Maybe there’s a slight resemblance, especially now that Tanner has been growing his hair out, but as I was watching the following video recently, I kept seeing Tanner in Tom DeLonge.
Secret Crowds — Angels & Airwaves
Tom is probably best known as the frontman for Blink-182, and if you know anything about Blink-182, you know that they were in your face irreverent and immature, as well as immensely talented.
After their breakup in 2005, and while doing a whole lot of soul searching and reflection, Tom formed another band called Angels & Airwaves. The resulting ablums, We Don’t Need To Whisper followed quickly by I-Empire, produced a slew of songs from someone you can tell is searching for something more in their life, and glimpses of someone who has much more to share with the world than the f-bombs and guitar licks he was previously known for.
When all is said and done
Will we still feel pain inside?
Will the scars go away with night?
Try to smile for the morning light
It’s like the best dream to have
Where every thing is not so bad
Every tear is so alone
Like God himself is coming home to sayI can do anything
If you want me here
And I can fix any thing
If you let me nearA Little’s Enough — Angels & Airwaves
Ever since Tanner entered our lives I’ve been anxious about my role as his father. I’ve talked many times about the ridiculously low standards for fathers, but “good enough” has never been an option for me. I want Tanner to have the best, and to be the best. Not “be the best” as in the overly competitive “I’m better than you” sense, but rather the best he can possibly be with what he’s got. Reaching his fullest potential.
So I’m watching this video and visualizing Tanner as a young adult. I can see how he has talent dripping through everything he touches, and the blessing he will be to the world no matter what he does in life. And I’m imagining him making mistakes, and learning from them. But I’m also thinking about my role, and how I need to equip him. To teach him how to fail, and to get back up and learn from his mistakes. To let him know that nothing he does will turn away my love for him.
And it’s a daunting thought. Not just my job of providing him with the necessary tools, but also to know, as his father, that he will fail and make mistakes and hurt just like I have. Nobody wants to see their children go through pain and disappointment and heartbreak, but all of those things are inevitable in life. I can only hope that the foundations of love and trust I’m laying now pay off when the time comes.
And despite all the unknown, I’m stoked to see what he has in store!
Any type of love, it will be shown
Like every single tree reach for the sky
If you’re gonna fall, I’ll let you know
That I will pick you up, Like you for I
I felt this thing, I can’t replace
Where everyone was working for this goal
Where all the children left without a trace
Only to come back, as pure as gold
To recite this allHey, oh, here I am
And here we go
Life’s waiting to beginThe Adventure — Angels & Airwaves
Filed under: Tanner
October, how I love you.
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