A Date with Daddy

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Inspired by one of Justice’s posts last week, I tried something for the first time. I asked my father out on a date.

Because my father is non-confrontational, I invited him via SMS. “Are you free Sunday? Let’s go on a date, just the two of us.” He replied, “Ok… pick u up at 645.” He picked me up last Sunday at around 7:30 pm (LATE!) but I didn’t mind. The ride to Greenbelt was a bit quiet as we grappled for things to talk about. We talked about the upcoming family gatherings and my little cousin Maxine. Typical things we talk about. He and I aren’t very close, but I know that there are things I can discuss only with him, and he with me.

We had dinner at Chili’s, his favorite restaurant. We ordered onion rings as an appetizer, he got his favorite Club Sandwich and I got pasta. It was the first time I was treating him and him alone. The whole experience was new to me and I cherished every minute of it. He is a man of few words but he did most of the talking that night. I soaked up each story he shared — the lessons he learned from work, his dreams for my sisters, his frustrations, the dreams he still wants to fulfill. I likewise shared my plans and frustrations with work and he gave me fatherly and professional advice. It was two hours of non-stop discussion. It was two hours of father-daughter bonding.

After he brought me back home, I said a little prayer for him. I also resolved to go on dates with him more often. Funny ’cause it’s only when I got married and moved away from home that we started becoming more affectionate with each other. It’s only now that I understand him so much better — especially since it’s also just now that I realize I’m growing up to be so much like him.

I guess words can only do so much to capture the magic of that evening. On the way home that night, fireworks started brightening up the sky. Turns out that Greenbelt has this Fireworks Festival of sorts during weekend nights. My Dad loves bright lights and firecrackers so it was a pretty awesome and personal way to end our date. A perfect ending it was and a wonderful beginning to hopefully, many more father-daughter dates we are yet to have.

11 Comments on A Date with Daddy

  1. mamajojogirl
    November 23, 2004 at 2:27 pm (19 years ago)

    kainggit ka naman…my dad wasn’t around anymore when i finally was earning my own money ;( sayang mababaw pa naman ang kaligayahan nun…movie at chinese restaurant lang, solb na 😉

    Reply
  2. Toni
    November 23, 2004 at 2:28 pm (19 years ago)

    mamajo: Ang cute naman! :)

    Reply
  3. jen
    November 23, 2004 at 3:33 pm (19 years ago)

    My dad and I had this weird father-daughter relationship. I wish I have the courage to ask him out, just the two of us.

    To comment on the fireworks, we see the fireworks from our living room window. Ganda. No need to go to glorietta na just to watch it. :)

    Reply
  4. Toni
    November 23, 2004 at 3:38 pm (19 years ago)

    jen: So I’m assuming you’re a Makati girl too? How cool naman! Fireworks every weekend!!! :)

    Reply
  5. Tin
    November 23, 2004 at 6:15 pm (19 years ago)

    deary, you inspire me to write my own version.. sige, i’ll work on it soon. (:

    i still owe you an email. the plan is being reviewed pa by my partner with the charity. send ko rin sa yo soon! (:

    take care!

    Reply
  6. TinTin
    November 24, 2004 at 12:41 am (19 years ago)

    (aka pinayhekmi)

    What a wonderful idea, daughter-father bonding. Hasn’t happened yet with me and my dad and I actually have to muster the guts to do it. Isn’t that sad/weird? Good for you, toni!

    Reply
  7. Sneaky
    November 24, 2004 at 3:13 am (19 years ago)

    Your story really hit home, especially since I never really got to know my father, he passed on when I was 6 years old and the last time I saw him I was 3.
    It makes me want to be able to hang around for my two boys, be able to share things with them and maybe one day hang out with them, just like you and your dad.
    Nice to come through your blog, I guess once you get to check out all of the people in AnP and Kala’s ring of influence, you get to see all the wonderful people around them.
    Cheers!

    Reply
  8. Toni
    November 24, 2004 at 9:36 am (19 years ago)

    Tin,

    I will wait patiently for your email. :)

    Reply
  9. Toni
    November 24, 2004 at 9:38 am (19 years ago)

    TinTin (aka pinayhekmi):

    Thanks sis! It’s tough to muster the guts but it’s all worth it in the end. :) Hope it works out for you soon!

    Reply
  10. Toni
    November 24, 2004 at 9:39 am (19 years ago)

    Sneaky:

    Hi! Thanks for dropping by and sharing that personal experience. I do hope that you’ll be able to fulfill that dream of yours. *hugs*

    Reply
  11. rowie
    November 29, 2004 at 12:37 pm (19 years ago)

    That’s very nice. :)

    Reply

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