Stories of a Journey Toward Realness …
by Matt Dorn
I've written some short stories that I'd like to share with you. Each one tells part of the tale of my decades-long journey toward learning to becoming more authentic with others, or more “real”.
Welcome
Early in my life I somehow learned to keep my real self tucked away, only sharing with others what I thought they wanted to see. This kept others from really knowing me, and it kept me from knowing them. But then in my late thirties I experienced a year of breakthroughs. At the center of that year was a cross-country drive with my father. Across those many miles and shared experiences, we both began to open up in new ways and get to know one another at a deeper level than ever before.
That same year I also experienced some breakthroughs with God during a time of some personal hardships. It seemed that becoming more real with my Dad and others helped pave the way for my heart-awakening with God. And vice-versa – knowing God better helped me open up to those around me.
How did all this happen? How did Dad and I learn to spend real time together? And how did my relationship with God pivot to become more real as well? Well, that's what these stories are about: Two parallel journeys of discovery … one very sweet destination … Real Time with my Father.
Opening Story:
Hope for the Eight Horse
It was the last race of the night, and the unimpressive stallion entered his gate, eighth in a row of eight. He was considered a longshot by many, but he was eager to run the race nonetheless. Perhaps he was encouraged by the hope that there might just be a few out there who truly believed in him … read more
2. Oceans Apart
The sun had found the western horizon, and our home on Long Island, New York was dark and quiet. Except for the lonely but hopeful series of short and long tones that called out from our basement into the night sky … read more
3. Face to Face?
I was thirteen years old, and about to face what felt like one of the most difficult challenges of my young life … read more
4. Calling for Help
The Plectron fire-alert tones pierced our house’s late-afternoon silence. It was a call for help. After the tones, the dispatcher's voice could be heard, announcing to the firefighters the nature of the call … read more
5. New Story Coming Soon
I’ve got a few more stories in the works to finish this series. This is a placeholder where one of the next ones will go. Scroll down to read the rest, and stop back again sometime soon to read some more and continue the journey with me.
6. Song of the Rising Son
My left hand knew the chords, my right hand knew the finger-pick pattern … even though the song had gone un-sung for decades. My fingers followed well-worn paths they had learned many years earlier … read more
7. A Letter from My Father
When I was younger, handwritten letters were much more common than they are today. Some were very ordinary and matter-of-fact, while others changed your life in deep, unexpected ways … read more
8. First Tuesday with Dad
After a long day of driving, Dad and I settled into our room at the Motel 6 just outside Indianapolis. I could feel the tiring after-effects of the steak dinner we had just enjoyed together. But it was too early to sleep. So I propped up the extra pillows behind me on the bed and flipped on the TV in search of nothing in particular. But somehow I landed in the middle of something most significant … read more
9. First Tuesday with God
“Lord, how are you? What is making you glad? What is making you sad?” I had never thought to ask God such questions before. And it made no sense that I was asking him at that moment. You see, I had a desperate prayer on my heart … read more
10. Intensive Care
"Doctor, any reason I shouldn't travel up to Boston later today to help my son with an electrical project that I promised him I would help him finish?" Bob asked, worried that the answer would probably be no … read more
11. The Reservoir of Friendship
Friendship floated smoothly through the still backwaters of the Aaron River Reservoir. As the lone kayak glided along, the two friends enjoyed the ebb and flow of rich conversation and quiet togetherness – the kind that can change your life … read more
12. What are we Building?
My first fort was a doghouse. Luckily, it was a big doghouse, and I was just a small eight-year-old at the time. Isn’t it curious how a small building project can sometimes end up having a lifetime of impact? … read more
13. Restoring Broken Art
I am blessed to know the story of my good friend Bezz. It is a four-part tale, rich with drama and triumph. May I share it with you? But be forewarned -- when you hear it, you may find that it is your story, too … read more
14. A Son is Born
I was born on my birthday. My father waited with quiet joy for my arrival. He was certainly a veteran of this process, already having a large family by that time. Yet he still felt excited at the prospect of welcoming another child. … read more
15. Our Father Who Art in Heaven
"Matt, I know it's last minute, but would you make some opening comments and pray to begin our family gathering here before Dad’s funeral mass?”
"Of course," I heard myself saying. This seemed to be the only fitting response to my brother's question. But now what? … read more
16. Letter to the Editor
An email from one’s editor can cause an author’s heart to skip a beat. A weird emptiness forms instantly in your stomach. You don’t know how much they loved and how much they hated, but you know you’re about to find out … read more
17. Afterward:
The Eight Horse Runs Again
The Eight Horse rounded the final turn of yet another race, tucked toward the back of the pack as was common for him. As the dirt flew all around him, he smiled inwardly with a knowing confidence that he would somehow find his way through the crowded field … read more
Feedback? Comments?
Writing these stories has been a journey of both healing and joy for me. I hope “Real Time with My Father” has somehow blessed you as well. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings, or any other reflections you’d like to share. And if you include your email I’ll be sure to respond. Being real starts with “Hello” and goes from there.
