Five stories about my father

He worked late a lot. I wrote him notes to ask for textbook money, put the note on his bedroom desk and went to bed. The next morning there’d be an “OK” beside my request and the required school money under the note. This was how we communicated through most of my schooling life — through Post-its in the evenings.

*****

My first job was in the same building where he worked. We’d go to work together (with me asleep in the backseat) and go home together (with me asleep in the backseat). It made for nice bonding time (in between my snoring) until I found myself a nightlife and went home with other friends instead.

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He got a clubhouse sandwich (his favorite). I got buffalo wings (my favorite). We saw a movie after lunch, Mr. Bean (our favorite). He laughed in all the right (and wrong) places. It was a happy father-daughter date. I remember thinking that we should have more of that. We didn’t talk much, but that’s just the way we are. The quiet moments speak more than words exchanged.

*****

He drove me to the clinic to get check-ups when I was nearing my due date. Now he drives us to the pediatrician when his grandson goes for check-ups. Grandfather a.k.a. chauffeur. Then we’d all go for lunch after if the baby wasn’t crying too much from his immunization.

*****

“You know what I’m drinking, Timmy?,” he asked my then five-month-old son. The baby gurgled from his high chair. The grandfather was drinking some kind of herbal concoction. “It’s so I can have a long life! I’m drinking this for you!” The baby gazed at him, not really getting what he said the way his mother did, who was choking up invisible tears — the happy, sentimental kind.

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! I love you very much! Thank you for everything.

To all the fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day! Enjoy your special day

Hi! I'm Toni Tiu, and I've been blogging at at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.