Come Home, Dad
Oil on Canvas – Parsons, 2025
Rez Life Series
When I was a boy, my dad would disappear for days—drinking, whoring, doing whatever he needed to forget the weight of his own world. He left my mom alone with four young sons and a beat-up car that barely held us.
Eventually, when the silence stretched too long and the pain turned sharp, Mom would bundle us up and drive from bar to bar across the reservation, searching for that battered blue truck. We knew the routine. We knew the roads. We knew the shame.
And when we finally spotted his truck outside some smoke-choked dive, she’d send me in—me, just a small innocent child. I’d push open the door, past the neon hum and stale beer stink, and find him hunched over a bottle or wrapped around some other life. I didn’t yell. I didn’t cry. I just did what Mom told me.
“Come home, Dad.”
That’s all I’d say.
This painting is that moment—burned into memory. A boy in the doorway. A mother watching from the dark. A father caught between the bottle and the blood of his own son. It’s not a portrait. It’s a scar.
Comments
Thank you Sandy!
Very important for you to express your emotions and feelings here in your art. I also am sorry for this memory- but now you can find healing and restoration in so many healthy ways! Sending hugs.
Much appreciated Steph!
Great paining, rough story.
Have you thought about doing an exhibition of this series? I'm sure youd have no problem finding spaces that are interested in hosting you, if that is something you'd like to do.
So sad Bob. It's awful what some people are born into, I hope life treats you good now. Great idea from Felix. Some people write a book, you express yourself by medium of paint and you do it so well. You could combine the two.
@felix and @landscsper. Check out my book called Rez Runners by Robert Parsons on Amazon.
Incredible scene, story and painting, it's heartbreaking!
Thanks Joha. I was pretty emotional remembering how it felt to reach up and touch my Dad’s arm. I was scared.
I hit the nail on the head didn't I Bob! Well done for getting it out there. I too have been writing an earthy account of my existence on this planet although I can't see it being of interest to anyone outside of my small circle.
You’d be surprised. It’s important to document our journeys.
Good morning my friend . Hard story and also sad what life has in store for everyone. Very well captured the mood of the moment Bob.👍🏼🇩🇪🔪I hope you're doing well
Powerful work, Bob!
very powerful, thank you for sharing your story
Thanks Dirk!
Thanks Dirk!
Thanks John!
Thanks Jessie!
Healing through painting. it is amazing what one can do when we just let the brush and our minds/memories (happy or sad) are set to canvas. A picture is worth a thousand words and this one tells the story. Peace to you my friend!
Thanks John
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Very expressive and so sorry for your childhood!