One week ago (at least when you’re reading this essay [which I hope you are, and I hope you’re sharing it and commenting on it and enjoying it because all that helps me continue to put out this product for free EVERY WEEK!]) was my dad’s birthday.
On a big birthday in the distant past I was able to get out of work in time to watch a double header in which you caught one game, pitched in the other and were awarded a game ball, which you presented to me. That was a pretty great birthday present. This one tops it. Love you more than I can say. Proud of you, too.
I am not the least bit surprised that you have that kind of relationship with your dad. I for one, know for sure he is a special person. Working with him on Murphy Brown many years ago was maybe the best working experience I have had in my 30 year career in the film business. He was one of the funniest, most appreciative and sensitive producer writers I have ever had the pleasure to know, along with Gary, Korby and Diane. What a team! They made me feel so valued. When I was nominated for an Emmy he and Gary came to the Emmy Show and sat with us. No other producer has ever done that whenever I was nominated. It was so special!! I will never forget it!
I have not only had shoulder-to-shoulder chats with my son on the golf course, I have enjoyed equally-enlightening times on the course with Will and his dad, so put me down for three birdies!
Will, I loved reading this terrific piece. Since I'm a mom and not a dad, I will speak on behalf of the father and son in our family. What I see is two guys watching sports together. Hockey, football, basketball, baseball. And when we three are together (the daughter being in NYC) we play trivia or similar games and that's when the son talks. He has this activity that settles him and allows the words to come out naturally, as you describe. I love watching it happen.
Your father is a wise man and great father. I’m sure you know that. My kids had that kind of father too only it was cut short but they had a shoulder too.
I am a face to face being a woman;however, this is such a beautifully written and heartfelt piece…Got me a bit misty-eyed actually. You’re both very fortunate to have that special bond and can let all the questions and emotions fly. What a gift that is to one another. xxx
My dad was self-employed and frequently took me with him to meetings with customers; lunches with his colleagues (not sure scap dealers actuality qualify as colleagues); and often to provide an extra pair of hands for menial tasks. All of these provided me with quality "shoulder to shoulder" opportunities. He used them to teach me about his business philosophy, primarily about the importance of relationships in becoming successful. There was also a ton of other life lessons learned. Cherished time spent and a lifetime of lessons applied.
Awww that sounds great, exactly like those moments we all have as kids where we think “this is SO boring” only to realize years later how incredibly interesting and formative those moments were
I loved this one, Will. Very sweet. And back in the day, I was fortunate enough to get to play more than a few rounds of golf with your dad. I can attest to the fact that he is indeed a great partner on the course, based on how much of my cursing he put up with.
Shoulder to shoulder all day everyday! This piece warms my heart of course given my 52 years of love for your Dad, the most nimble thinking funny principled person I know. It also gives me a spark seeing your depth of insight and empathy. Just loved this piece! ❤️❤️❤️🙏
On a big birthday in the distant past I was able to get out of work in time to watch a double header in which you caught one game, pitched in the other and were awarded a game ball, which you presented to me. That was a pretty great birthday present. This one tops it. Love you more than I can say. Proud of you, too.
That was such a fun day. It might have been one of the reasons my rotator cuff is so fucked these days but hey, you’re only young once!
I am not the least bit surprised that you have that kind of relationship with your dad. I for one, know for sure he is a special person. Working with him on Murphy Brown many years ago was maybe the best working experience I have had in my 30 year career in the film business. He was one of the funniest, most appreciative and sensitive producer writers I have ever had the pleasure to know, along with Gary, Korby and Diane. What a team! They made me feel so valued. When I was nominated for an Emmy he and Gary came to the Emmy Show and sat with us. No other producer has ever done that whenever I was nominated. It was so special!! I will never forget it!
He’s a pretty swell guy and he taught me how to treat people so it’s always sweet to hear stories of the relationships he built on kindness
I have not only had shoulder-to-shoulder chats with my son on the golf course, I have enjoyed equally-enlightening times on the course with Will and his dad, so put me down for three birdies!
Ah man that was a fun round! We gotta all play again!
Will, I loved reading this terrific piece. Since I'm a mom and not a dad, I will speak on behalf of the father and son in our family. What I see is two guys watching sports together. Hockey, football, basketball, baseball. And when we three are together (the daughter being in NYC) we play trivia or similar games and that's when the son talks. He has this activity that settles him and allows the words to come out naturally, as you describe. I love watching it happen.
Thank you Lee! I don’t know why but we need something else to focus on to really talk!
This one really got to me, because your Dad and I have had many heart filled conversations. You’re both very lucky❤️❤️❤️.
It was a privilege to grow up with both of you.
We all were very lucky…❤️❤️❤️
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Rick ❤️
Your father is a wise man and great father. I’m sure you know that. My kids had that kind of father too only it was cut short but they had a shoulder too.
Awwww those should to shoulder moments live on forever
I am a face to face being a woman;however, this is such a beautifully written and heartfelt piece…Got me a bit misty-eyed actually. You’re both very fortunate to have that special bond and can let all the questions and emotions fly. What a gift that is to one another. xxx
Thank you Val! We really are a lucky family!
My dad was self-employed and frequently took me with him to meetings with customers; lunches with his colleagues (not sure scap dealers actuality qualify as colleagues); and often to provide an extra pair of hands for menial tasks. All of these provided me with quality "shoulder to shoulder" opportunities. He used them to teach me about his business philosophy, primarily about the importance of relationships in becoming successful. There was also a ton of other life lessons learned. Cherished time spent and a lifetime of lessons applied.
Awww that sounds great, exactly like those moments we all have as kids where we think “this is SO boring” only to realize years later how incredibly interesting and formative those moments were
Agreed.
I loved this one, Will. Very sweet. And back in the day, I was fortunate enough to get to play more than a few rounds of golf with your dad. I can attest to the fact that he is indeed a great partner on the course, based on how much of my cursing he put up with.
Hahaha I bet those were incredibly fun rounds! Thanks Korby!
It was for me! You'll have to ask your dad what he thought.
Love this one so much ❤️
Shoulder to shoulder all day everyday! This piece warms my heart of course given my 52 years of love for your Dad, the most nimble thinking funny principled person I know. It also gives me a spark seeing your depth of insight and empathy. Just loved this piece! ❤️❤️❤️🙏
He really is a great dude. Happy birthday Steve! And great essay Will<3
Tysm 🥰🥰🥰