I recall hearing a story once – I think it was from the Bible – about someone who cried only twice when his father hit him.  Once was the first time when he cried because it hurt.  The second was the last time his father hit him and he cried because it didn’t – he realised his ageing father was dying.

I too recollect a similar incident.

I’d guess I’d have been around fourteen years old and my dad hit me hard across the face for something.  It was completely unwarranted and he immediately begged my forgiveness with tears in his eyes.

It was as if in that moment The Man passed between us.