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Determination

Why are many people perpetually angry? Seems they look for reasons to growl My father was always disgruntled, frankly, He was always wearing a scowl. Nothing we did ever pleased him, I recall, He was always ready to criticize, And when it came his turn to take a fall It was someone else’s fault, in his eyes. I grew up trying to stay out of his way Avoiding any confrontation, you bet! Biting my tongue, not having my say Bottling it inside with tons of regret. I’d have my say, come hell or high water I avowed, with the utmost determination, A resolve that came direct from my father Never shared with him, to my consternation. Written August 15, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/16/2022 11:50:00 PM

"bottling it inside with lots of regret" and "I grew up trying to stay out of his way" - this is familiar to me, as well. But it was not my father; it was my mother who wanted to "take us down a peg or two or ten, so we would not get a big head."

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/17/2022 8:12:00 AM

That always makes for a tense situation. When I was growing up, I never had a chance to "say my piece," so I just kept it all inside. Trying to express your feelings was called "back talk" and most likely you got a rap across your mouth!

Rico Leffanta

Date: 8/16/2022 11:17:00 AM

WWII returned many disgruntled fathers to an unprepared family. It remains a challenge to be cheerful after witnessing how cruel humans can be to each other! Aloha!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/16/2022 11:21:00 AM

Thanks, Rico. I suppose there is some truth to this, but it seems an unwarranted excuse for making life miserable for everyone else merely because you've experienced some unpleasantness yourself. Yes, indeed, humans undeniably cruel to each other, starting when we are little kids.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 8/16/2022 6:45:00 AM

It's a shame some folk are like that, not happy unless they've got something to moan or gripe about. I always try and look on the bright side of life, whatever it throws at me. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/16/2022 8:23:00 AM

I certainly agree with you, Tom. I try to be upbeat and optimistic all the time. Sometimes I have a setback, but I think they are rare and uneventful. I'm basically a happy person.

John Lawless

Date: 8/15/2022 5:32:00 PM

Milton, the apple may not fall far from the tree but it can roll quite a ways....

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/15/2022 5:57:00 PM

John, so true, and thank you for these encouraging words. My father's failings made me a much better father to my children. It took many years before I could give him the credit he was due. But I never forget those awful times.