LETTER FOR MY FATHER

Dear Dad :

                     First of all i would like  to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY .thanks for being a good Dad.I always knew that your best “dad” moments . It was there that you were completely in your element.  You knew the entire routine for opening the cabin; you knew exactly where to find the right tool for hanging the hammock; you were completely confident teaching me to drive the motorcycle. Remember when you taught me.  I remember what you didn’t do.  You didn’t get frustrated.  You didn’t yell.  You didn’t lose your patience.  Over and over I would yell, “Hit it!” and you would speed up motor.  Over and over I would struggle to stand, and then collapse in the St.Antony street .  Over and over you would swing the motor in dragging the ski rope to me so I could try again.  And every time you would smile, offer yet another bit of advice, and patiently wait while I squeezed my feet into the skis.  “Keep your arms straight.  Sit back on the skis.  Let the motor  pull you up.”  And when I finally succeeded, finally stood upright, , you told me you were proud.  And you hugged me, soaking wet hair and swimsuit and life jacket and all.

                    At home I think you were less certain in your dad role.  There were three of us girls, after all, plus Mom, and you were the only guy.  And you didn’t want to be the kind of authoritative, demanding dad to us that your father had been to you.  So you watched.  You watched Mom, because you trusted her parenting instincts.  You watched us, waiting to see what we needed.  And you watched yourself, careful not to make the same mistakes your parents made.  And you learned.You learned that we were sensitive, easily moved to tears.  And although our tears made you uncomfortable, you hugged us.  You learned that we were so sensitive, you could communicate disappointment with your eyes, and we would be shamed.  You learned that we were so sensitive, you could communicate love with your eyes, and we would be empowered.  You learned that more than anything, we wanted to please you...

Your loving daughter :

Michelle