I was Christmas shopping in Sam's club today. I was actually looking for a sweater for my dad because he is always cold. I just had Faith with me. All of a sudden she blurts out, "Bapa! Bapa!". I looked and there was an older man who looked very similar to my dad. The man smiled at her and then kept shopping. I kind of noticed him, and he was shopping with his daughter. She had long brown, curly hair, and brown glasses. She looked like she was in college. They were quipping back and forth, as she was looking for a present for him. He kept saying he didn't like any of it. They both laughed and she said, "Daaaaaad." I had a flood of memories about shopping with my dad.
I turned to leave, and then I found myself turning the cart around and approaching this man with tears in my eyes. It went something like this.
"Excuse, me. I couldn't help noticing that you were shopping with your daughter. I can tell you have a special relationship. It reminds me of my dad and I. I was actually shopping for his Christmas present. (He's nodding, yes through this whole thing. I kept going....) My dad actually was just diagnosed with cancer. I just want you to know that you dads are so very important to us daughters."
As he was rubbing Faith's little head, he looked at me and said, "And you daughters are very special to us dads."
I smiled, turned away and went down the cleaning isle to gather myself. Faith just kept saying, "Mama cry...Mama cry" while she rubbed my arm.
I don't know what that was all about. The man had such a warmness about him, I wondered if he was a Christian.
I called my dad while I was still shopping in the store. I just needed to hear his voice. I told him the story and he said, "So you want me to go shopping with you?" I started laughing and said no....that's so my dad.
I've never quite been able to hide my emotions. I hope somehow it encouraged this man and this daughter to cherish their time together.
9 comments:
You are such a treasure, Sheri! I am so glad you stopped them and shared your heart. You made me cry. and I hardly ever cry.
yeah right
craffing. I can just see that little Fathie rubbing your arm so gently.
Ok, not exactly craffing, more like crsmiling, but that's not nearly as good a word.
Umm...I'm a dad and the answer to his question was "Yes, Dad I want to go shopping with you."
Oh, of course I'd love to go shopping with my dad. I had a hard time trying to portray his quirky sense of humor. We frequently laugh through our tears and this was his way of joking through the tears.
Tears, here. What a sweet thing to do. You probably made that man's day. If you didn't, you certainly gave him something to remember.
You have a wonderful heart.
Oh, and Swampy, can I go shopping with you?
sheesh Sheri... I should just know to bring the Kleenex box TO the computer when I read your blog. I wish I could just give you a hug. Man, you're somethin'.
Thanks, Sheri. I'm bawling, too.
My dad is my soulmate. I've never had anyone understand me in the way he does.
I'm glad you shared your thoughts with that man. I bet you made him feel very special. And yes, I bet he was a Christian. In fact, I would go so far as to say that perhaps God put him there just for you.
yeah, Erin ..I think you're right. Maybe my next post will be about the old man humming in County Market. I keep telling Carla someday, I'm going to write a book and the title is going to be, "I met God at County Market". Sorry about the tears, you guys.
I was thinking the other day about why I started blogging. Part of it is to get my thoughts and feelings written out. I don't want to forget my dad or the impact he's had on my life.
And Erin..yes..my dad is my soulmate. He understands me perfectly. I'm wired a lot like my pops...minus the extreme positive attitude. That part is all his.
Thanks for reading, guys.
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