What is it about men who don't use the L-word. Who claim to feel it; who claim to employ it when needed. Who believe in its power but won't say it out loud? I don't remember my dad saying it to me. He might have in all fairness, but he's been gone for 57 years so I might be a bit spare on the details. But I don't remember it. Men of his generation had strange ideas about affection. Okay to express it to their wives behind closed doors - on Saturday nights with the lights off. Okay to share a look with someone (mostly a wife again) that provides a glimpse of it hiding deep inside, but don't let the kids see it - God forbid it'll mess with the discipline and male hierarchy and all that.

Man that was annoying. Looking up to one's Dad and thinking - Hello, it's me your son, remember me? Just checking to see if you noticed.

Loved your piece, Thom!