If tonight feels like too much, call or text 988. Someone is awake.
8The Felt Forum
A pool hall, most mornings
The Felt Forum/Themes/Hard lessons as a dad
A theme from the hall

Stories on hard lessons as a dad

Stories about what gambling takes from the people waiting at home. Sal is a father and a grandfather, and these mornings are about missed time, broken promises, and the slow work of showing up again.

4 mornings so far. Other themes:

Thinking before actingChasing lossesKnowing when to walk awaySelf-beliefHard lessons as a sonHard lessons as a dadThe quiet regularsSports betting appsDay trading
2026
On hard lessons as a dad
The Empty Folding Chair
My daughter saved me a seat in the third row. I was in the parking lot with a radio.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
On hard lessons as a dad
Table Six Homework
He did his sums under my good lamp for two winters. I never asked who was supposed to be watching him.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
On hard lessons as a dad
The Bag by the Door
She packed her own bag and waited on the step. I was an hour late, which turned out to be a whole morning.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
On being a dad
The Seat I Was Sitting In
I made every one of her games. She will tell you I missed most of them.
Sunday, August 9, 2026
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The Back Room

The door back here is always open

Some stories are heavier than others. If the game has its hooks in you, or in somebody you love, there is no shame in it and there is a way out. You do not have to be sure. You do not have to hit bottom. Curiosity is enough of a reason to make a call.

Gambling, betting, or trading: the National Problem Gambling Helpline is free and private, any hour. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (that is 1-800-697-3738), or find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
If tonight is too heavy: call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.