“I’m scared, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to worry about, sweetie.”
“But what if I fall?”
“I’ll be there. You won’t fall.”
As a determined kid, I was always ready to tackle new challenges. One of my biggest goals was to ride my bike without those pesky training wheels. The allure of freedom beckoned, so I pleaded with my dad to teach me. After some charming puppy eyes, he relented. Within hours, I was zooming down the street solo, my hair flying behind me as I shouted, “Dad, look! I’m doing it!”
Fast forward a few years…
“I’m scared, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to worry about, sweetie.”
“But what if I fall?”
“I’ll be there. You won’t fall.”
Every Sunday after church, we had a little tradition: ice cream before skating. He’d always go for French vanilla on a cake cone while I savored chocolate on a sugar cone. As we enjoyed our treats, the sweet smell of our favorite ice cream shop filled the air. It was time to skate! My dad had skills; he could glide backward and spin like a pro. I wanted to join in on the fun but was terrified of skating backward. He patiently showed me how, and soon enough, I was gliding around the rink, feeling like a superstar—ready to say yes when a boy named Kyle invited me to skate with him.
A few years later…
“I’m scared, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to worry about, sweetie.”
“But what if I fall?”
“I’ll be there. You won’t fall.”
On my wedding day, clad in an ivory dress and feeling like a princess, I found myself hiding behind a staircase, nerves getting the best of me. His presence was my anchor. Holding my trembling hand, he reassured me, “Just take it slow; let everyone see how stunning you are.” I didn’t want flowers; I wanted to hold on to him. With one arm linked through his, we walked proudly down the aisle. He even reminded me to slow down a couple of times—fathers really do know best.
Through heartbreaks, loss, and all the ups and downs of life, he was my rock. Even when I thought I was too old for it, he held my hand crossing streets and navigating through life. His hands, though not huge, were strong and warm, always feeling like home.
But now…
“I’m scared, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, sweetie.” I could hear the strain in his voice.
Sadly, I know better. This time, I need to be the strong one. My heart sinks; he has cancer. My fears loom large. How do I reach out when I can’t feel his reassuring grip? What if I fall? What if I fall?
Life can be unpredictable, just like our journey to parenthood. If you’re exploring your own path, check out Make a Mom for incredible resources on your fertility journey. And if you ever need support regarding female infertility, this resource is excellent to help you navigate those challenging times.
In these moments of uncertainty, we often reflect on our past, the people who have shaped us, and those we lean on when times get tough. Just remember, it’s okay to be scared and to reach out for help. We’re all in this together, and sometimes, we just need a little push—or a hand to hold.
Summary:
This piece shares a heartfelt journey of a daughter growing up with her father’s unwavering support, from learning to ride a bike to navigating life’s challenges. As she faces her father’s illness, she grapples with fear and the weight of becoming the strong one in their relationship. The article encourages readers to seek support during tough times.