The boy has a stay at home dad. Mom is ill, often absent, sometimes for treatment. The boy’s last name is the same as his dad’s. Mom’s is something different. Father’s Day was a blast, lots of siblings and cousins and a day at the pool. That is, until the boy face-planted on some rocks and needed stitches.
One efficient emergency room trip and some stitches later, father and son were back at poolside, relaxing. The son was smiling, even though he had to watch while others swam.
Mom with approved attendants nearby happened to take him in the doctor for the checkup mid-week with no issue. No one asked who was who and all was smiles.
When the stitches needed out, the father took the son to the same doctor. He was stopped, asked for ID and proof of right to bring the son, now obviously in need of stitches out. Fortunately there are actually papers. The father doesn’t carry his papers 24 x 7 and so had to go home to get them, missing the appointment time. Frustrated, irritated, his schedule and the doctor’s schedule for the day were thrown off kilter.
Meanwhile, unknown to the father, the office called the childcare protective services because the son had to leave with the fathers, stitches still in. They were worried about those stitches after all.
Paperwork in hand, all was well. The stitches came out. Apologies were proferred and accepted. The father went on his way, rearranging schedules to accomodate. Then child protective services called to investigate. Frustration re-ignited. Should they change doctors?
This is what a father faced in 2016. I’m grateful the kid has a good father. Think of this story and thank a father before next father’s day. Watch for single fathers and primary custody fathers. They are as isolated and pressured as single moms, with more suspicion provoked and less natural compassion from people they meet. Be that odd stranger that gets it.
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