Darragh Fleming

My dad could beat up your dad without lifting a hand.

He'd just talk with reason, make your dad understand that while the right way isn't always easy, we can do without all this chest beating.

My dad taught me how to be good just by being himself.

There's a moment between us and our emotions, he said, where we get to decide what happens next.

Talking to an eight-year-old about all of this before the world learned the term mental health.

And he hasn't always been well.

In fact, he never has.

Man's been through hell.

But he still gets up every morning, light pours in, rubs a dog he pretends he doesn't adore and just goes about his day.

Because in spite of pain, he knows he's blessed in many ways.

And yeah, there's times when he's less than okay.

Resolve wavers under the strain of it all, but he still stands tall, still has a joke on his lips, knows he's not perfect, but fuck it, who is?

Heroic and silent.

Fair families are playing dads with a pilot.

Sticks to his guns, couldn't give a fuck if you like it.

And even when it's hard, my dad's always smiling.

So yeah, my dad could beat your dad up.

But he never would.

Instead he'd boil the kettle and offer him a cup.

Welcome back to the Lower Down Experience podcast where each week I bring you insightful and inspiring guests that will open your mind and empower your life.