Don’t Make Me Stop This Car! is a collection of essays by Al Roker, a modern American father. Published in 2000, the book offers an intimate look into the joys and perils of fatherhood, including his experiences with infertility treatments, adoption, and the normal aspects of life. Roker, a famed weatherman on NBC’s Today show, shares his thoughts on parenting and life in general.
The book takes readers home to meet his wife, Deborah, and daughters, Courtney and Leila. Just like men all over the country, Al is a modern father who fantasizes about the newest sport utility vehicle, struggles with a GapKids addiction, and basks in the golden years of his life.
Roker’s memoir of parenthood is based on his experiences as the father of two girls and his own childhood as the oldest of six children. The book is a heartwarming, honest, and funny exploration of the challenges and joys of fatherhood, from infertility problems to the joys of being a father.
The book is available in audio CD format and is priced at $23 and is available for purchase on Simon and Schuster Audio. The book is in good condition, with all pages and cover intact.
In conclusion, Don’t Make Me Stop This Car! is a heartwarming and humorous memoir of fatherhood that offers insights into the challenges and joys of fatherhood.
📹 Father Goes Crazy when Song Comes On In Car
📹 Father and Son (lyrics) – Cat Stevens
My son used to amp it up with heavy metal when he took my grandson to school. He told him he needed some wakeup music. I think he woke up everyone going down the street and, in the line, going into the school too. My grandson no doubt misses it now since his dad isn’t there now. His dad was kicked out of their home because he lost his job and is a practicing alcoholic. He’s homeless now. He’s a great guy when he’s sober. You know the scene. Anyway, they are a fantastic duo playing computer games and talking high IQ stuff when they’re together. Someday they’ll be back together again.
Our children are our blessings. They come from the Greatest Source of Peace & Love that ever was, is, and will be…God help us to have patience for the times when they challenge us, and help us to Praise, Lift, and teach them the best we can, and not to pass on the pain from this world. Peace to All. May You feel God’s Love…even in the middle of painful moments of life. Positive Change IS Possible if we seek to make this world a better place for our children, ourselves, and one another.
I’m 60 years old and I lost my father when I was 16 and I still miss him every day. He was more than a father, he was like my best friend. Now being a father myself and a grandfather I’ve always tried to the kind of man my father would be proud of and to be the kind of father to my sons that he was to me.
“It’s funny to think about the things in your life that can make you cry just knowing that they existed, can then become the same thing that make you cry knowing that they’re now gone. I think those things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one.” ~ Coach Ted Lasso, from America. We’re going to miss you, Ted. ❤️💙❤️💙
I was a senior in high school when this came out. Driving around in a friend’s van, getting high and constantly fighting with my parents. This song was a refrain to my anger. Today, it just brings me to tears remembering those angst-filled times and learning that you can learn to love yourself. This was the song of a generation.
I have joined the club of losing my mom, one day before my birthday. 😢 I have listened to this masterpiece many times because it reminds me of the many times that I spoke with my dad, who has been deceased for some time now, concerning situations that were bothering me. Life can be so surreal or difficult at times. Having faith in God is always great to have someone to fall back on, but damn! life can hurt!!
I have had advanced cancer since 2018 with a couple returns (biochemical recurrence) and am now undergoing daily oral chemo. I am 68. What a journey but that is not the point. My son sent me this song a couple months ago as I am in the process of getting all of my affairs in order and this song really moved me…coming from him. I am so sincerely grateful for the relationship we now share. Despite differences and difficulties we have experienced in his younger years there is and can be such a bond between a father and son when they are now both men. How special is a father and son’s relationship! A song I sent him by Anthem lights “Father and Son” shares my most innermost soul and reflections. I love him dearly and am so proud of the man he has become. ☕️❤️💝
I said Goodbye to my Dad Yesterday. I remember he really loved Cat Stevens music; he introduced me to it when I was a kid. He was sick most of his life and survived most everything known to man. He was the boldest person I have ever met. I am inspired to live life to the fullest because of people like him.
