Piece image

A Better Father

From: Viki Merrick
Length: 00:06:22

reflections on being a father Read the full description.
To hear the full audio, sign up for a free PRX account or log in.

More from Viki Merrick

Piece image

Doc Merrick (00:03:35)
From: Viki Merrick

a father-daughter coming of age story
Piece image

The Absolute Worst Thing (00:04:38)
From: Viki Merrick

1st person essay from Seth Carey about living with ALS.

Piece Description

Dave Masch of Cataumet MA talks with Viki Merrick about learning from his father's mistakes and omissions.

2 Comments Atom Feed

Caption: PRX default User image

Review of A Better Father

I first heard this on WCAI, on or near Father's Day 2005. It had a strong impact on me and it often came to mind since then; and I wished I could hear it again. I'm pleased to have found it on PRX and appreciate having it accessible. Sorry that I am not capable of analyzing the aspects of the piece that made it so appealing, but I still want to express my feelings about it.

User image

Review of A Better Father

This is not your heartwarming sentimental Father's Day piece. In fact, this riveting monologue by the gravelly voiced Dave Masch is gut-wrenching and hits you right where it hurts. Who couldn't relate to the pain of a parent making mistakes with their child? The generational lessons and losses in this short and riveting piece are immense. It should be played for every father and teenage son possible. While this is slated for Father's Day, I think it would be appropriate for any special show about parenting and generational relationships. Beware though, the story about the death of the rabbits is not geared for younger listeners at all. I think it would take some finessing by stations to make this work in a larger context. But it would be well worth it.

Broadcast History

NPR WESUN June 2004