Parenting
“Aren’t you afraid, Daddy?”
“There’s nothing to fear, sweetheart.”
“But what if I fall?”
“I’ll always be there to catch you.”
As a little girl, I was fiercely determined. When I set my sights on something, I would achieve it. The freedom of riding a bike without training wheels was calling my name, so I begged my dad to teach me. He suggested I practice a bit more with the training wheels, but with my hazel eyes pleading, he couldn’t refuse. In just a few hours, I was riding unassisted, wind whipping through my hair, shouting back, “Dad, look at me!”
Fast forward a few years…
“I’m scared, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, sweetheart.”
“But what if I fall?”
“I’ll be right here to catch you.”
Every Sunday after church, it was our tradition to indulge in ice cream before heading to the skating rink. He would order a French vanilla scoop on a cake cone, while I opted for chocolate on a sugar cone. We would sit together, chatting away while savoring our sweet treats amidst the delightful aroma of our favorite shop. Skating, especially backwards, was an art my father mastered. I yearned to skate with him, but the thought of going backwards terrified me. With his patient guidance, I learned to glide confidently across the rink, hoping that one day I could say yes when Kyle asked me to skate with him.
A few years later…
“I’m scared, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, sweetheart.”
“What if I fall?”
“I’ll be there to catch you.”
On my wedding day, I stood in my ivory dress, hair and makeup perfect, hiding behind a staircase, paralyzed by fear at the thought of walking down the aisle. His comforting presence made all the difference. He held my trembling hand and assured me, “Just walk slowly, let everyone see how beautiful you are.” I didn’t carry flowers; instead, I linked one arm through his and held on tight as we walked boldly to the altar.
He was my rock through it all. He helped me cope with friendship losses and was there during heartaches, providing a shoulder to cry on when I needed it most. Even when I was older and capable, he continued to hold my hand, his warmth always feeling like home.
Fast forward again…
“I’m scared, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, sweetheart.” His voice faltered, betraying his own struggle.
I understood the truth; he couldn’t reassure me this time. He was battling cancer. Now, it was my turn to be strong, but how could I manage without him by my side?
What happens if I fall?
What if I fall?
What if I fall?
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Summary
This piece reflects on the journey of growing up with a father’s support during moments of fear and uncertainty. It highlights the bond between a father and daughter through various stages of life, from learning to ride a bike to navigating significant life events. As the narrative shifts to facing the father’s illness, it emphasizes the reversal of roles, where the daughter must now find her strength.
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