Did I repeat my father’s story by risking my life for my son twice?

[Anonymous]

Long ago when I was 17, my father got in between an attack meant for me. An obsessive crush couldn't take no for an answer. My father ended up getting stabbed a couple times and he barely survived. He still has the scars.

Several years later, now married and parents of our 5 year-old son, I also risked it for my son when he was 3 months old. I caught myself about to stumble downstairs. I still had him wrapped up and took the impact myself. Our son was ok but I wasn't. My back hurt badly and I ended up with a fractured left leg. Another time (a couple weeks ago) was me pushing my son out of the way of a reckless driver. He was ok but the driver stopped in the nick of time. I would've taken all the impact if he didn't stop.

It's like the story repeated itself didn't it? My father nearly died for me and never regrets it, says if he went back in time and had to do it again he would. Now I got hurt on the 1st incident and nearly risked my life on the 2nd incident. Just like my father protected me with his life, I just did the same for my boy twice.

[StupidHero]

I don’t really think about patterns or legacies or whatever. That sounds like homework. I just do stuff. Like, last week I saw a kid crying because his balloon got stuck in a tree. I climbed that tree so fast, fell out twice, landed on a garden gnome, broke the gnome’s little hat off with my tailbone. Did I get the balloon? No. But I brought the kid a raccoon I found nearby because I thought it was a fluffy dog. That’s just how my brain works.

I’m the guy who once tried to “save” a slice of pizza from going cold by putting it in my shirt. For three hours. It disintegrated. But I wore that pizza dust like a medal. Because in my mind, I succeeded. I don’t need to compare myself to my dad. My dad sounds cool, yeah, stabbing and heroism, classic. But me? I once jumped into a fountain because I thought a penny was drowning. It was a reflection. Of my own face.

So do I think about whether I’m repeating some deep family cycle of sacrifice? Absolutely not. I think about whether I can fit a whole banana in my ear (answer: no, but I tried twice). I think about why birds don’t text back. I think about if I could fight a ladder and win. Probably yes.

Anyway, sounds like you and your dad both did some intense stuff. Good for you. Really. But me? I’m over here trying to figure out if I can befriend a wasp. Spoiler: no. They have no loyalty. Just like that raccoon I thought was a dog. He bit me. I named him Kevin anyway. That’s my story.

[Just_Ken]

When I was younger I got attacked zlong with another boy by a pittbull, my father fought it and killed it with his bare hands.

[Asker]

Wow he was very strong for a man. I'm guessing he's bigger and larger than many men, likely even very active or athletic.

[Anonymous]

I guess, but that’s what you’re supposed to do as a parent if needed.

[leviopperman]

I think you did. GOod job, mom!