Ego

Something interesting happened during my weekend visitation with my son: Out of the blue he mentioned to me that his mother was having her birthday party this weekend. A moment of silence followed. He then says, "Are you gonna get my mommy a birthday cake?"  I was a bit stunned by his question for a minute, but then it all came together.  I've been telling my son since he was old enough to understand how important it is for him to love his mother - no matter how she felt about his father. Every time I drop him off I tell him don't forget to tell his mother  'I love you.' By asking me if I was going to buy his mother a birthday cake (because really, the thought had never crossed my mind), my son was demonstrating not only that he was following my instructions, but I believe he also wanted to know that his dad would practice what he preached and back him up in the demonstration of love. Sometimes we as fathers have to put ego aside and listen to the innocent, non-partisan voice of our children.  Then we find the peace and strength to do the right thing, and not be afraid of the results.