A recent episode of the hit Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso” had Ted and Rebecca wrestling with conflicts they had with their respective partners. At one point, the soccer (well, football) team’s psychologist asks Ted what he loved about his father. The question stunned Ted into silence.
It stunned me too, and I began to think, did I like anything about my father?
It has taken me a while to figure it out, but I think I have. I’ve written about him before. I guess I’m still wrestling with him even though he has been dead for six years.
Anyway, I think there were a few things I loved about him. Maybe not loved, but appreciated.
- He taught me how to play cribbage.
- He played music all the time, a habit I inherited.
- He coached my and my brother’s Little League team, so he at least tried to be involved with us for a time.
- I believe he loved my mother, though he too often treated her like crap. He never beat her, just pelted her with emotional abuse. And she was amazing, just wonderful. (God, I miss her, even now.) How — and why — she put up with him I’ll never understand.
- He provided well for us. We didn’t live lavishly, but we were certainly comfortable.
- I liked when he was in a good mood.
It’s difficult now to think of my father and the word “love” at the same time. They just don’t fit together.
So, are there things I loved about my father?
Sort of, I guess, but also … no, not really.
Oh, and if you haven’t seen “Ted Lasso” yet, you owe it to yourself to get Apple TV+ for at least a little while. It is sensational — believe me!
