Being a Father – Page 2

Podcast: Listen Closely – Everyone is talking but are we listening to one another?

While cleaning out his garage Hugo found an old poem his High School teacher assigned in the last days of Senior year. It made little sense to him then but twenty years later he’s lived a life and the puzzle pieces are starting to make sense. Hugo reads the poem and shares his thoughts on the importance of listening to the wisdom of elders and why we need to truly listen to each other more.

—

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

—

Subscribe to the Podcast or you can find Hugo on Twitter at @hugosposts | Insta at @hugotorres | sangabrielvalley.blogspot.com

Podcast: Square Peg – When you no longer belong somewhere. Don’t force it.

After some meandering thoughts Hugo gets back to the business of telling stories. This time, he recalls some from his days in revelry and then the moment when he grew and matured. A discussion on moving past the good stages in life in order to live a fuller whole story.

Today on the Show:

The Broadmoor Hotel: https://www.broadmoor.com/

Quote: “The best laid plas of mice and men often go awry.”

Subscribe to the Podcast or you can find Hugo on Twitter at @hugosposts | Insta at @hugotorres | sangabrielvalley.blogspot.com

The Centerpiece

In a contemplative place I caught a glimpse of my son sitting in relative peace. To think that in that moment I had contributed to the masterpieces about by sharing one of my wonderful creations.

The Fastest Torres

Heading east and 37 feet past the dogie water fountain on the Royal Oaks trail a boy ran by a middle aged man. Huffing and puffing the stocky forty-something thought he could and thought he could catch up with the gazelle like kiddo to no avail.

It could have been the extra 10 pounds, the aching knees, the mid-day heat or the heart palpitations that kept him from matching strides. In any case the baton has officially been passed and a new

Going on Thirteen

Funny how we decide to mark certain days. Today, for instance, I choose to mark this day as the first time my son’s gaze and mine met at the same level. Standing in front of him I looked into his bright birthday eyes and realized that come this time next year there’s a good chance he’ll be looking down at me. In that transitory moment I took stock of him and still registered his renowned goofiness, sweetness, confidence and happy attitude. He is still my guy to care for and teach. He is still growing and maturing. He is a better version of me in so many different ways. That all included in the mental mark I’ve made for myself on his special day.

Now bring on the Teen-Age years!

His Hands

I was the first person that has loved him to touch his hand. His bright blue eyes would meet light for some time and in this brave new world touch was all he had. With his wrinkly miniature hand he grasped my trembling finger and I felt his hearty grip as he squeezed. Years have passed since then and now his paws are as big as mine. They are thin, smooth and would be flawless if he didn’t chew on his nails. They are in contrast with my sun beat skin, protruding wrinkles and a slight tremble at some fingers. His grip is much stronger now and when we play he’s hurt me and I’ve told him countless times to take it easy on me. I can beat him at a Thumb War but my days are numbered. He talks with his hands like I do and I get a chuckle every time he gets animated and those palms are moving a mile a minute. He reaches out sometimes on a walk and I will never deny him that feeling that I’m there for him.

I could not bear to be without him and not have another chance to feel his hands. That is why the passing of young people hurts so much even when they are not mine.