A Real Man...

When I first started sewing, I posted a video on YouTube.  It was just a way to show my Aunt Vivien Leigh something that I was unable to describe to her in words. 

As she lives way across the country from me, I thought that posting that video was the easiest way.

Since that time, I've had a few comments on the video.  Some very kind and positive, some complaining about the quality of the video.

It surprises me that there are people who have so little to do that they complain about video quality, especially since I explained that it was just for my aunt.

On the positive side, however, "Dianne57" posted this:

"so nice to see a guy quilting , my grandson wants to learn but was told by his peers that only sissy sew. now I can show him this. thanks"

I thought that was very nice.  I don't know who Dianne57 is, but I hope that she makes it to this page somehow.  I've been thinking about this a bit since she posted the reply and I want to list some things that I think make a real man.

These are things that I've been saving up for quite sometime.  They are in no particular order, nor do I pretend that this is an exhausted list.  As they occurred to me, I jotted them down thinking that maybe someday I'd have a use for them.  Perhaps this is it.

It takes a good boy to make a good man.

A real man has emotions and is not afraid to express them appropriately.

A real man provides for his family.

A real man honors his wife.

A real man disciplines, guides, corrects, and instructs his children.

A real man loves God.

A real man protects his family.

A real man understands and accepts authority.

A real man is honest, even when he must pay a price for his honesty.

A real man accepts consequences for his actions.

A real man is kind.

A real man is generous.

A real man is polite.

A real man is respectful.

A real man understands that the source of his abilities is his creator.

A real man picks himself up when he falls.

A real man does what is right even when it is difficult.

A real man knows that people are more important than things.

A real man will choose not to defend his "honor" especially when doing so will make others suffer or lose face.

Over the course of my life, I've violated most, if not all of these points.  I make no excuses for my lapses.  The only thing I know to do is to learn from my experiences and work to not repeat them.

I'm giving some thought to writing posts about each of these points in future posts.  Maybe I'll have a grandson someday who will grow into a fine man.  There's a pretty good chance of that since my kids are pretty wonderful.  I know that they'll make great parents.

TheCurmudgeon