Even though Dad used to always say, “You’ll get over it,” whenever I had a problem, because it was easier than helping me, he was right. Most things that were problems then I am now over.
But really, headaches were a regular part of my life growing up. I tried aspirin and laying down to get rid of them but that didn’t usually help. I can see now the headaches were all about stress and lack of control and denying myself my true feelings. They were a way to control my uncontrollable world. They were my best effort to take care of myself because no one else really was.
Now, with my own kids, I take headaches quite seriously. We start with water in case they’re dehydrated, but then we talk about whatever they want, in case their lives are terrible, and I accidentally failed to notice.
To read a story from my childhood, click on the heading at the top of the page entitled, “You’ll Get Over It, Jane Ellen”. In Chapter 10, “You Could Get Electrocuted Doing That”, you can read about the thrilling afternoon on the lake that inspired one of my headaches.
My Own Personal Sky 
In case you haven’t done so already, give a listen to the excellent audio commentary on the DVD of “Finding Nemo”. The film-maker describes what inspired him to begin the movie with the dad freaking out about his son stretching his fins (so to speak).
Since I am spending lots of time resting, foot up, on the couch still, I put on “Finding Nemo”, and watched the commentary. Wow! This DVD is so rich, and I had no idea as it sat on my shelf it was such a bargain. So the gem in there that relates to my post is that of the “ironic dilema: fear can deny a good father from being one”. My dad certainly had the potential to be a good father because he was essentially a good person, and an exciting person with much to offer, but in the end he did not pull it off that well. Great things I learned from him include being responsible, working hard, being honest, love for the outdoors, helping others, and loads of other great stuff, but he failed in some highly significant ways, too. Thanks for the tip.
Jane