HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
The summer after 6th grade, my Dad and I. It was the first time I’d traveled just with him, not the whole family. We visited his aunt Marie in Maryland and he showed me around New York City and where he grew up. But that’s not what I cherish most about this memory. During our trip, I got my period, which had just started a few months earlier. Being a ‘tween and having to talk to my dad about lady things? Yep. Awkward? Totally. Seriously, at that age, I could barely talk to my Mom about it. But, something had to be said so I summoned up all my courage and told him. And, he was unbelievably cool. He wanted to know what supplies I needed and went out right away to get them. Brought everything back and handed over the package. And somehow didn’t make it weird. We continued the rest of our trip as scheduled, visiting the Smithsonian and seeing the Rockettes at Radio City, but I will never forget how he was there for me.
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He wasn't the easiest person to get along with, kind of ornery on the outside but a softie inside. We always had a special bond, summed up by him in his very Bronx way, “Me and Ann, we got an understanding.” On this Fathers’ Day I just want to say, thanks Dad, for having my back. I miss you. I love you. And we will always have an understanding.❤