Fatherhood and the Boss

It's funny, the things that make us proud.

I'm driving with my two boys – 9 and 4 - Springsteen playing. I’ve been not-so-subtly trying to get their musical tastes lined up with my own – partly because I think it’s good for them, and also because frankly, it’s just easier for me.

Well, on this particular morning, I notice they’re not only not resisting it, they're actually now singing along. Each closing in on their own favorite songs, favorite lines. The nine-year-old chimes in on "Rosalita" and "Glory Days", whereas the little guy finds "Born To Run" resonates with him. And let me tell you something; until you’ve heard a 4 year-old belt out, "This town rips the bones from your back, it’s a death trap..." you have not been entertained.

Sometimes they can't quite make out the words and they turn to me.

"What's he say after 'blinded by the light? 'Wrapped up like a... what?"

"Um, I actually don’t know. It’s been 30 years, and I still can't make it out."

And then we skip to "Hungry Heart" because who doesn’t like saying they, "Got a wife and kid in Baltimore, Jack"?

Then, apropos of nothing, yesterday, someone in the house made a tediously uninteresting announcement - like, "I’m going to go to the bathroom, now." And my son, who has never actually seen the movie "Arthur" but has heard me frequently quote it responded with a pretty darn good John Gielgud delivery for, "I'll alert the media."

I will say this: Nothing before or since has made me prouder. I’m sure there are plenty more accomplishments to come -- graduations, academic achievements, creative enterprises, happy marriages -– but for now -– personally, I couldn't ask for anything more than boys who know Dudley Moore movies and can quote the Boss.

Happy Father’s Day one and all.