I love my Dad. He has always been there for me.
When I was little, he carried me on his shoulders. And when I got married, he walked me down the aisle.
He dished up ice cream sundaes and banana splits in good times, and cried hidden tears in bad.
But now that he’s past 90…
He needs to understand that when you live 2000 miles away, an unclear phone message means something. And even the lack of a message means something.
Once my Dad phoned the house and left the ominous message: Hi, Honey, it’s your Dad, call me.
Well , since my Dad never phoned me, this being the usual task assigned to my Mother, who wouldn’t assumed the worst? And So my husband dashed over to the shul where I was teaching fifth grade Sunday School students about Jewish sages. He wrangled the Principal out of her office, and followed her down the hall to my classroom to inform us all that Dad had called and that I’d better come home.
Shaking and tearful, I called him. Dad, is everything all right? Is Mom okay?
Of course, he said casually, What’s your zip code? Uncle George wants to send you something.
*sigh*
And it happened again just tonight. The phone rang, and before I recognized the number, all was quiet.
I called back as quickly as human fingers can push those stupid buttons, and left a message: Sorry I missed your call, Dad. Please call me back.
Time went by. Dad didn’t call.
Finally, as dinner was about to be served here in the NW, I tried again.
I got your call, is everything all right, Dad? I asked him when he ansered.
Oh, I dialed the wrong number, he said casually. Once again, my heart was racing for nothing.
*sigh*
What can I do? Short of scolding him like a toddler for scaring me half to death? Warning him that if he calls unnecessarily I am liable to panic…?
So I simply say once more: It’s great to hear your voice, Dad.
Who cares if my dinner is cold, if my heart is pounding frantically in my chest. My Dad is on the other end of the phone, still talking to me, still signing off with I love you, too.
But hey Kids, if I make it to 90…!
Jewniquely Myself 
Love this! Can totally relate with my dad when he was alive.
Dads are certainly something…I remember best when your Dad greeted me with, “Well, you look just like yourself.” Just perfect! Sweetness and much love to you, Joanne!
So beautiful Joan. Much love your way and wishing you a healthy, happy and fulfilling long life 💕🤗
My parents were together for 71 years 💕💕 And they too lived pretty far from me. But I used to fly over on the weekends once a month or so. My mother was so sweet. She used to tell me : Why do you spend so much money just to come for a day 😍😍
Such a blessing to have them so long, to share in their life experience and love.Wishing you sweetness and blessings, dear friend! *smiling heart*
This is so relatable. Thanks for sharing this with us.
So sweet of you to comment, thank you! Blessings and joy to you *willows in mist**smiling heart* !
Reblogged this on Campbells World and commented:
If I make it to 90
Such a sweet surprise, thank you Darling Patty! *children dancing*
Great post, Joan.
Ann Chiappetta, Author
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Thank you for reading, Darling Annie, blessings and love to you! *smiling heart*
This is sooooo beautiful. Love to be there with you and your Dad! Blessings, love and many, many, many hugs! Wish you a beautiful day! *smiling ice cream cones dancing with rainbows*
My heart overflows with delight to find you here, my Darling Krishnapria! Wishing you a beautiful dream and a morning studded with rainbows. Here we are in the midst of winter rain and chill…calling me inside home and into quiet reflection. It’s so much easier these dark, moody months. Blessings and much, much love to you, dear as we walk together*rainbows in mist**pawprints in frost**children singing*