Daddy Dearest,
When you get to my age, having a father like you is definately a pure luxury. Did you know when we are together, people often pull me aside and say this with great envy: "That's your Dad? Wow."
The only reply I can muster is, "Yes, that's him. That's my Dad".
What they see is the 80 something guy that climbs to the top of the 9-story Mayan ruins with me while vactioning in Central America. The guy that jumps in and out of the car as we cruise through all the garage sales (our Saturday morning ritual).
They see the grandfather that is there to see his granddaughters get married, then dance with them through the night. The one who brings home-grown something to every family event, who attends every graduation, and no matter what anyone needs, it is there, stashed in the world's best stocked garage.
Yes, Daddy dearest, you are a treasure, on so many levels, and in so many ways.
A few years ago, when we were together, my cell phone rang. I was expecting a call from my husband, who had gone to the doctor for some tests. When I answered, it was the call no wife should EVER have to hear.
"Mrs. Guilbault, this is Dr. _____________. Your husband has had a heart attack and you must come to the hospital immediately and ask for me." Click.
You had no idea what I had just heard, but you saw me burst into tears. Naturally, I fell into your arms, exactly like a 5 year old who had scraped her knee, and naturally you embraced me without hesitation, as through sobs, I repeated what the doctor had said.
Without a thought, you took control, you drove me there, you held me tight, you held me together, you dried my tears. With a little thing called a stent, husband was fine, and recovering nicely by the time we arrived. How does one get so lucky to have his heart attack right in front of the best heart surgeon in the county?
Only heaven knows.
What a luxury it is to be able to fall into your father's arms when you are hurt. No matter how old you get, it is the greatest gift in the world to TO BE THE KID.
You have someone to dry your tears. To take control when you just can't be grown up. To love you no matter how bad it gets.
Your love is my safety net. It is what enables me to go boldly into the world and take chances. It is what enables me to understand how to be that safety net to my own kids. It is why I am still the kid showing off and looking over my shoulder to see if there is approval on your face.
There always is.
Thanks, Daddy Dearest. And Happy Father's Day.
Love, Janet
Written by Janet Guilbault, Mortgage Lending Expert Based Out of the San Francisco Bay Area
Comments(9)