I didn't get to the park; sometimes I'm caught by regulars on route, and today was like the seagull scene in Finding Nemo.

Sometimes this is exhausting, because I try to be polite with all, but I *really* don't like when people won't let go of my hand/arm, or when they badger me to finish a tinto to try to "do me the courtesy" of buying me another. (Lots of lonely people who don't see me as more than a gender role.)

But in the middle of today's setback of a throng there was one fellow... 1/2

...who crowded out others with his talk of work with trees. But once the others fell away, this one's topics wandered. He started talking about his son, now 20... though what he really wanted to share was how scared he'd been for his boy at age 14.

And I guess it's just a mark of how acutely different my own experience is, but it was nice to hear such a good example of an actual father's love.

So any good dads out there: thank you for the care you show to your own.

It matters so, so much. 2/2