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When I got home, I explained everything to my dad. As usual, my dialog was animated. I clutched bag, imitated shoemaker and walked around living room acting out my dramatic exit from shop. Then I handed my dad bag. He looked in it and smiled.
"Honey, I love you. I'm so happy that you care so much about my shoes, but what am I going to do with them now?"
That's when he pulled shoes out. The heels were removed and soles were cobbled out. They were useless, like a patient pulled out of surgery before doctor finished operation.
"Patience, honey," he said gently. "There is no point in working yourself up over something that you have no control over."
I tried to argue with his logic. I told him shoemaker had a job to do and he didn't live up to his obligation. My dad smiled again.
"Honey, think about it. It's just a pair of shoes. I have others. Choose your battles wisely and always deliver them with respect. Tomorrow you will bring shoes back to shoemaker and apologize. Explain that you understand he is busy and I am certain you will get positive results."
That's how my dad conducts his life, with patience and respect, no matter what is handed to him. It's one of many reasons I love him so much.
My father's response was not belittling or disrespectful. He reminded me that we can't always have what we want when we want it. He showed me that our responses to a difficult situation show our true character. Acceptance, forgiveness and understanding are key elements to a healthy outlook on life.
Even to this day, whenever I am in a difficult situation, I remind myself not to be a heel, and always show sole.
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Title: The Shoemaker and Brat Author: Patricia Gatto Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved Category: Parenting Word Count (including Resource Box): 800
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Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com