Throughout the month of March, I am participating in the annual Slice of Life Story Challenge, an event hosted by the team at Two Writing Teachers. Every day in March, I will share a story and comment on the stories of other participants. Please join us in writing, sharing, reading, and commenting!
With the official approval to drive, I set out to my dermatology appointment, and I promptly took a wrong turn. I was running uncharacteristically early, so I didn't really care. The detour wouldn't add a lot of time to the trip. A beautiful day, I was sort of enjoying the independence of driving and the sun was warm through the open roof.
I'm not an old-fashioned car expert, but I couldn't not notice the antique car as it passed me. I have a soft spot for them because it was a dream of my dad's to restore a Model T in his retirement. Memories of my dad sneak up on me. My dad was a great gift giver, and I thought of him the other day when I came up with an idea for a daughter. He was also a prankster, so I think of him whenever someone pulls off a good joke on someone.
He's been on my mind as I'm recovering with a new joint. He was only a couple of years older than I am now when a bad fall followed a hip replacement followed a cancerous prostrate followed a hip replacement... it was a rough bunch of years for a man who should have had a magical and glorious retirement. His fall happened when he made a crutching mistake at the top of the stairs. You can bet I've been very careful on stairs as I navigate my knee replacement.
He'd turn 85 this year, and it's hard to believe he's been gone for almost ten years. He'd have been so excited to read Julia's post today. He'd have been so tickled to be celebrating the achievements of all nine other grandchildren. He may have even been the guy driving the antique car on Old Meadow Road this afternoon.
I'm glad I took that wrong turn. I would have missed his wave.
Your last line brought tears to my eyes, "I would have missed his wave." What a perfect nod to your father and I can so relate how the smallest things and smells can bring such strong memories of someone. I'm so grateful you shared this!
ReplyDeleteOh, those waves that come with wrong turns. There is always an adventure, and I knew this one would bring a good one when you wrote, "I was running uncharacteristically early, so I didn't really care." That is the best lead-in for the surprise!
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