In My Father's Steps

All of us have learned from the various people in our lives. We have matured and developed our values with the help of family, teachers, faith communities, and friends. Each chapter in this book is the story of an actual father and son, taken from interviews and written after critical reflection, a process necessary to proper anthropological methodology. The contributions were gathered from a broad base of geographical and ethnic backgrounds. The are presented here with the hope they will encourage readers to reflect upon relationships with their own fathers and sons. Such stories may even initiate healing where healing is needed, and better understanding where it may be required. Mothers and daughters could find the inner reflections of these men of interest as they reflect on their relationships with their fathers, husbands, and sons. Perhaps wives, mothers, daughters, and friends will gain new insight into the man they love.

Donald M. Tapping, author, consultant and father of three boys. Don has authored many best selling books in the area of business and professional nature. Don continues to enlighten readers with a fresh perspective given his insights and experiences. Mark J. Tapping, student, and big brother to two of his younger brothers. Mark, while a student at Notre Dame University, spent a summer interviewing and reflecting on not only his relationship with his father but the stories from the other fathers and sons that were interviewed for this book. Mark is a finance major at The University of Notre Dame and is looking forward to finding out someday what his son's story will be once he is married and with child. William J. Turner is a Roman Catholic priest and pastor who has earned doctorates in theology and cultural anthropology. He has studied the reaction of people to change in their culture, environment, and families. He continues to listen to the voices of those who ask that their experiences and history are respected.