Today, while I was driving, I stopped at one of those four-way intersections. As I looked across the intersection, I saw that my dad was driving the car directly across the intersection from me. There he was in a plaid flannel shirt, wire framed glasses and that ever thinning hairline. As I continued looking at him, he looked up and for a brief moment our eyes met. What makes this encounter so surreal is that my father has been dead for over 20 years.
As I proceeded through the intersection, I continued looking at the driver of the vehicle and as I passed it was obvious, that while the man very much resembled my dad in the late years of his life, it was not my dad. But I have to be honest, for a brief moment, my heart rate increased and I was taken back by what my eyes thought they saw.
Over the years, I have thought I've seen him many times. Looking back now, I wonder...did these individuals really look like my dad or was I just wanting to see him again?
The encounter today seemed so real. As I drove away, my mind flooded with memories of the man that was the greatest man in the world to me. Honestly, I would have given anything to have been able to spend five minutes with dad today. I found myself wanting to talk to him about my grand-daughter, Kaelyn, and about how proud I am of each of my children. I wanted to ask his advice about life and growing older. But he was gone, just like the man in the car that faded from view in my rear view mirror.
So for a brief moment today my mind was taken back to a time when I danced the dance of life with my father. I miss him...God I miss him. But I'm glad I had the opportunity today to remember just how great it
Be Well.
Bill
