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Per Swenson
06-19-2005, 5:56 PM
I found this out there, thought I would share.

Haven't seen my daughters in two weeks.

When I rousted my son out of bed this morning,

He thought it was Monday, never mind fathers day.

Haven't seen him since either.

P.
<center>Fathers then & now

</center> Today is one of the first Father's Days of our new millennium. Fathers of 1900 didn't have it nearly as good as fathers of today; but they did have a few advantages:

In 1900, fathers prayed their children would learn English.

Today, fathers pray their children will speak English.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a father's horsepower meant his horses.

Today, it's the size of his minivan.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, if a father put a roof over his family's head, he was a success.

Today, it takes a roof, deck, pool, and 4-car garage. And that's just the vacation home.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a father waited for the doctor to tell him when the baby arrived.

Today, a father must wear a smock, know how to breathe, and make sure film is in the video camera.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers passed on clothing to their sons.

Today, kids wouldn't touch Dad's clothes if they were sliding naked down an icicle.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business.

Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers pined for old country Romania, Italy, or Russia.

Today, fathers pine for old country Hank Williams.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a father smoked a pipe.

If he tries that today, he gets sent outside after a lecture on lip cancer.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers shook their children gently and whispered, "Wake up, it's time for school."

Today, kids shake their fathers violently at 4 a.m., shouting: "Wake up, it's time for hockey practice."

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table.

Today, a father comes home to a note: "Jimmy's at baseball, Cindy's at gymnastics, I'm at adult-Ed, Pizza in fridge."

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers and sons would have heart-to-heart conversations while fishing in a stream.

Today, fathers pluck the headphones off their sons' ears and shout, "WHEN YOU HAVE A MINUTE.."

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a father gave a pencil box for Christmas, and the kid was all smiles.

Today, a father spends $800 at Toys 'R' Us, and the kid screams: "I wanted Sega!"

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, if a father had breakfast in bed, it was eggs and bacon and ham and potatoes.

Today, it's Special K, soy milk, dry toast and a lecture on cholesterol.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a Father's Day gift would be a hand tool.

Today, he'll get a digital organizer.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers said, "A man's home is his castle."

Today, they say, "Welcome to the money pit."

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, "a good day at the market" meant Father brought home feed for the horses.

Today, "a good day at the market" means Dad got in early on an IPO.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a happy meal was when Father shared funny stories around the table.

Today, a happy meal is what Dad buys at McDonald's.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, a father was involved if he spanked the kid now and then.

Today, a father's involved only if he coaches Little League and organizes Boy Scouts and car pools.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, when fathers entered the room, children often rose to attention.

Today, kids glance up and grunt, "Dad, you're invading my space."

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers threatened their daughters suiters with shotguns if the girl came home late.

Today, fathers break the ice by saying, "So...how long have you had that earring?"

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers pined for the old school, which meant a one-room, red-brick building.

Today, fathers pine for the old school, which means Dr J and Mickey Mantle.

<hr noshade="noshade" size="2" width="90%"> In 1900, fathers were never truly appreciated.

In 2001, fathers are never truly appreciated. :o

Ken Fitzgerald
06-19-2005, 6:51 PM
Sigh........

Dennis Peacock
06-19-2005, 7:29 PM
Moan....

but so true.... :(

John Hart
06-20-2005, 7:20 AM
Yep..that's about it. Thanks Per.:(

I will have to admit though...my daughter (11) got up yesterday and made me eggs and toast, handed me a homemade father's day card and gave me a gift made from pipe cleaners. It made my day. I didn't even know she knew how to turn on the stove!!!

Randy Meijer
06-20-2005, 4:57 PM
...I didn't even know she knew how to turn on the stove...

Think about that for a moment???

Greg Heppeard
06-20-2005, 5:36 PM
I have 4 sons; the oldest I haven't seen or heard from in a couple of years, but his mother keeps me informed about him...he's off galavanting in NZ for a year, then back to England with his mother for a year, then to Australia. (must be nice). The 2 youngest of the remaining live with their mother in the Chicago area...haven't heard from them or seen them or anything since Nov 13, '94 (longer story). About 2 months ago, I got an email filtered thru SMC, it was from my second son that I hadn't heard from or seen since the above date. (gotta love the internet and Sawmill Creek). We've been getting re-connected over the phone and email since. He's finding out that I'm not the Beavis that his mother makes me out to be. Anyway, yesterday was the best father's day I've ever had, my 2nd son called and wished me a "Happy Father's Day" :D :D :cool: :D :D

Randy Meijer
06-20-2005, 6:44 PM
In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business.

Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR.


Or


In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business.

Today, fathers pray their kids will get a job and move out of the house before they are thirty!!!

Don Baer
06-20-2005, 7:28 PM
Per when My youngest was in his late teens he moved out and didn't want to talk to his Old man. The older one was just about the same. Now they are in their late tweties and have families of their own. Now they can't wait for an excuse to see their old man. The youngest called me from work and wished me a happy fathers day then came over with his wife and My grand daughter. to have dinner and the oldest one who is in Iraq sent me an E Card and had his wife and kids call from accross country to wish me a happy day.

This isn't a gloat, just remember what a wise man once said. "It amazing that the older kids get the wiser their father gets'

;)

Jerry Olexa
06-20-2005, 10:51 PM
You're so right! But being a Dad is still generally a happy privilege...