Comments on: “He’d Grown Up Just Like Me”

By: John S Rous

John S Rous — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:02:49 +0000

I first heard The “Cat’s In The Cradle” when I was about 5 and I remember my father and I always making time for each other and I’ve made it a priority of mine to spend time with my son who is quite like the boy in the song.

By: David Chai

David Chai — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:14:53 +0000

Don,
Thanks for reminding me [us] how we devoted our times between home front and our job in Bell Labs. I have often reflected the “battle” that the Asian Americans fought for advancement that did not come our way. We challenged the Management for our share of the higher positions, with statistics and Affirmative Action [and later the concept of diversity] arguments to no avail, with management using the pretense that we did not communicate well or that we did not have the “leadership” quality, what ever that meant! It is quite ironic that I can become the Mayor of Holmdel; but not a Dept. Head or Director of Bell Labs [although the title of Director became “cheap” under Bellcore/Telcodia].

Anyway, the unintended consequence of not being promoted in Bell Labs was the additional time that I had to devote to my family and children. I did not have much span of responsibility or have to travel much; hence I was able to “play” with my kids while they were young. Yes, They’d Grown Up Just Like Me. They are playing with their children, Just Like Me, and I am now playing with their children, Just Like Me.

By: Tim Zebo

Tim Zebo — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:48:12 +0000

Hi Don,

I’ve always liked this song so thanks for posting the lyrics. About your comment, “…the song always makes me wonder whether I had my priorities right…”…
I once heard a Tony Robbin’s video lecture in which he suggested, “All humans have 6 basic needs: certainty, variety, significance, growth, connection & contribution.” I doubt if it’s ever possible for any parent to simultaneously satisfy all of these needs either for themselves or for their children! BTW, I’d personally add two more needs to Tony’s list: health (both physical & mental) and autonomy.

Thanks again,

Tim