This is a comment by Jonathan and Daan van den Bergh on the post “Angry Like Dad”.
Jonathan said:
“I am also a formerly angry (and depressed) son of an angry father. You were spot on about the surprising sadness (and guilt) that comes with becoming emotionally healthy. But I never tied it in with the fact that a connection is being severed with my father.
“What you said actually makes a lot of sense. It also explains why being around my dad, though I love him, still makes me feel guilty. I see him continuing to wallow in misery and I feel like I’ve abandoned him. However, he is surprisingly supportive of my own growth, and for that I am grateful. I sometimes wonder (and hope) if he isn’t getting something vicariously.
“Thank you for opening up. I really appreciated this article.”
Daan van den Bergh added:
“It’s ridiculous to ask that from a boy. Every boy looks up to his father, so how can you hold yourself in when your idol is coming home from a long day (which—thru all the excitement—seems even longer for a child) work.
“Instead your mother should’ve told your father: you should get help.”
Photo credit: Flickr / Steve Snodgrass