None of those photos are my dad. They are my dad’s imaginary best friends.
I loved seeing him, just home from a match, club bag on arm and clicking sounding shoes, coming across the floor.
Not his profession, his weekend obsession. If he wasn’t in a game, as he grew frail, he and I would curl up, TV on high volume, cheering about something that I never did figure out, except when the white ball rolled on the green and into that circle.
He wasn’t into teaching. The match was his relaxation time. I just wanted to be by him. That is the memory that popped in right now. Me with a big smile.
He had a special wooden salad bowl, painted with flowers, by me, that I now have, since his death. I have his patterned pull over sweater in my closet. I have his love for me, always, in my eyes and heart. I hope he has my love for him, always, in his eyes and heart. Love has no end, does it……?
Dads, Fathers, Papas, all celebrated, some with a favorite meal, a tie, a hand print, a Popsicle stick frame, a love card, a picnic, a bike ride, a gadget, basketball game, or even an album of memories.
Dads, just writing the word and hearing DAD in my head, I see him, still tall , dark and handsome to ME. Gentle anchor. He didn’t need much.
Peace and quiet after a long, six day work week. A giggle, time together, a story about the day. Happy Father’s Day.
Natalie
Natalie Caine M.A.
Empty Nest Support Services
Life In Transition, What’s Next?
(800) 446-3310 or (818) 763-0188
Los Angeles
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