|
The Keys To The Car by Gerard by Gerard by Gerard from Gerard
At some stage when I was sixteen, Dad handed me the keys of his car, so that I could get the hang of manoeuvring around the driveway and up and down to the back of the house. I have fond memories of that time spent practising in reverse, first and even second gear - a father's show of faith that gave me a confidence boosting head start for when I could start learning to drive properly on the roads at seventeen. Looking back now I can recognise and appreciate this as part of a strong theme in Dad's brand of fatherhood. It was clear he wanted to give us every opportunity to be who we wanted to be on our journey through life and has often offered a helping hand along the way, but his ability to observe from the sideline so that we can make our own decisions has been a real gift. 
So Happy Birthday Dad and thanks for the keys to the car - I don't know exactly where I'm going, but at least I know you have faith in me getting there on my own. Gerry Junior |