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No Bears in This Camp
A Father Creates a Lasting Memory By JoAnne Bennett
Several days earlier, Mom had moved out, leaving what they knew as "home" practically barren. While growing up, I was never allowed in our front room, much less any quality time with my father.
The girls' enthusiastic, joyful yelps grew louder as they tried to imagine the awesome camping experience with Dad. No middle-of-the-night flashlight treks to the outhouse echoing the words, "Daddy, I got to go to the bathroom." Moreover, there would be no big bears eating the leftovers from their picnics on the kitchen floor. Electricity, remote controls, soft-padded carpet and a refrigerator were just added bonuses. To tell you the truth, I started getting warmer just thinking about their ultimate father-daughter bonding experience.
It has been a difficult year for this family, but I strongly believe this creative, hands-on father proved beyond any doubt that his children's needs came first. I recall the time, with tears in his eyes, this man, who seemed so strong by his "I am tough on the outside" masculine appearance, shared with me that he and his wife were divorcing. I stood there trying to swallow. I had been a part of his children's lives for many years. For me, it felt like I was also losing a part of my family. What he said that day will be forever engrained in my soul: "I know I have made mistakes. I am not perfect, but I love my children."
Throughout the years, I never heard those coveted words from any father figure in my own life. No matter what will soon be decided in the courts concerning child custody issues, this father will always be a "rock" in his children's lives. I applaud him for his unselfish, loving choices as he continues to try to protect them from being the innocent causalities in the brutal war of divorce.
Looking back on their childhood, these precious little girls won't have to keep silently wishing for a perfect father-daughter outing. His daughters will have fond, lasting memories of the fun adventure of Daddy pitching a tent in their front room for that wonderful weekend campout.