There has been a lot of talk lately about "manly" men. The ones who shoot guns and ride motorcycles and tame wild horses. All courageous pursuits. But, someone asked me the other day who, in the Fowler area, I consider admirable and manly....funnily enough my answers did not fit the mold of a "manly" man. I'm not going to mention any names other than my own dad and my husband, who, of course, are on top of the list. (Love you guys.) But, in time for Father's Day, here are a few of the characteristics I find honorable and have observed in certain men I know and admire.
Courage. While it does take courage to race a motorcycle at breakneck speed around a dirt track, or climb onto a horse you know has no interest in a relationship with you, it also takes courage to hug that child who has just disappointed you, or to not give up on a marriage that feels like it's over. And, (my favorite) the man who is not afraid to cry along with the everyone else when the family dog dies. (That's brave and wonderful!) Both my dad and husband have cried right along with the rest of us at the the loss of beloved pets. (Sorry to sell you out, guys.)
Loyalty. A man who is loyal to his faith and his family is a treasure. However, the man who balances that loyalty with compassion and understanding is truly priceless. It doesn't matter what the public is saying about his friends. He isn't swayed by the ribbing he takes for standing his ground. He stands right there next to those he cares about.
Compassion. Not really a "manly" trait but one that possibly affects the family dynamic more than any of the others. Compassion is what allows a dad to relate to his kids and consider their point of view. Compassion keeps a husband from being easily angered when he and his wife disagree. Compassion causes a man to overlook petty slights and silly arguments. Instead he focuses on the person and the relationship.
In my opinion, these are just a few traits that characterize an admirable man and ones I've noticed in men I admire. Many of those men don't hunt, aren't cowboys, don't ride motorcycles. They are accountants, teachers or business owners. They spend their spare time watching their kids play ball, they hang out with their wives, they help a friend whenever there's a need. They are the ones their family can count on, "manly" or not.
So...here's to the men in our lives; our fathers and grandfathers, brothers, uncles and sons; all deserve our appreciation, gratitude and love this Father's Day. Have a happy one!
Elaine White
Fowler Tribune
