistently done that demonstrate true love. It’s bringing your partner a cup of coffee with a kiss on the head that says, “I love you.” Giving your spouse a genuine compliment at just the right time when she feels old, fat, and ugly speaks volumes about how much love there is between two people. It’s laughing and joking around, making fun of each other, and knowing there is love behind the jokes. The Bibbed Wonder sets a fantastic example for our daughter, and one day, I hope she too finds her kind, loving, supportive, unique partner that makes her feel like a queen. Everyone should feel like they are the king/queen of someone’s heart.

I’ve copied and pasted the lyrics to this song for you to peruse. Do you see why I am so moved, dear reader? What is your song? What music do people hear and think of you? Whatever it is, I hope it’s a good one.

Like My Father by Jax

I wanna come home to roses And dirty little notes on Post-its And when my hair starts turning gray He'll say I'm like a fine wine, better with age I guess I learned it from my parents That true love starts with friendship A kiss on the forehead, a date night Fake an apology after a fight

I need a man who's patient and kind Gets out of the car and holds the door I wanna slow dance in the living room like We're 18 at senior prom and grow Old with someone who makes me feel young

I need a man who loves me like My father loves my mom

I want a road trip in the summers I wanna make fun of each other I wanna rock out to Billy Joel And flip our kids off when they call us old He'll accidentally burn our dinner And let me be the scrabble winner And when my body changes shapes He'll say, "Oh my God, you look hot today"

I need a man who's patient and kind Gets out of the car and holds the door I wanna slow dance in the living room like We're 18 at senior prom and grow Old with someone who makes me feel young

I need a man who loves me like My father loves my mom

And if he lives up to my father Maybe he could teach our daughter What it takes to love a queen She should know she's royalty

I need a man who's patient and kind Gets out of the car and holds the door I wanna slow dance in the living room like We're 18 at senior prom and grow Old with someone who makes me feel young

I need a man who loves me like My father loves my mom

I need a man who loves me like My father loves my mom

On this lovely September Thursday, stay safe, be smart, and ask yourself, what is your song? And, of course, wash your hands.