The Sons of our Fathers

Day 57. 

We all have fathers who had fathers who had fathers. We all have childhoods. Lives. Doubt. We all change. I suspect we’re not as different as we tend to believe. 

I was really touched by this photo essay from North Carolina based photographer Mike Belleme, portraying his own dad. It made me think of my dad. And his dad. And his dad. As Mike puts it:

I’m more proud of my dad now than ever after hearing all that he’s been through to try to be a better dad and husband and overcome a rough childhood and centuries of tradition.

My dad was never a perfect dad, but I can promise that neither am I. Having kids myself helps me see him in a different light, as well as those who came before him. We’ve come a long way, dad. I’m grateful. Grateful and proud. 

We are WNC: John Belleme from Carolina Public Press on Vimeo.
(Photo: Mike Belleme. Check out his blog for more great stories.)