Dear God, please bless Cat Stevens in Jesus name. John 3:16. You blessed me so many times when I stood up mostly to my mother. She wanted me to go to a private girls college in Atlanta. I wanted to go to a public engineering college in Atlanta mostly all guys at the time. I won. After college, I got a job up north. My mother said you’re going to hate it. I remember telling her, well I’m doing it. I did hate i but I learned a lot before I moved back to the South. Well, I am now old but happy. I have no idea how many times I listened to this song when I was young. Thank you.
I’ve been performing gigs for more than half my life with family almost never being a part of my life. I thought I’d play along and sing along to the son parts of this just to practice it this morning. I got to the last verse and burst into tears. Lesson learned here, I won’t be doing this one live. Knowing I had to walk away was a hard thing and it seems even at 36 I’m not emotionally ready enough to take on this song, though it means so much to me and I wish I could.
My favorite Grandfather died few days ago. Cause of heart failure. I remembered we sing together this song before. “Its hard but, its harder to ignore it.” We are always take a time for us. We are loved listening old song and jazz, while telling the old stories abt us. I can’t still believe that he is gone. I know he is happy now with my father (his son) I will always loved you Lolo Vhert. I will never ever forget you even i die someday. You’re the best Grandfather at all time for me. I am proud thay you exist, i am proud for all you have done. Kudos Grandpa i love you so much. I remembered also when we’re singing tears in heaven together. “Would you know my name if i saw you in heaven. It would be the same if i saw you in heaven.” I loveyou, mahal na mahal kita. I wish you’re happy wherever you are right now. I love you, i wish you still know me in heaven if the time comes i died. I love you you’re the best of the best Lolo Vhert. I will still chase my dream for u and for our family. I love you, you’re the best grandpa for me. I will never ever forget your advice. ~Dadoy/Denver/Baldo/Openg/Lemon
My father passed away very recently and when this song came on in the movie, I couldn’t help myself but lose control. I miss my father so much. Playing article games every night and drinking with him since I’m across the country, I’m 21 years old and to have my dad pass away suddenly and unexpectedly at 41, it he really messed me up. But this song…this song makes it easier for some reason. he used to sing me this song whenever I was home and now I know why. Love you pops 4-1-17
I lost my father 10 years ago. Im already 23 turning to 24. Now that im old enough, it hurts, to realise that, there’s a lot of things i haven’t done with him that i wanted to experience. Like, introduce him my girlfriend, asking some love advice, ride with him cause he has a motorbike and i just got mine, talk about stuffs that we both like, drink some alcohol together, talk to him about work, asking him more how to be a better person, see his grandchildren in the future… There’s a lot of things that i want to do. I can’t get over it. He’s a dedicated father. And has a lot of sense of humour. God i miss him❤️
My dear life long friend who is recently fighting pancreatic cancer for 3 months just sent this to me. He has had and having such a big struggle with his grown son. (early 20’s) teaching him all he has wanted to, to make sure that even if he lived he would have been and done all for his son. He also sent me a text today, “i’m not doing well” I have not been able to reach him yet,,,,,If the song just wasn’t enough to break me, his message surely has doubled that. In tears…..oh how I have not ever wanted this a reality. My own brother, a son too, passed 2 wks ago today.
My father died in chirstmas day last 2016. We got an argument and I don’t even have the balls to say sorry to what I’ve said to him the night before he died. I went back to my flat coz I hate want dramas and little did I know that it was his last day in this temporary world. The day after, my mother called saying that my father was having difficulties breathing which eventually results to his death due to cardiac arrest. I will forever carry this conscience deep inside me praying that my dad will forgive me for I am a terrible son. Wherever you are now dad, you will forever be missed. I am hoping that through prayers you’ll feel that I love you so much. Christmas will never be the same without you dad.
