I guess one lives with the fear from the first day………But today it came quite unexpectedly.
Dad, I need to apply at the mall for a job….Can I be dropped off?
Sure, call me when you need picked up.
No call. Three hours later.
The door opens. Curiosity. “How did you get home?”
“I walked.” oh. “Dad can you get a light bulb?”
” I have to buy some.” Oh.
Nine minutes later my daughter walks by with her bookbag and bass guitar.
“I’m leaving.” Yeah right. but why the bass…….
Out the window she heads in the wrong direction. “Where is she going” the wife asks…..
“I’ll find out” as I open both doors. She moved fast. I needed to run a little.
She is putting her stuff in the back of a real nice pickup……..I try to memorize the license number.
What to say……..It could have devastating consequences forever if I err.
“I don’t even get a hug?” I get my arms around her……”Be careful, don’t get pregnant on me……” Silence for a moment.
“I’ll be careful”
“What about school?” “I don’t know.”
“You sure you want to do this?” arm still around her.
“It’s time for me to take some risk.” I felt her shaking.
“You don’t have to go,”
“Yes,….I do.”
“Ok, girl.” I had forgotten the license number so I rechecked.
The back window of the cab opens and a male voice calls out: “I’ll take good care of her. ”
“Who are you?” I ask.
“It’s me. ” answers her first date of three years ago.
“Sorry, it was dark, I didn’t recognize you.”
“Understandable.” he said.
Car starts: lights come on. I stare at the plate again, having forgotten all the numbers and create some type of association to help me remember.
Her last words, “Goodbye, Daddy. See you in church……”
Goodbye my love……….
4 comments
Comments feed for this article
August 19, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Shirley Vandever
Made me smile, with a bit of ironic sadness. I can only imagine the times when my parents had to set me free, full of fear and hope. Free to scrape my own knees and pick myself up.
I can only say that I appreciate, only now, the confidence they had in me. That they themselves instilled in me. Not to say I haven’t lacked common sense now and again in this journey through life; but the foundation they gave me was the best.
You should be proud. Your daughter will be fine, bass guitar and all.
August 20, 2007 at 9:43 pm
kavips
Thanks for your comment. It helped chase away a couple of shades of “doubt”, still hanging around.
She’s definitely got an independent streak…..that’s for sure. I am proud of that.
As for her bass, she didn’t take an amp…..Anyone trying to clean out their basement before fall?
August 25, 2007 at 8:20 am
jewel
I’m glad that you have confidence in her. Happy Birthday!
I Love you!
Jewel
August 25, 2007 at 8:23 am
john
“hi!” “I’m proud of daddy!”
(John Says)