Chapter 14 is titled, A Word To Dads Who Think They Blew It.
Now being that my boys are still young this doesn’t fully apply to me, but for many man this is the chapter they will start with. They will, as the author described, skim the table of contents and see this chapter and start here. Asking if there is any hope, and the author simply puts it this way:
The answer, I’m happy to say, is “Yes".” It may require some hard humility on yoru part, but I can declare with certainty that as long as you’re both alive, it’s never too late to close the gap with your son. NEVER.
Then the author shares a story about a 64 year old… SON and his 94 year old dad. How they, even at such an age, redeemed their relationships. Even as I read it tonight it brings a few tears.
The chapter closes out with a directive to not let fear hold you back and then three steps to take to mend the relationship with a son.
1. Interview Him. Ask him what he thinks about you as a dad.
2. Confess to him. Let him know where you know you have failed.
3. Bless him. This one I would think would be easier at a more advanced age than a younger one. At an advanced age you likely have some track record to bless and encourage him.
This is a great book and I would highly recommend it for any father. I will have a follow up post soon because Easter Weekend my son and I are taking a trip to Florida and I plan on implementing this book then!