Are You My Father?

As today is father's day, I am reminded that I have been "abandoned" by my father. This event did not occur when I was a child, but more recently - a little over a year to be exact. At the age of 68, he packed his bags, kissed his only child goodbye and set out to travel the world - some would call it retirement, but I prefer to call it abandonment. Am I being dramatic? Yes.

I can't believe it's been over a year since I dropped him off at the airport with his passport in hand and a grin on his face. Although I haven't seen him since that day, we do talk weekly, so I know he's doing o.k. I feel selfish for wishing I could see him today and I know if the roles were reversed, he wouldn't be expecting me home anytime soon.

You would think that at my age, I wouldn't feel such a loss today, but I do. I miss him dearly and I know he misses me, but it makes me happy to know that after many, many years of hardwork, he is finally getting the opportunity to enjoy life and is in fact, living it to the fullest. He is my mentor, my friend, my confidant and most of all, he is my dad. I am his daughter and regardless of the physical distance we are apart, he is close to my heart and that's where it counts.

Happy Father's Day!