NON-FICTION

I Am My Father’s Daughter

Logic Wins the Day

Photo of author (on the right) with her dad and sister.

I am my father’s daughter.

This thought popped into my head the other day. Of course, I always knew I was his daughter but that day, I actually felt it. I felt like his daughter. Not “a” daughter, but his daughter. I’ve been his daughter for over 66 years. I’m his first-born. But that day was the first time I’ve had this intense, all-encompassing feeling. I am my father’s daughter.

Let me set the scene.

My mom is 94 and my dad will turn 93 in a few days. They were two days into their move to a retirement community. I had driven down to help. And now, I was trying to convince my dad of something. Exactly what that was escapes me. But, after I shared my reasoning, he said “That’s logical.” I looked him straight in the eyes “Of course it is, Dad. You know where I get that from.” That’s when I got that gut feeling and these words sprung mind “I am my father’s daughter.”

Now that I’m home and have had time to reflect, I realize I’m glad for this gift of logic from my dad. I’m also glad I didn’t get his narcissism and bigotry. I’m ashamed to admit that I get a bit jealous when friends reflect on how wonderful, kind and giving their dads are.