Have you ever watched a suspense movie — one of those twisty, emotional rollercoasters — again, but this time with someone you love?
You know the plot. You’ve felt the highs, the shocks, the heartbreaks. But now, you’re just sitting next to them — holding back, keeping quiet — watching them go through every twist for the first time.
You want to yell, “Watch this part!”
You want to prepare them for the heartbreak that’s about to come.
You want to tell them, “Don’t fall for this character. He’s not who you think he is.”
But you don’t.
You hold back.
Because the real joy is in watching them experience it.
The wide eyes. The gasps. The tears. The laughter.
The joy of watching someone else feel — is far greater than the joy of feeling it first.
This, my friend, is what being a father feels like.
You’ve lived the movie of life once already. You’ve gone through the awkward chapters, the heroic highs, the crushing lows. And now, as a father, you’re watching it all over again — but this time, through your child’s eyes.
You don’t stop your child from trying.
Even when you know the outcome.
Even when you’re sure it’s going to hurt.
Even when you can see that heartbreak waiting just around the corner.
Instead, you stay close.
Just close enough to catch them when they fall.
Just far enough to let them think they’re flying on their own.
You cheer loudly when they succeed — as if it was unexpected.
And when things go wrong, you sit beside them quietly, gently saying, “It’s okay,” even though you knew all along.
That’s what being a father is — not a director, but a silent co-viewer. Not changing the script, but holding the popcorn and watching them write their own version.
And here’s the tricky part: what worked for you, may not work for them.
Your life lessons were written in an era that’s slowly fading from relevance. Your heartbreaks, your triumphs — they were real, yes. But they were yours. And this is their version of life. Their stage. Their screenplay.
Sometimes, the outcome will surprise even you.
So let it.
Because this isn’t about control.
It’s about presence.
It’s about patience.
It’s about learning to walk beside them — not ahead of them.
You’re not the narrator of their story.
You’re the silent guardian — watching, waiting, and quietly guiding.
So yes, you may have seen this movie before.
But watching it through your child’s eyes?
That’s a whole new kind of magic!
Trust the process.
And wait for that magical moment… when they look up, eyes shining, and whisper, “Dad, did you see that?”
“Yes”
Yes, you did.
And you wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Happy Father’s Day.
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