If your dad is still alive, cherish the moments man. You never know when he will not come back anymore. Trust me. When he was still here I despised him but now regrets are hunting me because even though I had moments I never said I love you nor I’m sorry in front of him. That was my biggest mistake in my life and I want to let everybody know that if you have some time talk to your loved ones and tell whatever you want to say. Regrets will hunt you if its too late.
This song reminds me of why I left. When I learned how to talk, I was ordered to listen. I love my dad and family. However, their wills to push me to do what they want drove me away. I cry each time I hear the “I have to go away” part. It doesn’t sound like a wanting to go away, but a necessity and that just breaks my heart.
I find myself looking for this song today. My father used to listen to this song alot when he was well, to remember his father well. He got a heart surgery very lately and we all hope and pray that he recovers, he’s a strong hearted man and we all expect things to turn out good. We wish this never happened, but on the brighter side it brought the family together again. It’s been years since we were that close. Love your father while you still can and my heart goes out to those who loss their father or father figure. Bless your hearts!
I first heard this song, while living in Dobbs Ferry, New York, at 15 years old and I was running away from the Dad that loved me and was trying to protect me from the many lost dreams and heartbreak of the future, I am 65 years old and I just shared this with MY little grandson who is always looking at Granny for answering the questions about why life is so hard for him and his brother with a heroin addict dad and meth addict for a mom and Granny was always there loving and guiding the children to a place of beauty and peace, fishing, hiking and riding horses, finding the beautiful through the pain and ugly 😭😭I miss MY beautiful Daddy and he was filled with wisdom I found out to late 😢❤and when I returned to North Carolina and my Dad and momma it changed the way I looked at MY elders, I have loved Cat Stevens ever since the first listen, very beautiful soul in the man
It’s not time to make a change Just relax, take it easy You’re still young, that’s your fault There’s so much you have to know Find a girl, settle down If you want you can marry Look at me, I am old, but I’m happy I was once like you are now And I know that it’s not easy To be calm when you’ve found Something going on But take your time, think a lot Think of everything you’ve got For you will still be here tomorrow But your dreams may not How can I try to explain? When I do he turns away again It’s always been the same, same old story From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen Now there’s a way And I know that I have to go away I know I have to go It’s not time to make a change Just relax, take it slowly You’re still young, that’s your fault There’s so much you have to go through Find a girl, settle down If you want you can marry Look at me, I am old, but I’m happy All the times that I’ve cried Keeping all the things I knew inside It’s hard, but it’s harder to ignore it If they were right I’d agree But it’s them they know, not me Now there’s a way And I know that I have to go away I know I have to go
“- T’Chaka: What is wrong, my son? – T’Challa: I am not ready, Baba. – T’Chaka: Have you not prepared to be king your whole life? Have you not trained and studied, been by my side? – T’Challa: That is not what I am talking about. I am not ready to be without you. – T’Chaka: A man who has not prepared his children for his own death has failed as a father. Have I ever failed you? – T’Challa: Never.” – Black panther
I’m 25, and luckly my father stills around, but, i don’t know why, just thinking about losing him makes me incredible sad. It’s one of the few things in this world that makes me this emocional. I’m so not ready. I love you dad, thanks for everything you’ve done for me, I won’t be able to give you back even a tiny fraction of it…
“Father and Son”, one of Cat Stevens’ best compositions, was initially intended as a duet for a stage musical that never materialized. A conversation, a dialogue, an argument* masterfully performed by Cat Stevens portraying distinctively both characters : the father in a deeper register, the son in a higher one. The producers of “Moulin Rouge!” wished to borrow “Father and Son” for the film, but the author denied them the opportunity. As a matter of fact, much of the plot of the movie was based on the song, so the whole script had to be rewritten. David Bowie’s “Nature Boy” was used instead. Though it seems to be autobiographical, the piece is not, for the most part, claimed Cat Stevens. In 2007, the singer-songwriter re-recorded the hit under his new name (since 1978), Yusuf Islam. No wonder “Father and Son” became so popular : the topic is fundamentally relatable, universal and timeless, isn’t it? ❤️ 🌎 ❤️ * If each concerned father could recall his own past as a son himself, MANKIND would be better off.
my father and i may never talk directly about things that bothers me when i was still growing but he has his own ways of showing me the tropes of being a man. he taught me by showing how to handle hard times and how to do things you never expect you will do. i felt that his demise isn’t the end for his lessons but just a start on how i would manifest his teachings. always remembering you dad.
