Rebuilding Rob

Daily writing prompt

What was the best compliment you’ve received?

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“You’re a good father” is the best compliment I’ve ever received. At least, it’s the most important compliment that I’ve ever gotten. It’s interesting that this prompt come up now, as I’ve been coming to something of a reckoning; specifically, as it pertains to Kid 1.

Kid 1 turns 17 next week. While I do the best I can to be an active part of his daily life, being so far away from him makes that exceedingly difficult. I giess my worst fear is waking up one day and realizing I’m the dad at the end of the song “Cats in the Cradle”.

I’ve seen the stats on social media, and I’m not sure exactly how precise they are, but they make their point. They say that by the time a child is 12, apparently has spent 90% of all the time that they will ever spend with them throughout their life. For kid 1, that time is long past.

He doesn’t begrudge me this. He legitimately does not seem anger with me about it. In fact, he has told me that he sees me more than some of his friends either their dads. Maybe he said that to me once just to make me feel better, I’m not really sure.

As for kid 2, I see him more frequently than I am able to see kid 1. And the fact is, I feel like kid 2 than kid 1 does. That’s not to say that kid 1 doesn’t need his dad. Far from it. But he had a different place in his life, one where he is becoming more independent. Kid 2 is eight years younger and is still learning his way through things. He simply needs more guidance at this particular stage in his life, then kid one did at the same age .

So yes, somebody telling me “you’re a good father, Rob” probably about the best compliment I could possibly hear – because I never feel like I’m good enough.

Honorable mentions also include:

• you’re a good listener
• you’re smart
• You’re good looking
• You’re a good teacher
• you’re good in bed.

Thanks for stopping by Rebuilding Rob. Be sure to like, comment and subscribe to my blog below. It’s greatly appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on social media as well! Check out my most recent posts as well as some earlier, related posts:

• Rob’s Retro Movie Review: This is Spinal Tap (1984) – The Movie That Scaled to Eleven
• A Death in the Family (And My Disposable Income): My Life in Comics
• The Supporting Cast: Navigating the Eras of Male Friendship
• Life is What Happens: A Look Back at My Non-Existent 2025 Vision
• The Moment I Walked Inside a Hallmark Movie

The article “You’re a good father, Rob” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.