One of the themes I’m seeing develop on my blog is this revelation of what my father was like when I was a child, as I’ve seen him through the eyes of an adult. As I wrote in an earlier post, meeting and getting to know Chris Brogan – an ambitious young man who’s driven by that entrepreneurial passion and vision that lead guys like him to sacrifice time away from their families – really impacted me in how I see my father. The parallels between the two are uncanny.
I came across a post Chris wrote on the Dad-o-Matic blog that, quite frankly, had more impact on me than any other material (book, blog, audio, video or live speech) I’ve encountered by the man. The video in the post instantly produced a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
This exchange of love and bonding between Chris and his little boy deeply touched my heart. As I watched, I realized how much I loved watching that interaction and how I really didn’t want it to end. These are the moments we treasure forever. I have no doubt that if my dad were to watch this video, it would touch his heart too. I’m sure if he had it to do over again, he wishes he could go back in time and increase the quantity of exchanges between us such as those Chris revealed in this video. (And I’m sure Chris, like my father, will also look back one day on videos like this and long to rewind and do more of them.)
In the end, when dreams are achieved and passion fades, what counts – and what both parent and child long for – is more of the pure exchanges of love that last forever in the hearts of both. I want more moments like that with my children. Forget the hype or achievement surrounding Chris Brogan. He has earned my deepest respect as a father who shows by the very nature of this clip that he really loves his children.