I grew up without a dad. Growing older made me realize how important a dad is in a boys life. My mother gave me all the love and support but all the things a men needs to know i teached it myself. Building my character and respect for others while have a strong mind and stand up for yourself when things go wrong. Never giving up and welcome the future with hunger and joy. Stay healthy and strenghten mind and body.
Most young men have just enough information to be dangerous, yet pail in comparison to their fathers experience and knowledge. However accepting advice when you’re sure you know what’s “going on” is a tough pill to swallow for a young man and they often miss out on priceless information from their fathers. The simple fact is that no matter what a son knows, his old man has likely been there, done it, fucked it up, fixed it up and bought the t-shirt long before. I for one failed to listen to my dad at first and I reckon it cost me most of my 20s before I figured it out for myself.
To whoever reads this, remember to spend time with your loved ones before it’s too late. My father died 3 weeks ago from a heart attack while sleeping. A few hours before he died, he was asking me how to turn on Netflix and invited me to watch with him, so I taught him how to use Netflix but I got distracted with something else and he enjoyed the movie by himself and went to sleep, the next morning I woke up to find him dead on his bed, and that decision is killing me every day.
I used to listen to this song with my dad when I was a kid. He used to tell me that it would one day be me as the son who knew it was time to go away. Now I will be 25 in less than 2 months, and I have gone away, I’ve gone my own way. But I still need my dad sometimes, when I need advice or comfort. I’ve learned a lot since those days I would listen to the song with him.
I’ve never known my father. My mom and I left Australia for reasons when I was a baby. Now 16 I watch my younger sister with her father and see other girls with their dad’s and I’ve been very lucky but I can’t help feel lost in some sense. But I have my grandfather who Amonst all is one of the most important people in my life and he’s my best friend. Later in life I plan to find my real father again, but I’m happy just as I am so if for some miracle if you read this I’m happy and perfect with my family, so for now goodbye.
This is the song of me and my father, he dedicated it to me. Every time I listen to it it makes me remember all our moments and it stirs up strong emotions. when we listen to it together we sing at the top of our lungs, when I listen to it alone I often shed a tear especially when it says “you are still young that’s your fault” or “find a girl, settle down” (never) or “that I have to go away” this last line kills me. Now my father is sick and listening to this song helps me but at the same time kills me.
I feel comfortable enough reading all these comments. I’m not alone loosing my dad. I have read so many of these comments. I’m comforted. It’s been 13 years, but God. I wish it was yesterday to be with dad. Even if it was just the day before. Just one more moment. To be father and son. The last real moment with dad.
My dad and i got into a huge argument right before xmas last year. He got into an argument with my mom his wife. I said somethings to him that i know it crushed him. I tried to always be cool and calm around because we are so much alike. I havent spoken to him since, he got covid and was in the hospital and i never called him. He is such a negative person with a negative soul. I wish he changed that. I never had a really good relationship with him. I have a 4 year old son and i promise myself ill never be like my father.
Sang this at one of my favorite pubs on karaoke night, wasn’t perfect but it went on. It was A week after my father passed away and all of my emotions came out that night with friends and basically ended it with my eyes tearing up and choking up on the final verses. But… I wanted to let all the sorrow out … worth it
It hurts me to know my dad was older when he gave birth to me and now I have less time with him, he’s already 65 and I am only 20.. I can’t imagine losing him. He’s so kind I can’t live without him I love him. I’m literally crying while writing this. I need to come to peace with death for others, I’ve always found it easy to except I could die anyway but when it comes to my dad and my pets and my best friend. It hurts me more than anything ever could.
