The dads whose cost of living grew as fast as their salary are the part I keep coming back to, because that kind of life feels like security right up until the paycheck stops. Gus telling Call "the problem is you don't know how to live" lands differently when you read it as a father, and the Odenkirk quote about knowing exactly what his purpose was with little kids at home almost reads like the answer to it. Did reading it as a dad change how you saw Newt by the end?
Your quote from Gary and subsequent thoughts on career and ambition remind me of a passage from theologian Thomas Merton:
“The logic of worldly success rests on a fallacy: The strange error that our perfection depends on the thoughts and opinions and applause of other men! A weird life it is, indeed, to be living always in somebody else’s imagination, as if that were the only place in which one could at last become real!”
I too read "Lonesome Dove" this year (of course I did), and gave my pre-read copy to a friend, a great fan of literature, who also couldn't put it down. It completely pulls the reader in and despite its length, feels like it is still too short. And we also watched the entire Office series for about the 25th time with our youngest. That line and episode you reference always has me tearing up.
Wow, I wasn’t expecting so much. I loved The New Fatherhood book. This is my first time reading this content form from you, Kev. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a John Oliver or Dennis Miller “rant.” I mean that as a compliment. Lots to imbibe, maybe more than my aged, sleep deprived brain can incorporate in one sitting. At the risk of over sharing, I tried to chase “the dream.” It took me several slaps in the face to realize that I belonged on a different course. Fast forward, I was fortunate enough to make the right choice for me and my family and (thanks to my amazing and talented wife) leave work to focus full time on my family. I feel compelled to add that I am also a family therapist on the side, and The New Fatherhood book changed me as a father and a therapist (and a husband). I have given it to friends and clients. I reference it often in my own life and in my therapy on a regular basis. I’m actively looking for an equivalency that I could share with women. I would love any recommendations. I look forward to the next email/blog/post to learn and be challenged.
Hey Kevin, thanks for taking the time to reply and for the thoughtful response. I live in the burbs south of Philly. I’ve contemplated your encouraging suggestion to get more involved in group activities with dads. If I’m being honest, I haven’t been able to summon the nerve. I’ve dreamed of being in a book club based on TNF. Alas, not yet. I’d be happy to be included in your therapy fund network. My background is family and organizational systems and also work as an executive coach. Additionally, I do a fair amount of pro bono consulting to nonprofits and serve on nonprofit boards. If you ever need a connection in the Philly area, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll connect via LinkedIn In. Thanks again for what you’re doing for dads and the ripple effects it will have beyond.
Thanks Chris! “John Oliver rant” is high praise indeed. And delighted you enjoyed the book. Where do you practice? I’m always looking for therapists to add to the roster for the dads who come through the therapy fund
The dads whose cost of living grew as fast as their salary are the part I keep coming back to, because that kind of life feels like security right up until the paycheck stops. Gus telling Call "the problem is you don't know how to live" lands differently when you read it as a father, and the Odenkirk quote about knowing exactly what his purpose was with little kids at home almost reads like the answer to it. Did reading it as a dad change how you saw Newt by the end?
Your quote from Gary and subsequent thoughts on career and ambition remind me of a passage from theologian Thomas Merton:
“The logic of worldly success rests on a fallacy: The strange error that our perfection depends on the thoughts and opinions and applause of other men! A weird life it is, indeed, to be living always in somebody else’s imagination, as if that were the only place in which one could at last become real!”
I too read "Lonesome Dove" this year (of course I did), and gave my pre-read copy to a friend, a great fan of literature, who also couldn't put it down. It completely pulls the reader in and despite its length, feels like it is still too short. And we also watched the entire Office series for about the 25th time with our youngest. That line and episode you reference always has me tearing up.
Wow, I wasn’t expecting so much. I loved The New Fatherhood book. This is my first time reading this content form from you, Kev. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a John Oliver or Dennis Miller “rant.” I mean that as a compliment. Lots to imbibe, maybe more than my aged, sleep deprived brain can incorporate in one sitting. At the risk of over sharing, I tried to chase “the dream.” It took me several slaps in the face to realize that I belonged on a different course. Fast forward, I was fortunate enough to make the right choice for me and my family and (thanks to my amazing and talented wife) leave work to focus full time on my family. I feel compelled to add that I am also a family therapist on the side, and The New Fatherhood book changed me as a father and a therapist (and a husband). I have given it to friends and clients. I reference it often in my own life and in my therapy on a regular basis. I’m actively looking for an equivalency that I could share with women. I would love any recommendations. I look forward to the next email/blog/post to learn and be challenged.
Hey Kevin, thanks for taking the time to reply and for the thoughtful response. I live in the burbs south of Philly. I’ve contemplated your encouraging suggestion to get more involved in group activities with dads. If I’m being honest, I haven’t been able to summon the nerve. I’ve dreamed of being in a book club based on TNF. Alas, not yet. I’d be happy to be included in your therapy fund network. My background is family and organizational systems and also work as an executive coach. Additionally, I do a fair amount of pro bono consulting to nonprofits and serve on nonprofit boards. If you ever need a connection in the Philly area, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll connect via LinkedIn In. Thanks again for what you’re doing for dads and the ripple effects it will have beyond.
Thanks Chris! “John Oliver rant” is high praise indeed. And delighted you enjoyed the book. Where do you practice? I’m always looking for therapists to add to the roster for the dads who come through the therapy fund
I started reading Lonesome Dove because @Brett McKay is always talking about it. So far it seems pretty good!