Today is my oldest son, Michael's birthday. It seems like Michael was a grown up before he was in High School. He was self aware, confident and seemed to be driven by purpose. He wanted his opinion to count and even as young as eleven years old he would say, "Dad, you don't respect my life experience or what I've learned."
When he met his wife, Tabitha, it seemed like everyone around them was caught up in their relationship and encouraged them to start a life together. Being "Dad," I had to be "Bad Cop" and try to make sure these two young people knew what they were doing. Why did I do it? Because I wanted the best for my son and I wanted him to make sure he knew what he wanted. I didn't want his heart to be broken if things didn't work out. In the moment I was hated, but years later they thanking me for putting them through the "trial." Once Michael and Tabitha showed me that they would stick it out no matter what, I stopped the "Bad Cop" routine and welcomed Tabitha into my family.
Let's jump back a few years.
Since the day the Lion King made its debut, Michael has loved everything about it. Michael loved the music and the soundtrack is constantly played at our home and in the car. The business I own, "Mr. Toons" (a store dedicated to the art of sequential storytelling) has promoted and sold thousands of Lion King items. My family and employees were given a special screening of the movie before it was released, which made it more eventful for Michael. Michael (as well as Jeremy and Jonathan, my other two sons) are caught up in the Lion King phenomena.
It's March 3, 1995, Disney's The Lion King was released on video today and I'm in Chicago working at one of my stores . Jonathan, my six year old and youngest son, has spent a few days with me in Chicago, while Michael and Jeremy stayed in Missouri with their mother. We are still adjusting to our relocation from Chicago, Illinois to Warrenton, Missouri and operating two retail stores from 350 miles away is overwhelming. I do all that I need to do at the store and begin packing for my weekend trip home with the family. Jonathan is so excited because he's at the store when the Lion King is released and thst he helped set up the store displays. Jonathan has made sure we have a copy of the Lion King video to take home.
When we get home that night, everyone is excited about getting to watch the Lion King. Jonathan is bragging because he was at "Mr. Toons" when it was released and he got to hold the video first. Then without thinking, I say the unimaginable. I say "Jonathan, the Lion King will always be our special movie." And in that moment a little boy's heart is broken. Michael says while crying "But Daddy, Lion King is OUR movie!" and walks out of the room heartbroken. I didn't mean to imply it the way the way the words came out. I do my best to try to mend the hurt feelings…but the damage is done. The words can't be recalled.
Today, I'm proud of the man Michael has become. We may not always see eye to eye… but I trust he will make the right choices. In the rough times, I will do my best to be there for him. No matter how old he gets, I will always be his father, his Dad or Daddy. My duty to him will not stop until I breath my last breath. I will fight to help and protect him from all that comes his way and be an example that he can follow. Hopefully he will learn from my mistakes and will not have to make them himself.
Be careful with a man's heart. Even though a man may be strong and confident, there's a little boy inside whose heart can easily be broken. I know this from experience.
