Thread by @HoarseWisperer

There was a party for the leader of my son’s drumline today. After 35 years, he’s retiring.

A week or two ago, my son told me he wanted to meet me.

I’ve said hello to him a few times
after performances but it has always seemed like a pleasantry.

1/

So, when my son was insistent that he really wanted to meet me, I kind of shrugged it off as likely that. Politeness.

Today, my son’s other parent took him to the gathering and I came at the very end just to pick up my son.

2/

Rather than leave, my son insisted I find his coach.

So, I found him in the crowd, waited until he was free and introduced myself.

He gave me a huge handshake and then pulled me away from the crowd as if to speak in private and said “You’re a single dad, aren’t you?”

3/

“I am...” I said.

“I was a single dad of three.” he said. “Your son is a great kid. He was always polite with me. When he made a mistake, he apologized. He’s smart. He works hard. Did you see his solo? He worked really hard for that.”

4/

I didn’t know what to say. I thought saying hello was just a polite overture on his part.

Then he said what may be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me as a parent.

He said the one thing that made him not want to retire was kids like my son.

5/

I was speechless.

The coach runs a very tight ship. Seems strict and tough. He’s taught a lot of kids. He’s tough to please.

And my son just adores him.

After we finished talking, I found my son and we got in the car to head home.

6/

I told him what his drumline coach had said about him.

We both got quiet. I think we were both trying to keep from getting choked up.

I know my son. He didn’t say anything. He just turned to the window and took it in. It meant the world to him.

7/

That kind of compliment from someone he respects and adores, it meant the world.

My son will remember this for a very long time. He’ll remember this coach. He’ll remember what he said.

So will I.

8/8