un: tigerpoet

[tigerpoet]

I think by an Earth calendar, today would be Father's Day.

To the other parents who are here... do you miss your children? Even if you wouldn't want them here.

I miss mine.

Comments

cw: infant death

[tigerpoet]

My sons are still alive 70 years later, thankfully. My daughter... I can't think of anyone who's lost a newborn and wouldn't want them to have a chance to live, but this is no place for a baby.

[painalty]

Indeed, it's not.

I'm sorry you had to go through such grief.

[tigerpoet]

I appreciate the thought.

I'll be alright. Don't worry about me.

[painalty]

Can you tell me about your sons?

[tigerpoet]

Takeshi was 9 when I died. He liked to draw, and would draw pictures that I would keep with me even as I traveled, so that there was always a piece of home with me.

Noboru was 2. He was still in the stage of chewing on everything.

[painalty]

At least you know they lived long lives. Nevertheless, I know you would've wanted to witness more of it.

[tigerpoet]

I would've liked to be there for their graduations... their marriages... grandchildren...

[painalty]

All unforgettable occasions, to be sure. I was grateful to have lived long enough to see my son start his own family, even though that was marred by the reality that I passed on my profession to him.

[tigerpoet]

Maybe he wanted to make you proud?

I know I always wanted to follow in my family's footsteps as a scholar.

[painalty]

Maybe he did. Although I'm sure if he had a choice, he would've wanted to do something else with his life. Like continue to be a soldier.

[tigerpoet]

I can't speak for anyone but me, but if it were my son... I would rather they have any occupation besides soldier. Anything where they would be safe.

[painalty]

I pray each day that Henri returns home safely, not just for my sake but for his family. At least there is more honor in being a soldier than in being an executioner.

[tigerpoet]

May I pray for him as well?

[painalty]

He has been dead for a long time, but at least he lived to a good old age and never reached the level of notoriety I did as an executioner.

But prayers are always appreciated.

[tigerpoet]

I will pray that his afterlife is a gentle one, then.