(nhrabikefan @ Aug. 02 2007,06:16) I was raised by my Dad since I was one year old. My mom had other interests other than me. Lucky for me, my Dad cared, and I think raised me better than any woman ever could have.
He used to joke that when I was a kid and scraped my knee or had some other minor injury, he would give me the mommy talk first (you know baby me), then after a minute or two of feel sorry for myself, then he kicks in Dad mode..........."alright, suck it up, its only a scratch, quit your boo-hooin". He understood a child needs both parents for a reason. He also made sure I had plenty of female contact (aunts, grandma, etc). I never saw him romantic with any woman, he had them around, just no over-nights or making out. Growing up, it seemed like it was just me and dad, I never felt his attention was diverted somewhere else. Even though I found out later, he used to use me to get dates for him!
I now have a relationship with my mother, not a normal one, but because of my dad, I at least have one. The things that my mom did, my dad could have taken me away completely, but he didn't. Instead, he made sure she could see me, monitored at first, but as I got older, I spent longer periods with her, until it progressed into every other weekend like normal divored coulples. Dad never lied to me, he always told me the truth, even if it hurt. Knowing the truth as I got in my early teenage years, I found it easier to have a relationship with my mom without hating her, and I thank my dad for that
Dad raised me to be responsible, respectful, and a contributing member of society. Not a burden on the system. I am living proof that a man can raise a child correctly. Don't let societies standards apply to everyone, all a child needs after birth is love and guidance, this can be provided by man or woman.
