Thread: A Request From a Single Mom

Dear Guys,
We are putting together a few "different" things for Harley's 18th birthday, which comes on October 12. Would you be willing to email back a short (maybe one or two sentences) comment on what it is to be a man, or what a man's greatest responsibility is, etc? Your name will not be used in the presentation, I just want a section from Actual Living Men, some of whom know Harley and some not, to include with the "famous" ones. We want to finish this part in a week's time.
Thank you, and accept all blessings for you and your family. God is good,.
Sincerely,
Harley's Mom

I received this in an email a couple days ago from a friend in Pennsylvania. She works very hard to be a good parent to her son Harley. I think she has done very well but she apparently feels she needs some help at this particular juncture. I am flattered she decided to ask me. She told me that Harley enjoyed spending time with me and keeps tabs on me via my website. The last time I saw the kid in question was (I think) seven years ago. I know it was before Basil and Mr.Toes were born. The boy and his mother came up to Connecticut and stayed with us at the farm (where we lived until six months ago). I took the kid out early to feed the ducks and chickens. I was impressed by the kid's cheerful and open attitude. He listened to me and asked appropriate questions. He seemed enthused about learning and he had a strong appreciation for the value of life and the cleanliness of the Earth. I am happy that I got to meet him. Now I am pleased to learn I was a part of his growing up. To me that's like being a stone in a sturdy bridge.

I know we've had similar discussions but I thought you folks might enjoy the assignment as Mom wrote it. What would you like to say to Harley? Here is what I am sharing with him:

When you are a child, people expect you to do as they say. When you are a man, people expect you to do as you say. Regardless of anything else, you are and will always be as good as your word.

Brad

What a great thing to write, Brad. Words to live by. It must also really touch your heart to know that you had a positive effect on him.

Thanks for sharing that.

Chris L

Great idea!
My father told me that being a man meant, "Having the integrity to stand by your convictions, be truthful in your dealings with others and being able to admit and accept when you are wrong."

When you are with a group of strangers, treat them like they were family.

When you are with family, give them the same courtesy.

"Try to get your kicks before the whole ****-house goes up in flames."

As a man you are the captain of your own ship. You are responsible for all that goes on in your ship. Pick you crew carefully because when judgment day comes you will be judged by the company you have kept.


Take Care,
Richard

I don't know if this necessarily applies just to being a man but,

Always remember that there is a tomorrow, so don't waste time getting stuck in today.


I know that around here, boys growing into men forget who or what they are and what they can become, don't realize their potential. They get fixed on little things that can ruin a day but not a life, and pick at them until they grow into something they feel they can't handle.

I don't think we are handed any trials that are physically impossible for us to overcome. As men we need to learn to overcome these trials, even if it takes days, or even years. We need to be humble enough to ask for help when needed, and we need to remember that not everything will always be alright.

"Remember that every thing you make and every job you do has your name attached to it.Anyone who comes along after and says"who did that?"YOUR name is the one they'll say"

Be as comfortable with yourself when you are alone as you are when you are with others.

Words I forgot for a while, but have shaped me all the same.

The Man In The Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,
And see what THAT man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Who judgment upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Author Unknown