My daughter, Kari, left yesterday to begin her Spring semester at WVU. I was a mess. Every time she leaves it hurts… to the core. It scares the hell out of me too, after what happened to Ryan. I never again want to say goodbye to someone I love beyond measure and it be forever.
The second she walked out the door I broke down. I closed all the blinds and turned off the lights. It was my way of cutting off the outside world. Then, a few minutes later I hear the door open. I didn’t look up because I know it is Kari. Everything she does seems to be an adventure (one of the many things I love about her). This was no different. I quickly wiped my eyes and gathered myself together. Good. She didn’t catch me blubbering.
The first thing she says is, “Daddy, don’t be upset with me”. You know what immediately popped into my head? I thought she was about to tell me she backed into the new van Koons Automotive donated to Ryan. I was actually happy to hear that she simply locked the keys in the car. No big deal… so I thought.
I was wrong.
We simply couldn’t find the spare key, which by the way, I’m guessing she lost sometime in the past three years. After searching all the places it might be and trying to slip the door lock with a wire hanger there was no other option than give up. We have roadside/emergency service through a company like AAA, so I put in a service call. It was, actually, the first time I did this from an app on my phone and it worked well. The service was in our driveway just fifteen minutes later.
The story doesn’t end — or begin — here. Let me take you back to the evening of Christmas Eve when Kari gave me my gift. It was a writing tablet that uses a magnetic pen/stylus. It’s like an adult version of the Magna-Doodle. She got this for me because I was the object of playful ridicule from my wife for jotting my personal reminders/thoughts/inspirations (i.e., nothing EVER related to the lawsuit I filed against Austin Vantrease, Jonathan May, and the other) on small pieces from bulk paper towels then tossing them into the trash. I suppose she does have a point. I’ll give her that, but in my defense, money is always a concern and I found this cost effective. At the risk of further ridicule, here is a real example:
I immediately fell in love with the gift. I love anything my daughter gives me — the macaroni necklace that she made when young and insisted I wear to work (and did… all day) not excluded — because she cares about me. It’s a plus when it has practical value.
Before I continue with today’s story, just one comment on the Necklace Episode. I was initially hesitant to wear into work because I thought it would be unprofessional, and I suppose it was. Turns out, the co-workers thought it was wonderful. Especially the women; they loved that I would do this for my daughter. I was a hit! You see, even a four-year old daughter can know what’s right for her dad. By mid-morning I was making it a point to parade around the office for one reason or another. I had that necklace on display! It was no longer under my tie. It replaced my tie! I even wore it, minus my tie, into a high-powered meeting with a client (who loved it too)!
Never under-estimate the power of pasta!
Okay, now I can fast-forward and bring you to this morning. I opened the notepad to write something down, that I now can’t remember. I was thrown for a loop. In a good way. The photo I’m about to show you (below) speaks for itself. The pain of her leaving yesterday resurfaced in a big way. There’s nothing that I can really write here that can communicate my emotion so I’ll leave with just one comment.
Kari, I’m not upset with you. I miss you.
Daughter’s make a dad better at it.
yup that one def. brought me to tears.my dad still cries everytime i leave him, and of course i cry too, still here and still praying!
Aww. Beautiful.
I love the gadget too. But if it were me, her message would have made it useless. I wouldnt have been able to bring myself to erase it to use it. LOL.
Beautiful story from the heart!!
xoxoxoxo
We should have made pasta necklaces with the pasta at Chandler Cafeteria back in college. As I recall, it was already hard enough that it was served “ready to wear”.
Boy, is that true. Starch-on-a-Stick.
Great story, Ken. Mine are 12, 9 and 7. I still think of them when they were 3 or 4 years old and the things they did then.
Great memories like that make for a full life.
oh geez…..you guys. Where’s the kleenex!!!
What a nice memory, Ken. You evoke memories from my own life that are much like yours. Thank you! I remember those macaroni necklaces well! When our boys were this age, in the olden days LOL, they had to first paint the macaroni with tempera paints and let them dry before stringing. I saved one of them and hung it on the pantry door until one day I noticed tiny moths flying around it — The End. I still have one made with big wooden beads that our granddaughter made about 14 years ago when she was one. She still loves beading. Keep remembering the good times, Ken, for they lift our spirit when nothing else can. Much love and many prayers.
Sweet Daughter!
Why couldn’t they have just stayed 4?
Daddy’s girls know these things 🙂 so sweet!
Hi Ken, when I see the relationships of some parents and kids, I realize how very fortunate we are. A parent could do everything for their child and still not receive the love we as parents cherish. Whatever you may be lacking materially, you are rich in love. In this way we are enormously blessed. And the fact that Kari understands what an exceptional Dad you are is the icing on the cake. You married a woman with a beautiful heart, and together you raised two children with beautiful hearts. You done good <3
Hugs, love, prayers continuing….Paula
This post made.my.day.
I’m a blubbering idiot right now, and I’m better for it. Thank you Kari, for being the beautiful, tender-hearted young lady that you are. And Ken, thank you for posting this for all of us. I think you are ALL lucky to have each other!!!!
Love,
carla
YOU ARE THE BEST! Kari & Ryan are VERY Lucky to have such a devoted, caring and understanding DAD. Happy Father’s Day (early).
Ken, What a wonderful heartwarming story. It just made my morning. Continuing to pray for Ryan and think about you all often. Matthew is doing OK right now. He’s still in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond and will be until he’s 21. He’s 19 next month. He got his brain injury when he was 10 years old. Love him so much. I’m his aunt.
Ya learn soteihmng new everyday. It’s true I guess!