Friday, I was in a card store buying Father’s Day cards along with a special card for my kid for her upcoming graduation, and a “just because card” because I’m so proud of her.
As my items were being totaled, the young guy behind the counter noticed my Father’s Day cards and used that as a conversation starter. He began talking about how fathers were unappreciated and how they sold “way more cards on Mother’s Day.” I engaged him in conversation thinking it would be a short one while making eye contact with the lady behind me. I chuckled and said, “Yeah, you guys are cheated on Father’s Day.” Apparently, he wanted – no, let me change that – NEEDED to vent. He started talking about how he does what he needs to do as a father for all his kids (can’t recall how many, but more than 2) and how he’s tired of the corny gifts that doesn’t take much thought, and how (he got hyped here) he would like a phone call every now and then instead of when something is needed (he blamed the mother(s) for that). I nodded in agreement saying, “I understand, that’s fair enough.” I looked to the lady behind me for a little support and she was like, “Don’t look at me, I ain’t saying nothing!” And she didn’t; just stared at the ornaments on the counter, leaving me to make the young fella feel better.
At that point, I’m thinking to myself that I should have gone elsewhere because he had gotten a little too talkative, but then I was like, “No, maybe God wanted to place me where I needed to be placed.” As I’m thinking that thought, he was still going on, like something you see on television where someone’s mind is wandering but the other person is still rapidly talking…yeah, it was like that.
He told me he was an artist. I said, “Oh, there are a lot of things you can get as an artist.” I named a few things, which excited him even more. He was like, “Yeah, see even you get it!” He continued and at that point, the conversation went on longer than it should have. I picked up a last minute item (you know how they strategically place things near the register to get your last pennies), an ink pen and added it to my order – little did I know the pen’s caption read, “#1 Grand Pop” when I just knew it read “#1 Father.” See what distractions will do to you?
I told the young man that perhaps things would get better, “And if no one else tells you, you have a Happy Father’s Day!” By then items were in my bag, my time was up, and he had a smile on his face! “My work is done,” I said under my breath while rushing out of the store and looking back to the lady who was next in line. “Your turn now,” I thought to myself.
So, I said all of that to say, Happy Father’s Day to all the men (uncles, stepdads, surrogates, & whoever) who are being real fathers! And a special Father’s Day shout out to all the men who feel underappreciated – just like the clerk in the card store.
writing is my thang 
Good ministering, Tillie !
That:s cool as time goes on you make sure your father”s day is great. I brought me a bottle of Issey Miyake. Everybody said wow o.k dad.
I agree with the guy in some respects about fathers day. But i think that it doesnt get the same attention because most good fathers are just silent soldiers and they don’t seek reconition or reward for something that they feel is their duty as a father. That is to love and provide for their families.Enjoy!B-)
Moe…sweetie…it ain’t about you….:)
That was very interesting. I am trying to put my self in that position. I think I would have suggested to him to him to try some of his art and make a card for Dads that he feel he would buy in a store for his Dad. I think that would give him some insentive and an idea as to how he could make some money or to stop feeling sorry and unappreciated. But Tillie you did good and that was someting to think about. In that case i feel some type of way because on Father’s Day i give my husband something from me letting him know i appreciate him and what he does…but do you think he thinks of me on Mother’s Day….yeah you did it Tillie. I am just venting….
Bottom line is this – folks need to stop having meaningless raw sex with other random folk. I’m not saying that every time you sex someone is meaningless (only you know for sure), but you have to consider being involved with that person for the rest of your life since neither of you used protection. If we think about some of the folks we’ve bedded, we’d all be slapping ourselves upside the head for sheer stupidity. Guys need to cover it up and gals need to stop being so open – pun intended!
I’m surprised you lasted that long. I guess I’m a closet pessimist, because I would’ve called him on such a materialistic view about “Father’s Day”. I was personally happy just to get love from my daughter. I find the level of appreciation received depends on the level given. What was his attitude like as he was giving baby mama those expensive flowers? Just my thoughts on the matter…good deed on your part though.
Yay! Congrats on your new blog and your first post! Looks great! I can hear your voice as I read the words. So funny! Can’t wait to see what else “comes to mind!” in your future posts! 😀
Lol that guy was really feeling some kinda way,it was cute the way u handle it.Looking forward to reading more on ur blog Tillie! 🙂
Thanks, lady (did not want to blow your gender or identity). Great short piece. Your friend prodding you was a good thing. Now you can practice and share stories, vignettes, etc., and your amazingly amusing, thoughtful and colorful mind. And, I’ll have something to read while I wait for the followup book.
I definitely can relate to how the clerk can feel underappreciated. Mothers Day seems to be more (For Lack Of A Better Word) Powerful. Are mothers more important then dads? Your blog definitely gets you thinking. Hope All Had A Wonderful FATHERS DAY.
I could feel your pain from here! Lol. Good job on making that young man’s day.
I really enjoyed reading your blog. I felt like I was in that store with you. Great job. I will be will be following you. Can’t wait to read what’s next.