Man Shoes by Tom Watson strikes many chords in the reader: sorrow and sympathy, laughter and joy, and most of all - if we're honest -recognition of our own shortcomings and challenges as parents.
Watson's book begins with a harrowing tale of a horrifying experience he had as a three-year-old foster child. The relating of his early life, which could bring tears to a stone, establishes the book as no Pollyanna tale.
Fortunately for Watson the last place he was settled in turned out to be a real home. And from there he received the foundation to make him the man he is today.
Watson, the father of three sons, didn't set out to write a book.
Eight years ago, when the lifelong athlete had a stroke, he decided to write journals for his boys to tell them where their dad came from, what his beliefs were and what he thought a man's role in life should be. And from there, a good friend convinced Watson to share the story with the greater community.
Married twice, his first wife died of leukemia when his second son was not yet two. Watson tells of his experiences as a husband and a father.
Some parts are hilarious, such as when he becomes exasperated when his eldest son is slow to complete the birth process and Watson extols, "Come out of there you little bugger." Another passage tells of Watson's first experience with minor hockey, again laugh-out-loud funny.
Other parts are supremely sad, but never does the book become maudlin. Watson instead is always inspiring.
He credits the love in his final foster home for turning his life around. The Watsons, folks in their 60s, took a chance on a little boy and managed to remove the wild from the child.
Tom Watson tells a tale of utmost respect, of his foster father's wisdom and of his own easing into the role of father with both his first wife, Darlene, and his present love, wife Kathy. His is a tale of faith that many hardworking men who want to be more of an influence in their families' lives can easily identify with.
The only shortcoming I think this book has is a lack of pictures. I would have loved to see photos of a young Watson, his parents, wives and kids.
However, having said that, this is a book that should be read for the reason that any good book is -it's entertaining. You won't be sorry you invested time in this tale.
