The day we blew up the cat: And other stories from a normal childhood

by S. Peter Lewis

“Tell me a story.” It’s one of humanity’s universal requests. And it makes perfect sense since each of our lives is simply a string of days earmarked by the circling sun and regular eight-hour naps—we each live just one long story.This is a book of fifteen heartwarming essays that are sure to make you smile and laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two. It’s a celebration of the notions that fatherhood and childhood are meant to be tightly stitched together, that a dad and his children really grow up together, and that wonder will be found everywhere if we just keep our eyes and hearts open. These are simple, peaceful, introspective stories that quietly proclaim the idea that growing up can be incredible and that amazement and inspiration can always be found in the simple elements of Everyday. The stories have been selected from among more than 200 that the author, Peter Lewis, originally published in his column, Views from the Uppermost House, in his hometown newspaper in rural Maine. The column won top journalism awards in Maine every year from 2006 to 2013, and is still going strong—Lewis is a grandfather now, so there is no end to the raw material for his storytelling. In the hands of Lewis, life’s seemingly ordinary mowing the lawn, painting a bedroom ceiling, turning around a boat trailer, sitting on a rock in the woods, standing in the middle of the road, take on a startling significance and somehow become beautifully poignant. It’s as if he really believes that everything that happens in every day can somehow be turned into wonderful.The book’s central focus is on the family, and most specifically on the relationships that a father has with his children. This is a book that will challenge fathers to see their role as not one of mere biology, not a burden to be borne grudgingly for 18 years and then discarded, but rather the greatest job they will ever a joyous calling that just keeps on going and earns dividends that are ultimately not tallied on any earthly balance sheets.Lewis does what the best storytellers he shows rather than tells. These are vivid stories that you can see and hear and touch, and in each of them you may well find yourself thinking, “Yup, that could be me.” Not always the perfect dad (or son) himself, Lewis is nonetheless able to show us that teachable moments go both ways and that great good can often be wrought from unlikely circumstances. As he once “For fifty-five years I've awakened each day as a son. And each morning for the last eleven thousand days I've climbed out from under the covers and stepped into the shoes of a father; shoes I’m not always certain I can fill. The role of son I was born to, the role of father I was called to; yet I haven’t always played either role well. I’ve often fumbled my lines, on some days I’ve forgotten them altogether, and then there are those weary times when I fear I’ve left the entire script in a bus station in Cleveland.” And while the title and the cover design might suggest silliness (and you certainly will laugh), this is a serious book about a serious being the best dad you can be. Planned as the first of a six-volume series, Lewis’s book headlining an exploding cat (which walked away unscathed, by the way) is also a call to action. A simple call perhaps best summed up by the last line in the first essay about a man driving through a sleet storm to offer moral support to his son far away at “Sometimes being a dad means just showing up.

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2014

Reviews

[Marguerite Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what fun

The deeper into this small book the more it brought back my own memories. WOW-once he grabbed me there was no turning back. He left me hungry for more

[Mygsasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book with shorts stories.
I like to read shorts stories and these are interesting because is about a normal life of a normal family.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heart-warming group of essays. As an empty nester, I could identify with many of the emotions explored!

[Christopher P. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a father of 2 young children, these stories touched my heart...

My kids are still young and I have time still to watch them grow. I pray that together with my wife and God to guide me, to raise them up to adulthood. Some days I feel I don't measure up to this commission. These are days and moments to come to Jesus in prayer.

These stories already resonate with me as a dad and I count myself among the "sappy fathers" out there. It is comforting to read these accounts and know I am not alone.

If you have ever pondered your place as a dad in your kids lives, this collection will give you perspectives you haven't considered yet. For me it builds my resolve to strive to be a God pleasing influence as a father and husband in my family.

Thank you Peter for sharing these gems with us. I look forward to the next book and more to come. Blessings to you!

[Donald L. Coldwell Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Tears

As a father of three with two more on the way, I found my self both encouraged and convicted by the stories in this book.

I pray that I can write down the times when crazy things have happened in my life as a son, husband, and father.

Upon reading the very last page my 8 year old son came down the stairs before 6am. He needed me. Tears immediately flowed as I took care of him. We then enjoyed a cup of coffee together. Shhh don't tell mommy.

Thank you Peter for preparing my heart for this very moment in time.

[David McClendon, Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has several cute stories that are funny. However, most of the stories are sweet and sometimes a little sad. Many of the stories hinge on the author’s recollections of times past and realizing all the good times and that time passes by way too fast. Remember to take advantage of the time you have with your children while they are young.

[Ande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

What a wonderful refreshing book on life and parenthood. I was reading it while waiting for my son to come home from an activity, I probably looked crazy while laughing at some parts and trying not to cry at others. Can't wait to read more.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great right up until the back-matter. A really solid and emotional view into the quiet lives of fathers and sons. A thoroughly enjoyable, even if very emotional, read.