Blackberry-Ball-And-Chain

I have four siblings, divorced parents, and a daily load of homework larger than my house. These are the three main reasons I do not get to spend a lot of time with my dad.

It is Thursday night. My brother is at an orchestra concert to listen to his new girlfriend play. I went out to dinner with my dad - just the two of us.

I had a lot to tell him. Nothing monumental, just things to catch up on, a mental checklist with uncrossed boxes getting dusty in my mind. But he talked on the phone for most of the car ride there, a good portion of dinner, and the entire car ride home.

While he discussed with Mr. Businessman-on-the-other-line about long-term investments, crooked bankers and billion-dollar funds, I imagined telling him about my chemistry project, my chinese assessment, and my plans for the weekend. I'm sure he'd have a few things to discuss with me.

While he made predictions about market fluctuations, stock values and projected shares, I imagined telling him about my boyfriend's Lenten promise, how I spent my friday two weeks ago, and what I thought of my future. I'm sure he never could have predicted those things.

While he comforted Mr. Businessman about worst-case scenarios, economists' assurances and contract securities, I imagined telling him about my fears, my failures, and my sleepless nights huddled in the corner of my bed. I'm sure he'd comfort me too.

He talked into his Blackberry-ball-and-chain; I recited in my head "hang up, hang up, hang up." He tells me he'll miss me when I go off to college. I imagine telling him I've missed him my whole life.