CATS IN THE CRADLE

 

Cats In The Cradle – Story Of Jake And His Dad

Here’s a story of how my son Jake used the song Cats In The Cradle to get more time with his dad (and create more memories).

 

Let’s chat about the Cats In The Cradle song.

Here are the lyrics:

My child arrived just the other dayHe came to the world in the usual wayBut there were planes to catch, and bills to payHe learned to walk while I was awayAnd he was talking ‘fore I knew it, and as he grewHe’d say “I’m gonna be like you, dad”“You know I’m gonna be like you”
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoonLittle boy blue and the man in the moon“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when”But we’ll get together thenYou know we’ll have a good time then
My son turned ten just the other dayHe said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let’s playCan you teach me to throw, I said-a, not todayI got a lot to do, he said, that’s okayAnd he, he walked away, but his smile never dimmedIt said, I’m gonna be like him, yeahYou know I’m gonna be like him
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoonLittle boy blue and the man in the moon“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when”But we’ll get together thenYou know we’ll have a good time then
Well, he came from college just the other daySo much like a man I just had to saySon, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?He shook his head, and they said with a smileWhat I’d really like, dad, is to borrow the car keysSee you later, can I have them please?
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoonLittle boy blue and the man in the moon“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when”But we’ll get together then, dadYou know we’ll have a good time then
I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved awayI called him up just the other dayI said, I’d like to see you if you don’t mindHe said, I’d love to, dad, if I can find the timeYou see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kids have the fluBut it’s sure nice talking to you, dadIt’s been sure nice talking to youAnd as I hung up the phone, it occurred to meHe’d grown up just like meMy boy was just like me
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoonLittle boy blue and the man in the moon“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when”But we’ll get together then, dadWe’re gonna have a good time then

CATS IN THE CRADLE

 

So my friend…are you ready for a little story from my daily life?

 

When my son was young he loved playing rugby and wrestling with his dad.

It was his favorite thing to do.

So my husband of course indulged in his wishes.

Every night they played rugby and wrestling after dinner.

 

But then there were days when my husband didn’t feel like doing either of those things.

 

He wanted instead to watch the news or whatever sport was playing on Foxtel.

In those moments when Jake would ask: “Dad, can we wrestle or play rugby now?” Rob would say “later.”

In this case later meant: I’m hoping you will immediately forget about this idea because I’m feeling tired/not in the mood for rumbling etc.

 

CATS IN THE CRADLE

Fortunately Jake had a plan for moments like this.

 

I’m not kidding…somewhere along the way during his time here on Earth (I think he was around 8 at the time) he had heard the song by Harry Chapin called Cats In The Cradle.

Whenever Rob said no he didn’t want to wrestle, Jake would play this song.

 

cats in the cradle

 

 

CATS IN THE CRADLE

I’ll admit Rob groaned whenever he heard Jake playing that song.

 

For like 30 seconds…

But then he would turn off the TV and get up and go and wrestle with Jake.

Every single time.

 

Fast forward to today and Jake is a teenager.

 

I can’t remember the last time he ever cared to wrestle or play rugby with his dad. It’s been years and years. That moment and phase in his childhood has now passed.

But I’m certain that my husband is glad he got up every time he didn’t really want to get up.

I’m confident he has zero regrets about enjoying time with his son.

It was time well spent.

Those are moments we can’t get back.

But when you embrace them they create memories you can never forget.

 

CATS IN THE CRADLE

 

 

CATS IN THE CRADLE

AFTERNOTE:

 

I asked Jake if he remembered doing this with his dad.

He said yes and says that his inspiration for playing the song Cats In The Cradle  came after watching an episode of The Goldbergs (Season 3, Episode 8 – 2015 so Jake was 9 at the time). 

In the episode Adam realizes he can manipulate his dad into buying him things by playing the song Cats In The Cradle, which sends him into tears whenever he hears it).

Now while Jake didn’t use this tearjerker to get his dad to buy him things, he did use it to buy his time, to buy his attention.

And that my friend is the most valuable resource we can be gifted with.

 

 

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