~RedShuz1312

While all the hugging, kissing and crying was happening, I realized that some of my neighbors had joined our group. My husband’s car-pool ride arrived. He told them what was going on and told them he would catch a ride the next morning instead. We carried the suitcases into the house, started a pot of coffee, changed a diaper, made a bottle and finally all sat down.

So much commotion and excitement, my heart was pounding and my head was spinning. But I couldn’t stop smiling. Neither could my Dad.

When we were all settled with cups of coffee, I was told the whole story.

When my friends had visited my Dad, he told them that he and my step-mom had made arrangements to visit me but they needed some help. They asked my friends to keep the secret and to help with the plans. So for more than a month, they kept the secret and only told those who really needed to know.

After many cups of coffee, we were finally back to normal. Well, normal for us anyway. My friends had offered to their spare bedroom to Dad, which was fine, they would be right across the street. Another neighbor had done some grocery shopping for all the “extras” we would need for company. I couldn’t believe this was all happening.

We talked non-stop, we all had so much to say and so much to share. My toddler had settled on Grampa’s lap and after a while he dozed off. Grampa insisted on putting him into his crib. And my five year old quickly took up the empty space on Grampa’s lap. I sat near my father and every so often, we would touch, just to reassure one another that this wasn’t a dream.

It just so happened that coming Sunday was Father’s Day. Our town was having a SummerFest and my husband had tickets for the baseball game. We certainly had plenty of activities to choose from. And of course, it was Dad’s birthday too. And we did it all.

That Friday night, the men went to the ball game. My husband, my neighbor, my dad and my son. My stepmom, neighbor and I stayed at home with my toddler and enjoyed some “girl-time”. We did some baking, drank cups of tea and just got to know one another better. It was late when the men got home, I was washing up the cups and as my little boy came through the door I asked him if he had fun. The reply “The game was fun, but what happened after was better” caused me to drop the cup, and spin around.

My brother was standing in the hallway, with his baby daughter in his arms!

Dad had arranged for my brother and his wife to fly in from New Jersey! Another round of hugs and kisses. Another crying jag for me.

Another surprise I will never forget.

We celebrated all weekend long.

We went to the SummerFest and had fun with our children. We drank gallons of coffee, we ate shortbread and ribs. We laughed and we cried. We got a sitter and went out dancing. Grampa took his grandchildren shopping and gave them rides on his back. My brother and I served our Dad breakfast in bed on Father’s Day. We took pictures and told stories. Somehow, we slept and changed diapers and fed children. Dad drew portraits of everyone, except me. He teased me about my non-Scottish accent.

My brother had to go back home on Monday morning. Dad and my step-mom stayed until Wednesday. It was the beginning of our relationship and it was a blast.

Today is June 12. Today would have been my Dad’s 79th birthday. This coming Sunday is Father’s Day.

Tonight, I will remember my Dad with a “wee dram” and a smile.

Sunday, I will remember that Sunday in 1979 again.

Love,
Cookie