A Dhali Moment

Suddenly I find myself sitting on park bench overlooking a beautiful river, the view is simply beautiful. The smells and sounds fill my mind w/ memories, of childhood. Yet I can not place where I am, I know I've been here. I look everywhere for a sign to clue me in on where I am or how I got there, but there isn't even anyone to ask. Ironically I find I don't care, it is so relaxing to finally enjoy some of the childhood I seemed to have forgotten over time.

I am suddenly startled by movement on the bench, yet no one was here just seconds ago. As I look over I notice a skinny weathered old man. I can't help but stare, I know that face. I feel lulled into sense of security so I simply inquire, "Who are you???" In a voice eerily familiar "An old acquaintance, why?"
What are you doing here?
"I've come to warn you..."
"About?"
Impatiently as if pressed for time "Becoming a father!!!"
"What are you talking about, I think I'll be a great Dad..."
"You never will be. Trust me, I've seen it, I've been there..."
"Who are you?!?!?! You don't even know me."
"I know you, I'm just like you, Hell I practically am you. But not why I'm here. so shut up and listen. You are going to be a failure as a father, so please don't ruin the lives of your children like your life was."
"What the fuck are you talking about?? My life was ruined by anyone."
"Not even that piece of shit father of yours???"
"NO, please I couldn't have had a better role model on how to be a father"
"WHAT!!!! He was a drunk, he abandoned you, he lied to you...and you will be just like him, it's in your blood"
"I've thought of all that, I've spent more time than I honestly should have...but honestly, think about it, what a better role model than to have the complete polar opposite of what you want to be...."

Silence sets in between myself and the stranger...I know in my heart of hearts that those final words are worse than anything I could have said or done to him. Sadly I know who he is, I guess I've known in the back of my mind the whole time. I get up from the bench to walk away. A meek and desperate voice calls to me "Where are you going???" I say nothing, I don't need to. "you need to listen to me about this"...Still nothing from me. I look back and I see the tears rolling down is cheeks, I know he thinks he failed to deliver his mistimed unwanted message. Like a speech that has been practiced a million times the words roll of my tongue, "Jim" I see the look of utter surprise on his face "or should I say DAD, if you came her for forgiveness you wasted both our times...I could never be like you...I know all to well what it's like to have no one, they never will. If you are looking for forgiveness, you came to the wrong place"

Suddenly the alarm is going off, I quickly hit snooze knowing I don't want to wake my son or daughter who might have snuck in my bed during the night...I look over and see my daughter, and I'm overcome with a feeling of confidence. Because I know, no matter how bad of a job as a father I might do from time to time...I'll still be better than you.