A run with my dad (through my dad sounds...weird)

This week I had the opportunity to discuss familial stereotypes in class. Listening to what my friends had to say about their families really helped shine a light on my relationship with my dad. Until that class period, it was a very confusing relationship. Maybe some background information would help.

      My dad travels a lot. Like...a lot. He's usually traveling nine out of the twelve months of the year and when he isn't traveling, he's in a conference call or sleeping. Basically I don't get to see him much. Unlike Brad Manning, who had a physical relationship with his dad, I have no relationship with my dad.  My mom raised me, taking on both the role of father and mother. She taught me how to clean and do laundry but also played catch with me. Everything I know now and who I am as a person is credited towards my mother. My mom broke every stereotype she has faced. She doesn't just clean, cook, and iron. She pays the bills, helps with homework, mows the lawn, gets the oil changed, and still has dinner ready when I get home.

      In my 16 years of existing, I have seen emotion leak out of my dad maybe once. Maybe. This one time, he told me that he was proud of me. PROUD OF MEEEEE. I was shocked I really was. It just seemed so surreal for him to be actually complementing me, considering he doesn't even know what I've accomplished. This post doesn't make sense i'm just angry. Basically what I mean is that my family has no stereotypes. My dad is rarely here and my mom is the equivalent of a God. Also, I know I sound like I am complaining, but trust me I know my life isn't bad at all. I live a pretty great life and don't take much for granted.

                    At the end of the day, I am who I am because of my mom. I clean up after myself, do my laundry, clean the house, and cook because of my mom. I also fix my car, shovel, mow, and take care of others because of my mom. Thanks mom. So while I may disagree with my mom, I am pretty similar to Vowell in the sense that i'm basically a copy of my mom, much like Vowell and her dad. That's it really. No life lesson for this post, I guess you can take away that you should be happy with what you have or something I dunno. Have a nice day!