It’s A Terrible And Wonderful Thing To Have Your Child Work At Your Shoulder

They say no man is a hero to his own valet.

But your children see more of you than any valet. At first you’re this mightly giant, a good, long while passes, then you become this semi-inscrutable monument to your past life, likely still at some young man’s game when you’re past your physical prime. It’s not fun to have your son find out you’re just a human man, after all. Every man wants his son to be a better man than himself, but how are you going to produce that which you can’t manage for yourself?

You would never treat a stranger as badly as you treat your own son when he works with you. I’m crabby and direct with mine. I’m impatient. I’d be polite if it was the neighbor’s kid, and not expect nearly as much out of ’em.

My older son has fallen asleep in his supper after a day with me. A badge of honor, surely. Coming and going, I hope.

(Thanks to Delaware Dave for sending that one along)