Several weeks ago I had lunch with a young man I am mentoring. He and I met him at speaking engagement I did at a basketball banquet.
His is insightful, cares deeply for his siblings and others. I am amazed at his compassion for others!
His parents divorced when he was in middle school. I wanted to know how he felt about his relationship with his father.
“Robert, would you mind sharing with me the type of relationship you have with your father?”
He paused. I noticed a little sadness in his eyes and in his facial expression.
“Mr. Roddy, its ok but we don’t see him that much. When my parents got divorced we all saw less and less of him. He calls every once in a while but that’s about it.”
Both of our hearts ached! I knew he was seeking a positive relationship an adult male. I was honored he choose me.
I shared my story about meeting my biological father for the first time. I could see his eyes light up as if they were saying; I am not the only one who feels this way!
“Thanks Mr. Roddy. This means a lot to me! How did you know I had these feelings?”
“Robert, you can always feel free to share with me how you feel about your father. Our lives are very similar.”
Couldn’t thousands of young men and women be helped by connecting with caring adults and agencies who understand the sadness, loneliness and anger that linger the hearts of fatherless youth?
Isn’t it interesting to know that I had to write a book to unleash my own sadness?
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