As a typical boy into fishing, baseball, getting dirty, playing cowboys and indians, and being outdoors, I enjoyed my experience in Y Indian Guides, an organization of fathers and sons dedicated to learning more about the Indians. We would gather at someone's house, adorn ourselves in Indian garb (at least our perception of what Indians wore), and talk about being an Indian, including making fires, arrowheads, teepees, and dancing. Lots of whoops and pretend horse riding took place and most nights ended with my Dad playing guitar and singing folk songs not always about Indians but still fun stuff.
Outside of El Paso stands an extended rock formation called Hueco Tanks. Ideal for camping, climbing, picnics, geographical study, and exploring, it was decided that a weekend at Hueco Tanks would be both fun and educational for the Y-Indian Guides. I recall the excitement as we loaded up cots, sleeping bags, food, and of course our Indian stuff for the trip. Arriving and setting up camp, we did some exploring and had several boy adventures. Following a good meal of beans and sausage, we sat around the campfire enjoying marshmallows and folk songs with my Dad leading the way in She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain and Home on the Range. We then laid down in our sleeping bags located on the cots and went to sleep while the Dads stayed up awhile discussing the amazing facts of Indians and the outdoor world (or at least that was what I thought).
Approximately 2 in the morning, I awakened abruptly. Opening my eyes I found myself staring at a humongous monster with massive eyes and fur. Frightening for sure but only for an instant. Almost immediately I heard the crack of a whip and a loud voice yelling "get out of here." Not totally sure what happened but relieved just the same, my dad ran over to me holding me tight and asking if I were okay. Soon the camp was alive as dads and sons wanted to know what happened. My father proceeded to explain that he heard a noise, glanced over and saw a Ring-tailed Cat sitting on my sleeping bag staring at me. This nocturnal animal is common in rocky areas and its curiosity brought it to our camp. Grabbing his whip and cracking it in the air near the animal, my father was prepared to do further damage. Likely the animal being frightened from the whip and the madman, quickly departed and we did not see it again.
The adults had a brief discussion and the kids were told to go back to sleep which we did. The next morning there was some talk of the exciting event but eventually we settled into the same rock climbing adventures, going home later that afternoon. Dad later told me that following the incident, he and the other dads took turns keeping vigilance over us throughout the rest of the night. Not really understanding the situation and probably thinking more about baseball practice anyway, I forgot about the event.
Forty something years later and now thinking back I am wondering several things. How did my dad know there was a problem? He was asleep but awakened for some reason. Did he hesitate at all? Was he frightened? Did he grab the whip, crack it and yell all in one motion?
I have to believe that fathers generally have a sense of protection for their family. They are always looking out for their children and want to make them safe. At the same time, they encourage independence and an adventurous spirit but always within the boundaries of wisdom and security. In a sleep state but somehow alert at the same time, my dad sensed a situation and without hesitation he grabbed the whip, wielded it, and ended the problem. I believe that had that cat reached out to me, Dad would have attacked it physically without regard for his own safety. Although none of this registered with me at the time, I now know his love for me and his family trumped all self-preservation to him.
Throughout my growing up and now that I am a father myself, and watching my children move into adulthood, I recognize the kind of love that spurs us onto action and protection. In many ways it is the same kind of love our Heavenly Father has for us. Now that my dad is gone, I miss him. But in truth, and in many ways, he is me. As a college administrator I realize that the lessons I learned from my father can be applied not just to my own family but to my profession as well. Love and Leadership is about providing a safe, secure, and creative environment that allows people to reach their potential. That is the kind of person I want to be. Thanks to my Dad for being the model for love and excellence. Sure do miss him!
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