In honor of Father’s Day, I thought I would share a story of a cold, dark night. There was game board, a dad and his young children.
One Christmas when my older brother and I were in elementary school we were given a Monopoly game, so during the holiday break my family gathered around the dining table, broke the cellophane seal, read the rules, chose our tokens, distributed money and began traveling through a make believe world of high finance. I went broke very early in the night. You can look in my closet and discern that my desire for shoes and accessories in every shape and color takes precedence over any hunger I might have developed for fiscal awareness or financial prowess. But late into the night, big brother Greg and my dad were still going, accumulating real estate and banking rental income. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning a victor was declared. Greg had to file bankruptcy and concede to dad’s more mature skill and wisdom. The legends of Jones Christmases tell that Greg cried, mom scowled the look of shame on my father and my father debated with himself as to the wisdom of annihilating his young son in a simple game of make believe success.
Each time the family comes together for any event or holiday, the story of the Monopoly debacle resurrects. At a certain stage in my parenthood I realized that dad didn’t particularly appreciate our musings. Soon enough, my children were young adults and they too retold stories of their childhoods I thought long dead. Then I grew old enough to revisit my decisions and motivations and came to terms with the fact that I wasn’t perfect but my children survived and are thriving, amazing people.
I am recounting this story today to say, “I’m a grown up now and I know how important it was to learn some things that needed to be taught at home.”
First, failure can occur in the securest of surroundings. Defeat is not fatal. It is a stepping stone to greater strength and knowledge.
Second, Grace and Mercy are gifts, a win is something earned. Know the difference.
Third, somethings need to die of natural causes, but just won’t. Let it GO!
Next, sometimes your heart is broken. Cry it out. Give others the right to their tears without questions or judgement. A good cry heals many ills.
Finally, nothing good comes of petty behavior. Be nice! Families see the worst of each other, but they should aspire to find and promote the genius each person holds.
No matter what version of this family legend is told, I know the real story. Bryan is the father of four pretty cool people and Greg is the father of two amazing, free thinking, adventurous young women. The evidence points to the fact that they are incredible dads.
The memories of my childhood become more poignant with every remembrance, for there was sunshine and laughter that emboldened my siblings and I to chase our dreams and we’ve found it’s true……..Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:8a.
Happy Father’s Day dad, and as always, thanks…….for everything!
Love,
Gretchen