Message From a Father To a Father

Random thought 2.pm while dining at an eatery somewhere in Port Maria, crowded eatery , Lot of chattering around , youngsters, families, but a conversation perked my attention. It was a father talking to his son , son of about 6-7 years old.. it went something like this. Father: "Bwoy ,if yuh spill de drink agwan thump thump in yuh head" Son: Laughing Father: "Eat de sumting or a stab yuh in yuh head!!" Son : Still amused! I sat , I thought deeply about this, it disturbed me, it ruined my day, Should I speak with him , but I couldn't , so I got up to leave, this feeling persisted . As I passed ,here was a father, a family man , enjoying a lunch out with his children.. I stopped , signalled to him , I asked if he could excuse himself a moment.. He looked around , to confirm if I was speaking to him... Now I am almost 6' ,the man stood maybe 6'3- 6 '4 , 230lbs.. I said ,my brother , I couldn't help over hearing the conversation with your son..I had to choose my words carefully, I explained I also have boys, children look up to you, they will emulate your every move, repeat your every word , I explained that I knew he was playing ,but when you say harsh ,violent words that child will imitate those very actions, I told him of my experience with my own sons, how my older sons have distanced themselves , because of the treatment meted out to them.. I told him of my youngest son ,whom I don't intend to make that same mistake. He explained he had just been deported ,about 2 months ago, and in prison in the US ,you have to be tough, you have to be cold..He said when he plays with his children at home like this ,they laugh... I then explained that this same behavior will be passed unto your son's children, and their children..and so it continues.. In parting , In wished him well, and I hope he thinks about what I said.. I sincerely hope I got through to him..