Stayed

?I speak about my father a lot, but he wasn’t a perfect person; not even close. He had a beautiful heart, a beautiful spirit but just like you and I, he had his imperfections. Yeah, the old man had imperfections, but he was perfect in one way … he always showed up.

I have no children of my own, but I’ve always paid close attention to those who do, especially the men. I listen to some, not all, as they whine about child support, school clothes, Christmas gifts, this, that, and the other. I look them straight in the eyes, hearing them, but no longer listening because by that point, my mind is on my father. I think about him losing the love of his life and how when he had the chance to leave, to complain about this, that, or the other, he stayed. He stayed, he learned how to cook, he learned how to clean, he stopped hearing and began listening. He ceased in being a provider and embraced the role of father.

At last light on those days when he didn’t get it right faded, it comforted me to know that when the sun rose the next day, I could count on him to show up.

He was perfect in that way…

***

Our walk together wasn’t long, but I’ve come to realize that my mother never left me. As the days go by, as the years go by, I find small, loving pieces of her here and there at just the right time.  

Quick question. When was the last time you sat back and enjoyed an ice-cold Fresca? Not many can say they have and that’s ok. Fresca, for those of you who don’t know, is a unique soft drink that stands out on crowded shelves … calm, confident, with a quiet strength that says when you’re ready, I’m here. It looks like others, but when it meets your mouth you immediately realize it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

Fresca was my mother’s drink of choice and I can still see her sitting on our back porch calmly enjoying one, offering a sip to whichever one of her children showed up. Now I’m the one sitting on the back porch, calmly enjoying that same can of Fresca. I have no children, but every time I sit there with her favorite drink, I’ll feel a tap on my heart, look to the side and there’s my mother, calm, confident, with a quiet strength. I’ll offer her a sip and she reminds me that whenever I need her, she’s ready. This simple pleasure is a subtle yet powerful reminder that no matter the story life tells …

Her love never left me…