When I drifted off I hadn’t the slightest clue I was dreaming. I was banging my knuckles against your mother’s jeep in the driveway and you ventured out from the garage with a cold beer in hand. When I noticed you, I eyed the silver can then, the sheepish grin on your face. After a hesitant moment, you cracked it open and handed it to me. It was in the middle of that exchange that I recognized the young man before me, from long ago. Maybe even from a distant, past life. It was then that I knew I was dreaming in lucidity. Before I could embrace my achievement, you revealed your worry. So, despite knowing it was all a figment, I gave you the best fatherly advice I could muster. Forgive it, I’ll always be an amatuer at this.
“Why do you ask, son? Oh, I see. Let me pause you right there for a moment. I understand your worry without you even having to describe it. While I may not know much about most things, on this one subject I believe I may be able to help. Firstly, just relax a bit. It’s natural to want and worry for their approval but, rationalize this; if she’s taking you home, it means she cares about you. That this whole thing you two have been up to means something to her. She’s proud of the bond you two have and she wants to share it with the people who care about her the most. That outta lift your chin a bit. Now, most importantly, prepare yourself. Hear me out here. There may be a few times in your life when you meet a girl’s father and I can promise you, every first encounter is the same. When you arrive, he’ll be cleaning his gun. Sometimes figuratively, and other times literally. Do not mistake him for a violent man. He’s not. If anything, being wrapped around that little girls’ finger for all these years has softened his heart. He’s not aggressive, he’s defensive. In his mind, he’s already lost her. In his mind, you’ve already broken her heart. It’s up to you to show him he’s mistaken. You must understand that daddies only want a few things for their daughters: for them to be safe, and happy and comfortable. That man has provided those things for her. Now, you must show him that if given the honor, you can as well.
Firstly, shake his hand. Look him in his eyes and thank him for having you in his home. Then, just be yourself. That man will always resist his daughter’s coming of age. He will be urged to hold her back and keep her safe as his little girl. The second best option, in his mind, is for her to find a good man to love. A man who is ambitious and who can provide yet, who also delivers the time and attention she needs. A man who will respect her. Show him you can be that man. Do so by first, respecting him. Then, meet her mother. Shake her hand, unless she insists on a hug. This will happen from time to time when she’s already heard great things about you from her daughter. If she wants a hug, give her the same warmth you would give your own mother. After all, there is a chance that one day she may be something very similar to that. Compliment her home. Ladies, especially home makers; they place their very souls into their homes. They tend to every particular detail like an artist. Then, once the pleasantries are exchanged, again, just be yourself. Who you are is who that pretty girl is falling in love with. Be that guy and her folks will too. Share your interests with them. Your ambitions and your hopes for the future. Show them you are a strong hand and a deep thinker. Show them that in a world full of wolves and sheep, they can rest easy knowing that their daughter is with a sheep dog. Do that and, I promise, everything else will come naturally after.”
Just before losing control of the manifestation I saw your face melt from worry and form into a confident smile. You walked to your pickup, freshly washed, and you drove off. Moments later I woke to feel your mother’s lips on my cheek. She was waking me. It was time to gear up and go to work. I had the same promise to keep.
Author’s Note:
That’s all for now, my friends. If you enjoyed this content and would like to see more like it, I can be found on Instagram by searching “Authentically Wild Out West” and on YouTube by searching the same phrase. Until the next campfire, stay safe out there and look after each other.
Authentically Wild Out West 