Yo no escribo inglés pero se que todos los que comentan es por algo bello que an pasado con su padre o tristeza pero solo les digo sigan adelante yo lo único que deseo es a mis padres i mi hija algún día pero se me hace difícil pero se que lo voy a lograr i daré todo de mi por mis hijos que ellos estén bien dios los cuide siempre i les digo aprovechen a sus padres en vida es lo mejor que pueden llevar
My son graduated from High School 7 years ago today, yesterday, I went to the gender reveal party for my first grandson, his son, my dad was able to go but he is transitioning away from this life and is the last family member I have left outside my kids. This song is everything I am feeling and then some. Thanks for posting it with the words.
My father left me when I was 1 year old, for my birthday. Coincidentally, I met him for the first time for my 16th birthday, but he did not want to talk to me, instead he turned his back and walked away. Living with just my mother, I really wanted to have a father, since my grandfather was my father aswell, but he passed away when I was 6. I miss him really bad to this day. Having no father really makes me sad, but the worst part, he is alive (Aged 78 now), he is almost gone, but he does not want to see me. That literally is killing me.
Im my dad’s favorite daughter .. he was so strict then ..i got pregnant at 18 … when i headed to my bf’s house after the “pamamanhikan “, he sang this song and my siblings said he was crying … it haunts me till now that scenario … after 17yrs the father of my son and i got separated for 3yrs then i came back to listen to this song again … i didnt regret anything coz i have my son with me but the mere fact that my fathee said ” you will still be here tomorrow but your dreams may not” was real
Somehow this song feels like my father is talking to me 😔 we are not that close .. i mean.. he was not a perfect father to us but i love him so much. Its just that he cheated on my mother and yeah.. maybe that was the reason i grew up being distant to him 😑 he chose my mother over that homewrecker but the damage is done.
Listening to that beautiful song in 2023. I raised my 3 sons alone, their father left and he never had a relationship with them. Now, those words, I can see myself telling them. Except that I am no father, and they will not take them as seriously because I am their mother. They’ll eventually understand, but for now, all I can do is let them make their mistakes, choices and learn from them. I love you my beautiful sons. I hope that life will be gentle with you.
Whenever suicide thoughts invade my mind. I come here to remind myself that I’m still young and this is my fault. I wish if my father was this wise to me. From a suicidal person writing this at 4 am. I don’t know if one day I’ll suicide but to society please be gentle towards men. It’s very hard for us to stay alive. At this point as a 20 years old man I have 0 reason to stay alive apart from the fact that my grandma and mom, and my dumb dad would cry for me. I wanna be old and happy! I really really really don’t wanna kill me self I wand to live but it’s hard!
What is father? I think father is the synonym of mathematics Bcz he counts money for our happiness What is father? Father is the synonym of fake smile Bcz he Don’t want to show how much pain he tolerate for us. In the end he just want to show us there is no frustration in our family. We all are happy 💔🙂
To all the people who listen to this song and cry because they didn’t have a dad, because theirs was absent or neglectful; please find solidarity here. There are many beautiful comments/tributes from sons and daughters to their fathers on this article and it’s hard for us to see. But for all the times you cried, keeping all the things you knew inside – it’s not your fault that he left. And you are certainly not alone.
I love how much music can mean something different for everyone and is exactly what it needs to be when we need it. I know I will most likely find myself pulling this back up from time to time, probably for different reasons and with different feelings behind it. I know one thing though, I need to pull myself out of this fog and make the most of the life I have right in front of me. I need to quit letting my dreams be dreams and take a stand to be better. It’s time to start taking time for myself and stop neglecting all the most important things in my life and overcome whatever hurdles might be in my way at the time. I love this song, but I know I love this life for everything that it is. Now I just have to enjoy it.
