I read a story about Josephine in Jr. High Literature class and the teacher assigned homework in the form of a written review of the story. It was cold that day so I had my school stuff all spread out in front of the coal fire in the living room of the old 17th century cottage we lived in. I looked up as the door opened and my dad came in from work. I knew, as soon as he asked me what I was working on, that he'd stopped by the NCO club for a few drinks before leaving the base. He didn't have much to say to me or anyone else unless he'd been drinking.
"I'm trying to write a review about Josephine the Wild Boar," I told him. And then the shit hit the fan.
"A boar named Josephine?, What in the hell are they teaching you in school? Everyone with an ounce of brains knows that boars are male hogs and it's stupid to name one Josephine." He snatched the book from the floor in front of me and when I tried to explain that wild boars were a breed of wild pigs with males and females, the ranting and raving went on for at least an hour. My stepmom and brothers stayed out of sight during his tirade and I suppose that was smart because it gave him less fuel for his fire, but damn I could have used a little back-up.
He finally blustered enough that he blew out and stomped into the kitchen to ask where supper was and I escaped up to my cold bedroom with my books. I never did finish that review.
I wonder if God explained to him about Josephine and if he finally understood.
14 comments:
That reminds me of a line from the show NewsRadio, when Beth says, "Everyone knows that all dogs are boys and all cats are girls." It was funny.
This wasn't, though.
Oh my it hurt to read this one - what a terrible memory of your Dad. I hope there are good memories too.
Let's hope he finally understood that and so much more.
What a horrible experience for you, Brenda.
I wonder if your Dad and my Mom were separated at birth? Dayum my Mom was always bitchin' about me havin' my head in the books, and I loved to read and write. She could be a bitch in the worse way. Some of the things you share about your past, makes me realize why I haven't gone lookin' for Mom. It's six of one, half-dozen of the other, but it's best to let sleeping dogs lie and not stir up a hornets nest.
I'm sorry you had to experience things like that in your childhood, but it's certainly made you a very strong woman today.
Have a good Friday Brenda, and a wonderful weekend! xoxoxo
Oh man Brenda how I know how that feels. My brother and I don't get along, and that's saying it nicely. Several years back when I was still living at home (and Jing was still with me) my brother was visiting. He left some food on the counter and I told him to be careful because Jing would jump up there and eat it. He said to me, "Don't be stupid. Cats can't jump that high." Made me feel like shit even though I knew full well I was right and he was the stupid one.
That sounds like a tough episode.
My father didn't do things like that. He almost never talked to me.
Cas
My dad didn't drink, but he was bipolar, and we never knew what kind of mood he'd be in. Holidays were especially hard. My mom didn't protect me. I'm still mad.
Isn't it funny how certain things stay with us forever. Just ain't right when a daddy makes his girl sad.
I liked the part about cold bedrooms and books.
We were sooooo lucky! our Dad was a big tease, but that is all. He never yelled, it was always Mom.
I'm so sorry you had to live like that Brenda, and it certainly explains more to me how and why you felt about him the way you did.
i have similar memories of my stepfather. he was an officer. he retired 11 years ago and has ultimately mellowed into an okay guy. even though he still makes me uncomfortable. i know that he loves me, in his own fucked up kind of way. it's hard loving someone like that.
First things first! (BIG HUG) You need to write that review just for you! Man Have I dun stuped stuff with my kids to! My dad was killed in a minning accident so never new him. I had two step dads both drunks! Never wanted to no them! Smile girl a lot of people love you!
I think from now on, when people ask me why after over five years I still haven't 'gotten over it' and made an attempt to 'make up' with my Mother, I'm going to direct them to this post. Like CJ I wonder if your Dad and my Mom, weren't related.
Can you believe when my high school principal called my Mother to tell her I was going to receive a full scholarship to college. She told him I didn't need 'no darn scholarship, I was going to work in the same sewing factory she did'! Thank God, he didn't take her seriously. And neither did I.
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