PAD Challenge Day 26: Missed Calls

PAD Challenge Day 26: Write a response.

Missed Calls 

I miss calls from my father.

On Sundays, before and after 

church and during football, 

basketball, and baseball games.

During the week, 

on break or late at night 

to see how my day went.

On the weekend, 

to share our adventures 

and experiences with 

people, places and things. 

I miss missed calls from my father.

He would always leave a voice-mail to say,

"Baby Girl, it's your daddy. 

You know I love you. 

You must be mad at me. 

Call me back anyway."

I would listen and laugh 

because sometimes I was mad, 

mad at him for being so far away 

when I needed a hug 

or his shoulder the most. 

Mad at him for something he said 

that irritated my skin and overturned my nerves.

Mad when he forgot about something important---

I would repeat myself twice or a third time.

Him, knowingly knowing 

that I despised repeating myself 

and procrastination.

On the days I wasn't mad, 

honestly, I was occupied 

and focused on growing 

into the woman I haven't met.

Honestly, I was in a meeting 

trying to save the world. 

Honestly, I was in class 

trying to be PhinisHeD 

with the Doctorate I'd started. 

Honestly, I was in a waiting room--

waiting to be called back to see my oncologist, 

when I rather be waiting on,

preparing for a flight to an island,

Instead of being attached to a medical device 

trying to save myself from death.

Honestly, I was beating the cancer I told 

my mother not to tell him about, 

only because his heart was already 

upside down from his mother 

battling the same cells.

Imagine being the baby he helped create 

and you never disappointed him or your mother; 

and the woman that birthed him 

and loved him the most, 

both in a war,  

that even the most bravest 

and daredevil of man on earth 

couldn't prevent the pain they endured 

or win what was called for them to fight for. 

D'ElegantOne