This story is written so well and honest, I felt hurt by the comment: "You suck, dad". My husband and I have the same reactions from our grown, ( but not mature. Like at all. ), brothers and sisters. Just remember, you are a badass writer, a great and dedicated family man, and that Mr. Harding can never be as cool as you. If all else fails, keep in mind, most British people have bad teeth. If that helps at all.
Ha, I love how you turned the negative stereotype of"soccer mom" on its head with "Soccer dad." Here's a guy who doesn't see his role as 'soccer dad' as a negative but instead relishes the role and responsibility. Then you take us in deeper to soccer dad's parental jealousies and insecurities. There might be other writers out there willing to explore the region of male, parental frustrations and insecurities but I'm not aware of them. It's a perspective that could use more attention to be sure. Of course, I'm older and historically the father figure is a cardboard cutout with all the generic positive qualities ascribed to him. This is a bucket of cold water splashed in the face of those old tropes. And it's a fun ride with enough pathos and insight to keep us curious. Nicely done Matt. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, Fred. I'm trying things, and having fun. Looking forward to winding down more weird roads. There's a lot of hesitance when putting things out there, but I'm getting on top of it. Like I've done with this newsletter, I need to put more stories out to improve at stories. I've realized this in my short time dabbling with music. The first song, rough. The second song, a little better. And so on. Just by doing, you learn. Grateful to have Substack and a great reader like yourself to help me in that process.
You keep writing, I'll keep reading. I can only imagine putting something of yourself out there for all to see. We all want to be loved and appreciated and not knowing if a given piece will be received positively, I think, is an unavoidable part of the process. I guess like any artist or performer, butterflies come with the territory. If I understand things right they are an integral part of the motor that energizes the performance or artistic work. I look forward to reading more of your stories and, of course, I love your rambling Friday newsletters. 🏄♂️
So right, reflexes, fathers and sons-you had me rolling around these true themes for days. Thanks
Thanks so much, Peter. Really really appreciate your support.
Thanks for the memories Matt of being a soccer mom with three boys going through the programs. Really loved how this story evolved.
Thank you so much, Lisa
This story is written so well and honest, I felt hurt by the comment: "You suck, dad". My husband and I have the same reactions from our grown, ( but not mature. Like at all. ), brothers and sisters. Just remember, you are a badass writer, a great and dedicated family man, and that Mr. Harding can never be as cool as you. If all else fails, keep in mind, most British people have bad teeth. If that helps at all.
THANK YOU, D.K. I can't say how much your support and encouragement means.
Ha, I love how you turned the negative stereotype of"soccer mom" on its head with "Soccer dad." Here's a guy who doesn't see his role as 'soccer dad' as a negative but instead relishes the role and responsibility. Then you take us in deeper to soccer dad's parental jealousies and insecurities. There might be other writers out there willing to explore the region of male, parental frustrations and insecurities but I'm not aware of them. It's a perspective that could use more attention to be sure. Of course, I'm older and historically the father figure is a cardboard cutout with all the generic positive qualities ascribed to him. This is a bucket of cold water splashed in the face of those old tropes. And it's a fun ride with enough pathos and insight to keep us curious. Nicely done Matt. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, Fred. I'm trying things, and having fun. Looking forward to winding down more weird roads. There's a lot of hesitance when putting things out there, but I'm getting on top of it. Like I've done with this newsletter, I need to put more stories out to improve at stories. I've realized this in my short time dabbling with music. The first song, rough. The second song, a little better. And so on. Just by doing, you learn. Grateful to have Substack and a great reader like yourself to help me in that process.
You keep writing, I'll keep reading. I can only imagine putting something of yourself out there for all to see. We all want to be loved and appreciated and not knowing if a given piece will be received positively, I think, is an unavoidable part of the process. I guess like any artist or performer, butterflies come with the territory. If I understand things right they are an integral part of the motor that energizes the performance or artistic work. I look forward to reading more of your stories and, of course, I love your rambling Friday newsletters. 🏄♂️
A very fine piece of writing, Matt, as always.
Thank you, Mike
Very entertaining. I wondered how it would turn out.