My father and I had a very close relationship. Although he had not made a habit of telling me he loved me, I could see in his eyes that he truly did. I believe that is why when he died last year, it was really difficult for me to accept his death.
I can still remember that day as if it were yesterday. It was a cold day in October and the year of my sixteenth autumn. The cold wind blew the brightly colored leaves onto the hard pavement of the street below the restaurant where I worked on the weekends. I had received a telephone call from the hospital at approximately one o’clock, while I was working at my part-time job. A shiver of dread overcame my body.
“Is he alright? Will he make it?”, where the only things I could say. It was my father, he was sick. He and Mother had been browsing at the local shopping mall, when he suddenly collapsed onto the floor.
“He may had to be operated on.” Mother told me with a calm tone in her voice. “That is if the doctor decides he absolutely needs this operation. But I will let you know if that is the doctor’s decision.” She seemed compassionate about the situation.
“When will I be able to see him, Mother?” I asked, as my heart raced.
“I will call you when the doctor will allow you and your sister to visit. Right now, he is in the Intensive Care unit. Please don’t worry about him; he is in good hands.” Her coldness was unbearable. I wanted to see him now! It was completely unfair that I had to wait. I couldn’t believe that this was happening to him. I didn’t want my father to die-I loved him too much for him to leave!
The next day, my sister Allison and I went to the hospital to see if his condition had improved. Unfortunately, it hadn’t. Mother seemed a bit distant and distracted, as usual. I felt as thought I was helpless-as if someone you deeply cared about would be drowning and you wouldn’t be able to save them. It was the eeriest feeling one could have.
Later on that week, we checked in on him regularly, asking the doctor medical questions which concerned my father, and most importantly, visiting him. The only thing the doctors could tell us was that his condition was stable. Out of all the medical staff, whom I thought were supposed to know a thing or two about their profession, no one could tell us what was wrong with my father.
The following week was very hectic for all of us. None of us had an appetite or could sleep. Then, when Saturday came along, I felt a bit relieved; for I was going to work at the restaurant down the street from where I lived. Maybe, I thought, it will take my mind off of my father’s mysterious illness. Unfortunately, it didn’t. I found myself thinking about him all throughout my shift.
I was sitting by the telephone on my lunch break, when it rang. The loud ringing startled me, as I was deep in thought.
The news of my father’s passing distraught and devastated me, for all those precious years with him I had taken for granted. The feeling of emptiness filled my broken heart. His life could never be forgotten, because he was a special person to me. He was my father.