The Ultimate Bonding Moment
By Bill | September 15, 2008
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word bonding as:
bond·ing
Pronunciation:
\ˈbän-diŋ\
Function:
noun
1 : the formation of a close relationship (as between a mother and child or between a person and animal) especially through frequent or constant association
Between mother and child? Did they really just define it that way? Yes they did…It still amazes me how often society looks at fathers as unable, unwilling or just incapable of being a successful parent.
One of the many blessings I have as a single parent is the extra opportunities to bond with my children. Sometimes bonding moments can be created by you and other times they are created for you. The day that I took the training wheels off my kid’s bike and taught them how ride independently was a bonding moment. The day I scheduled a meeting with my son and his teachers, because he had decided that homework was an option not a requirement, was also a bonding moment, albeit maybe not one of his more enjoyable bonding experiences. Over the past five years my children and I have enjoyed many bonding moments together. We have visited places that have created bonds in our mind and hearts. Each year my daughter’s school puts on a Father Daughter Ball which allows the two of us to bond. My son and I love to go trap shooting which is always a bonding moment for us. Since he usually beats me it is probably more of a moment for him than me. I am sure that many of you have had memorable bonding moments as well with your children. Feel free to post them in the comments section below. I as well as others would love to hear about them all.
In fairness to Mr. Webster he also defines a bond as “The formation of a close relationship especially through frequent or constant contact”. Well as a single dad I definitely have frequent and constant contact with my children. One of my more memorable bonding moments happened when my son was only 12 months old. We decided to take a trip through Yellowstone National Park. Growing up in Montana I had been through the park on many occasions. It is without question an amazing place to visit. Little did I know that I was about to form a bond with my son that would be almost impossible to ever duplicate. We had set out from West Yellowstone, Mt. that morning and spent the entire day making our way through the park. We saw Old Faithful, the buffalo, the elk and the geysers. It was a long day for all of us but well worth it. Once we left the park we decided to stop at a restaurant and get something to eat. My son was very tired but handled the long day well. I sat down and ordered my customary Montana dinner of steak, potatoes (with all the add-ons), and vegetables. By now my son was slowly beginning to dose off. It was definitely a bonding moment for us. Unbeknownst to me, the bonding was just beginning. As I sat there with him in my arms, I was presented with the challenge of allowing him to sleep and somehow feeding myself at the same time. No worries. The waitress helped by putting the butter, chives and sour cream on my potato. I was able to cut my steak and not disturb him. As I looked around the restaurant I saw parents look at me with envy. I could almost hear them say to each other, how cute is that? I then looked back at my dinner and noticed that during my balancing act I must have spilled a bit of sour cream on my hand. Since I only had one arm available to me I had to figure out how I was going to clean it off. I made the decision that I would quickly lift my hand up to my mouth and inconspicuously lick it off. Who was going to care if my manners weren’t perfect, I was experiencing a bonding moment. So I did just that, and then it hit me… this isn’t sour cream!!! Oh noooo… my son just gave me back the bottle that he had earlier in the day complete with everything else in his system. I had experienced the ultimate bonding moment. My son and I had exchanged bodily fluids. Now that’s what I call a bonding moment…
As a single dad you are so fortunate to be in the position to create positive, encouraging and life long bonds with your children. Never underestimate the value and power these bonds will have on all of you. And never forget that:
“Anyone Can Be A Father, It Takes A Special Person To Be A Dad”
Topics: General | 3 Comments »
September 15th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I’M LOVING IT AND SENDING E-MAIL ADDRESS TO TWO FRIENDS WHO HAVE SINGLE DADS IN THEIR FAMILIES. VERY PROFESSIONAL AND………………VERY HONEST.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
ha ha dad that was hilarious! i love it when you tell us that story!
awesome blog!
Love ya!
-your daughter
November 13th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Bill,
I am a believer; children need to have a loving relationship with their fathers. God’s plan was for children to have a place of peace love, and security in the home, experiencing His love, safety, guidance through nurturing parents. Thank you so much for being God-inspired and a man who shows God’s love, you are giving your children the love they deserve. You will inspire many men to be and become leaders in their home teaching their son(s) and daughter(s) the right path.
I will keep your and your family in my prayers. May you always keep the privacy and needs of your children above the needs of this world. I look forward to reading many more of your blogs.