For my baby boy Redford James, seeing you born and being the first to see your little scrunched up face, you didn’t cry just to the world in your stride, your smile and positive happy nature reminds me of myself when I was a boy. I miss you everyday, every minute and every second. I might not be there all the time or enough but son you just keep on smiling. I love you Buddy. Redford James Norman my little boy, you will always be loved.
favorite song daw to ng tita ko, since nasa japan sya. Pero kasama nya na ngayon si God. Sya lang po talaga ung taong di nag sasawa tumulong sa kapwa ngayon wala na🥺😭 sya po nag papaaral saken lahat po ng gamit ko sya bumili pero wala na namahinga na po😭 ta kung san ka man ngayon we will always miss u❤️!
I woke up from a coma 6 months ago with my husband and couldn’t remember who I was or that we had a son. Tonight I remembered who he was and he’s still got a brain injury too. His father still can’t remember who anyone is. I pray they remember each other soon. They’re so alike and we’ve all been so cruel to each other while we were asleep. John. Steve. Just wake up. Please. I love you both so much. 😢
The show “This Is Us” brought me here. After only hearing a few bars I had to look it up. I never even knew what Cat Stevens looked like. I love his voice.This is such a beautiful song yet so sad…but with so much truth. I lost my daddy when I was only 14 and I am old and still miss him! 😢 I regret all the times I made him upset with my stupid rebellion…all things I never got to say. I didn’t get to tell him I loved him becuz he died suddenly. It still hurts decades later. We never appreciate our parents unfortunately until they’re gone. 💔💔
I don’t have good memories of my father. I was a little boy who was endless beating from him. But my son raised with love and devotion. He didn’t get one blow from me. I laughed at my son’s problems that my father solved violently. He’s now 6000 km away because of studies. Unfortunately, I can’t get any reactions from him. When he comes in, it’s disasters I have to solve. He doesn’t check that a father needs some affection as well. Quick it can be too late.
When you realize that the anger and fight and war with your father was time lost …. time when you could have been learning things you will never again have the opportunity to learn. BIG SIGHHHH. Miss you Dad … we didn’t always get along, and that’s putting it nicely, but in retrospect ….. the lost opportunity will haunt me for the rest of my earthly life.
One of my all time favourite songs. I don’t know how best to describe it, it makes me happy and sad at the same time, because it makes me remember all the good and bad times with my dad. He wasn’t abusive or anything it’s just I would argue with him and when he’s trying to tell me something I ignored him and I didn’t even know how that made him feel. Now that I’m older I understand and that’s what makes me sad. I don’t care if he gets angry at me, I care if I hurt him.
Such a good song. I looked up what the writer intended when he wrote this and it said that back then he meant to write about a son who wanted to go fight in the war and the father asking him to reconsider. So apparently the calm low voice is the father, the higher more desperate voice is the son. Good to know! I didn’t think it was a conversation. Lol! I thought it was one sided.
All the comments here cut so to the bone. I’m blessed with being a father, and a son. I have it all still and it scares the shit out of me losing it one day. I lost my mother when I was 9, and I count my blessings for every day that I get to spend with my father. I make sure to see him minimum 5 times a week
i was 9 when my dad put this song on his cassette player, it was 2005, we were driving to the hospital, my granpa had a heart attack, another one, maybe the last my father told me, maybe, in the future you’ll face this situations too he said…… my grandpa survived and he lived till 2018, a bad cancer, he was 91, i enjoyed a lot of time with him…. this song is dedicated to my granpa and my dad.
There’s just a time when life knocks on your door to tell you “it’s time to grow up”. You go through a series of life changing situations that break you, refine you, you learn and unlearn until you realize you’re no longer a child anymore. And truth is, parents know how hard this phase of your life is so they never wish it for their children yet to go through. This song is a son telling his father that it’s his time to grown. Subconsciously we don’t understand why we feel this way…reason why there is so much confusion and a parent simply will never be ready to see their little one detach. Something so hard for a parent to accept yet something they cannot avoid.