(Have you hugged your Dad this week?)

 As a reporter for the Mayefield Messenger, Thomas Carroll captured the soul of his hometown by writing about “real people,” not just those considered newsworthy.  His feature stories were well regarded and occasionally came to the attention of the metropolitan daily, the Beacon Light, which published Thomas’ stories under the heading “Dispatch from Mayefield.”  The following is one of these Dispatches, published in 1977.

Have you hugged your Dad this week?

By Thomas Carroll

 Mayefield Messenger

Sometimes when the joy of sport turns to the pain of injury or the proverbial agony of defeat, there is no substitute for the comforting words or strong shoulders of a Dad –even somebody else’s—to sooth things over.  They have been through it.  They know the pain and disappointment of not succeeding even when you’ve tried your hardest.

Sometimes it just takes a pat on the head or backside, or maybe a shoulder on which to rest your troubles.  When the hurt is physical, it takes more than words, and “Dad” becomes the experienced trainer.

Fathers in youth athletics are often criticized for “ruining the games for the kids,” for being loud, argumentative, and demanding.  Sometimes they are, but more often, they represent the kind of adult symbol kids need:  hard working, understanding, loving.  They support and encourage.

With Father’s Day coming up Sunday, we salute the Dads of the Mayefield Boys and Girls Club and other youth organizations.  Without them, none of the games would be possible.

Kids, have you hugged your Dad this week?

(Robert J. Marton)