When I was younger, my dad and I would stand in our backyard and watch the night sky. I would point at the shining dots and ask him what they were. He told me about the stars and the moon and of course, none of that stuck with me because I was distracted by the pretty lights.
I told him I wanted one and because my dad is a wonderful person, he humored me. He promised to go buy a ladder tall enough to reach the stars and pluck one right out of the sky for me.
When I was younger, my dad and I would drive through the city and along certain areas, I would watch oil rigs bob up and down from the car. I would point out to the giant machines, intrigued by their movement, and quickly judge that they were something you can ride.
I asked my dad if I could get on them one day and because my dad is a caring person, he humored me. He promised one day we’ll get on and I could have as much fun as I wanted.
When I was younger, my dad promised me he’d live to be 300 years old. I was convinced he was untouchable.
As a college student, I’ve been away from home for a long. I usually go back home for 2-3 weeks during the winter and the summer since it is too expensive for me to fly across the country frequently. The last time I went home and saw my mom and my brother was in August. The last time I saw my dad was in January.
I feel like my dad does not get enough credit. Growing up, he was always working to support our family. My mom liked to get involve in my schools and it drove my brother and me nuts because we had that mom who got too involved. My dad was more behind the scenes; some friends knew about my dad but very few people actually got to meet him.
This past May, I got a call from my mom saying that something had happened and my dad was in a tough situation. On top of that, he got sick. I haven’t been able to talk to my dad that much in the past 5 months but the few times he’s had the opportunity to call, I give thanks because I get to hear his voice that day. I think saying that I miss my dad would be a huge understatement. I would give a lot to be able to talk to him right now or to go see him in the next few months.
After opening up the email about being chosen to share with the Listserve, I struggled to choose what to write about but my dad kept coming to mind. I decided that I just wanted to share about him because he is somebody who deserves a lot of love and appreciation right now. This one is for my dad, the man with the contagious laugh, the man with the quick temper, the man with the most selfless heart. I love you dad and I hope I get to see you soon.
I will end this with my favorite question, quote, and a joke which are completely unrelated to above:
If you were a bug, what kind of bug would you be?
“You have to be odd to be #1.” Dr. Seuss
My dating life.
Kathy
[email protected]
Washington, DC