The Harry Chapin song, “Cat’s in the Cradle”, always causes me to tear up. Not because that is the type of relationship I have with my father, but because that is not the type of relationship I have with my father. I hope it is also not the type of relationship I will have with my son and daughter.
My father is, like every father, not a perfect man, but I am who I am because of my father. All that is good in me I owe to my father (both parents). My greatest memories of my childhood are of my father simply being present—spending time with me. My parents were divorced, but I never felt deprived of time. Indeed, sometimes it was quite the opposite—seeing my dad at my practices, giving me a bear hug after I won (or, more often, lost) a wrestling match, etc. There were countless times I remember forgoing hanging out with friends to go to a movie or dinner with my dad. Even as I got older, all my dad ever asked of me was my time. He has taught me that I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to be a father.
I am far from a perfect father. I just hope my children see past the faults and see the love that I have for them—just like the love my father has for me. I worry that I might screw them up in some way, but, despite me, they seem to be doing okay—just like I am doing okay.
Fatherhood is the greatest responsibility a man can undertake. It is not to be taken lightly. Fatherhood, in my opinion, is an incredible opportunity and blessing. “My boy was just like me” can be a wonderful thing.
Carpe momento!
Cat’s in the Cradle
My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talking ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say, I’m gonna be like you, dad
You know I’m gonna be like you
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you coming home, dad?
I don’t know when
But we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then
My son turned ten just the other day
He said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let’s play
Can you teach me to throw, I said, not today
I got a lot to do, he said, that’s okay
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed
Said, I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you coming home, dad?
I don’t know when
But we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then
Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
Son, I’m proud of you
Can you sit for a while?
He shook his head, and he said with a smile
What I’d really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later
Can I have them please?
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you coming home, dad?
I don’t know when
But we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then
I’ve long since retired and my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, I’d like to see you if you don’t mind
He said, I’d love to, dad, if I could find the time
You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kid’s got the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you coming home, dad?
I don’t know when
But we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then
Written by Sandy Chapin, Harry F. Chapin, Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.