When
the good Lord was creating fathers, he started with a
tall frame.
A female angel nearby said: "What kind of
father is that? If you're going to make children so close
to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He
won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling,
tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a
child without a lot of stooping."
God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him
child-size, who would children have to look up to?"
And when God made a father's hands, they were large
and sinewy.
The angel shook her head sadly and said: "Do you
know what you're doing? Large hands are clumsy.
They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber
bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters
caused by baseball bats."
God smiled and said: "I know, but they're large
enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his
pockets at the end of a day, yet small enough to
cup a child's face."
And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders.
God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet
anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself
no longer. "That's not fair. Do you
honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of
bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or
walk through a small birthday party without crushing at
least three of the guests?"
God smiled and said: "They'll work.
You'll see. They'll support a child who wants
to 'ride a horse to Banbury Cross,' or scare
off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that
will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughtout the night, giving the father
few words, but a firm, authoritative voice; eyes
that saw everything, but remained calm and
tolerant.
Finally, almost as an afterthought, he added tears.
Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now,
are you satisfied that he can love as much as a
mother?"
The angel shutteth up.
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