The Backup Dad's Club

Two articles appeared in magazines last week with the same subject. Author Bruce Feiler discovered that he had cancer and he enlisted some of his friends to be father figures for his twins.

He thought that they should have a back-up group who would always have their backs. His pitch to his six friends was: "These are the men who know me best. The men who share my values. Men who know my voice. Will you help me be their dad?"

Magazines such as Time (May 17, 2010) and People (May 24, 2010) thought that the subject was so unique that they devoted ink and space to the concept. Feiler called it The Council of Dads.

Most of us have our own concentric circles who are affected by our views and their love for us. But sometimes, we are stymied from moving forward because these people within the arc ofw circumference have stood firmly for us without flinching or changing positions. They carry in their bodies the shrapnel of our battle. One move and it will hit their heart or their friendship with us. They have long ago given up trying to walk and talk both sides. They chose and they have chosen to stay chosen.

I would lose two members of my Backup Fan Club if I tried to make any kind of peace. They have met my enemies and they are now theirs!