It is International Men’s Day today, and I have been thinking about the men who have come and gone in my life. Thinking about how my mother taught me the importance of having them to provide and take care of us.
Sitting in my apartment alone, working my ass off (or at least doing that in spurts), it is hard to look at that lesson close up. I think that for me, it was something I held on to and an expectation and entitlement I had for so long that I didn’t appreciate it as much as I should.
My husband, whom I have known for over 30 years, is a good man. We may have drifted apart, and we may say I stopped trying, so he stopped trying. Maybe we both underappreciated each other at times and disconnected. But he is still a good father, a good person. He is always supportive of all those around him.
I think we should be supportive of all men who support us in positive ways. There are too many shitty ones out there. Too many that take advantage of us as individuals and take advantage of the systems of mysogany. I like seeing that there are some out there who really try to be a model. Try to buck the system and tear it down.
I love seeing that. I appreciate all the men who have been there for me, if only for a short time, if only to impart a lesson or fill me with something I needed in that moment.
Lisa Gray 