Ian wants to be a mechanic like his mom's friend. It burns a bit when he says he wants to be like the other men in his life, instead of like his dad. But, then the initial sting wears off and I remind myself that it takes a village to raise a kid, and divorce is just a contemporary reaffirmation of that fact. Like homosexuality and socialism.*
I guess, I need to get used to Ian wanting to be like everyone but dad. It seems inevitable, even without divorced parents. I know I had other role-models growing up. Everyone does. And it doesn't mean that I didn't want to be like my father.
I would be lucky if I was half the person my father is. I model my life after him and my grandfathers, and I hope that I do them justice when its all said and done. But I seek my father's guidance in everything I do, even if I don't actually ask him for help. I strive to conduct my life the way I think he would. WWDD?
I just need to put it into perspective. I'm lucky Ian has other people in his life. It can be a bit disconcerting at times, but that is just the natural fear and doubt that comes with being a parent: Who are the people in my kid's life, are they virtuous and good, or will they do him harm?
That is a risk every parent takes, not just single-fathers.
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*Some believe homosexuality is a natural aspect of human evolution. Because homosexuals cannot naturally have kids they may be better suited to help society progress. For instance, not having offspring creates the freedom to help care for nephews, nieces and neighbor's children, have more time to hunt and gather, and/or fight wars, etc. It is in this way that we may achieve eusociality and subsequently continue to evolve.
I contend that divorce is actually a form of social evolution for this reason as well, and not merely a product of progressive liberation from tradition.
Some argue that socialism, in its truest form, is the only form of government that can advance human evolution, but I'm not arguing that case or exploring that concept.
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