 |
| Mandatory Reading for All Hockey Parents? |
From the first page, until the last bitter page, I felt his pain and suffering, and wanted to reach into his past and help him.
Turns out, his father, John O'Sullivan, was one of those nut bar parents that you see yelling at their kid in your local hockey arena. His father would constantly push for more--even when his son delivered award and achievement after award and achievement. John O'Sullivan was never happy with his son...Always abusive and demeaning.
In his telling of events, Patrick O'Sullivan holds nothing back. He details his depression, fears and insecurities. His honesty and openness is to be commended. I don't know many men who could share this type of story, and for this offering, he must be thanked.
His father stole his freedom to enjoy his childhood. There is no question that this abuse isolated him from his peers, and although he was a great player, it's hard to imagine all of the fun, and enjoyment he missed because he wasn't allowed to play or associate with players of his own age. I watch my son joke around and enjoy the company of his fellow team mates, and I cannot imagine depriving him of this youthful joy.
 |
| He Made it to the Show... But at What Cost? |
Patrick does revisit his childhood coaches to find out if they were complicit in the abuse by turning blind eyes to obvious ongoing neglect and crime.
While it was well written, it was such a hard read. It haunts me every day, especially when I am at the arena or at tournaments with my kids. I look at parents differently, and I have changed my approach to watching the game.
If one good thing comes from O'Sullivan's life history, I believe it is that he has made others more aware that there are parents that go way beyond normal encouragement of their children, and we must take action when we witness possible imbalances, and abuse. Having read this book, I know that I will not stand by if I suspect abuse on the part of parents.
I wish O'Sullivan peace in his future, and I hope that he is surrounded by loving people who care about him, with or without (hockey) success.
If I could speak with O'Sullivan I would thank him for sharing his experiences, and I would encourage him to continue working on his journey. I would wish him very blessing in his efforts as a kind and gentle father to his children.
P.S. Jan 20, 2016: I wrote a quick note of Thanks to Patrick c/o Harper Collins Canada. Wishing him much happiness with his new and loving family.
While it was well written, it was such a hard read. It haunts me every day, especially when I am at the arena or at tournaments with my kids. I look at parents differently, and I have changed my approach to watching the game.
If one good thing comes from O'Sullivan's life history, I believe it is that he has made others more aware that there are parents that go way beyond normal encouragement of their children, and we must take action when we witness possible imbalances, and abuse. Having read this book, I know that I will not stand by if I suspect abuse on the part of parents.
 |
| PO: Wishing You Only Happiness in Your Future! |
If I could speak with O'Sullivan I would thank him for sharing his experiences, and I would encourage him to continue working on his journey. I would wish him very blessing in his efforts as a kind and gentle father to his children.
P.S. Jan 20, 2016: I wrote a quick note of Thanks to Patrick c/o Harper Collins Canada. Wishing him much happiness with his new and loving family.
No comments:
Post a Comment
What do you have to say? Please share your thoughts: