Day 11

My dad likes to go on walks around our neighborhood.
He always asks if I want to come with him and I never do.
It always ends with me being angry because he tries to talk to me but says all the wrong things.
When he asked me to go on a walk with him though, I went without complaint.

"It's easier to walk away
Better off to face the facts
When love holds you up for ransom
Walk away and don't look back"

 

--Easier to Walk Away by Elton John

Day 10

I am a pretty good student but I always feel like my dad overestimates my abilities.
So today when my report card came, I let him prattle on about my future and whatever success I might achieve without telling him about the very real possibility that I might let him down.
I will always do my best but I know how disappointed he'll be when it's not good enough.

Day 9

My dad went to the doctor to see if he had strep.
This was a huge deal because he loves to remind us that he is the picture of health and has not been to a doctor since he had the mumps when he was seven.
It turned out to be just a sore throat but he's not used to being sick (I know I said in a previous post that he had a cold but a stuffy nose and headache is usually the worst he suffers and that only happens about two or three times a year)
So I refrained from making fun of him for being a baby about a sore throat.

Day 8

Today my mom and I did the weekly grocery shopping.
I got my dad the hostess cupcakes that he likes.

Day 7

My dad has been in New York for Elaine's wake and funeral.
Today, I called him and tried to treat him like a friend who needs comforting.
I offered kind words and didn't cry, despite the fact that I wasn't allowed to miss school for the funeral and was generally upset.

"Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones,
and I will try and fix you."
--Fix You by Coldplay

Day 6

My dad is an only child so our family is really close with his friends from growing up because they're the closest things to brothers he has.
I refer to them as my uncles as well.
On Saturday, Uncle Kevin lost his wife.
She had a long battle with cancer and it finally claimed her.
We've all been struggling with the loss, especially my dad.
He loved her like a sister.
So today, and for the past few days, I've been trying to comfort him and make myself available to talk if he wants to.

Rest in Peace, Elaine.

Day 5

I shared my sandwich with my dad last night.
That may seem insignificant but I never share food.

Panera Bread is my life!