743: Million Dollar Baby

[Keith]

"I want a baby."

[blounty]

Any particular one or any will do??

[motownguy]

My father is a Southern Baptist preacher and we had a conversation 8 years ago where I said to him, "You're talking to me like I'm a member of your church and you're my pastor. I haven't been a member of your church for 20 years and don't believe the same things you do. If you want to talk to me like my father, I'll listen, but you are not my spiritual leader / authority." He said, "I've been a preacher longer than I've been your father, I don't know if I can do that." I said, "Well, call me when you want to try."

We haven't talked since. In that period of time one of my brothers died, two other brothers and my sister got married, and my wife and I had a second child. We have been at those major family events and not spoken and he has never been any closer to my wife and children than across a room.

Here's the thing, it was hard to draw that line. But I don't miss our relationship at all.

[blounty]

Originally Posted by motownguy

My father is a Southern Baptist preacher and we had a conversation 8 years ago where I said to him, "You're talking to me like I'm a member of your church and you're my pastor. I haven't been a member of your church for 20 years and don't believe the same things you do. If you want to talk to me like my father, I'll listen, but you are not my spiritual leader / authority." He said, "I've been a preacher longer than I've been your father, I don't know if I can do that." I said, "Well, call me when you want to try."

We haven't talked since. In that period of time one of my brothers died, two other brothers and my sister got married, and my wife and I had a second child. We have been at those major family events and not spoken and he has never been any closer to my wife and children than across a room.

Here's the thing, it was hard to draw that line. But I don't miss our relationship at all.

Thats really sad, I would hat to think as a father that i could let my relationship go like that with my child. Respect to you though for doing what you believe in.

[germuhknee]

Hmmm. Are we starting to see some of those cracks that Chemda's brother Michael is always looking for developing around the baby issue?

[motownguy]

Right, I have two daughters and I can't imagine anything that would make me not want to have a relationship with them. I'm not, however, going to keep after my father to make up. I think I was pretty clear, if he ever wants to try it again I'll give it a shot. I just refuse to deal with him as a religious authority figure and he evidently doesn't want to deal with me without that mantle.

[blounty]

Originally Posted by skitzel

Kids are for parents, shut up you don't want kids. It would change the whole show, boo. Besides, you aint even beat Halo 3 yet.

It is impossible to beat games with kids!!! they drool on your controllers and you cant let them hear nico saying Fuck and cunt! On the other side of the coin kids are cool! Once ya have one nothing can take the place of them! Unless you are called Tatum O'Neil then crack takes their place.

[sully_04]

Originally Posted by blounty

It is impossible to beat games with kids!!! they drool on your controllers and you cant let them hear nico saying Fuck and cunt! On the other side of the coin kids are cool! Once ya have one nothing can take the place of them! Unless you are called Tatum O'Neil then crack takes their place.

I have three.

They suck the life out of you and break all your shit and spend all your money.

But they fucking rule.

keith jr? I think not.

[flerchin]

Keith, you obviously want to learn how to swim. So do it. Yes, many people learn how to swim when they are children, but many people don't learn until they are adults. Your discomfort will be entirely in your head.

My comment about not knowing how to dump was retarded, so here's a revision:

Every person gets over the stigma of being a student driver, and having their car labeled as such in Driver's Ed. Chemda's Mom*, and I, went back to college as the only adults in the classroom, to no small social discomfort. You need to man the fuck up, and get your ass in the pool. In only a few lessons you won't be doing anything visibly embarrassing.

*Granted, I'm assuming about Chemda's mom, but I am absolutely the oldest guy in nearly every one of my classes.

[thirteen]

Eh, I know lots of fathers who are into their kids. Maybe it's a cultural thing. I completely understand what Chemda is saying, but...a lot of parents don't necessarily "like" being a parent right away. So many things change, of course, but that doesn't mean they all regret having kids.