My Dad My Dog by Rebecca Warner

Author:Rebecca Warner [Warner, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2020-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

We had no luck finding Dad’s hat, so I put another on his head this morning as we prepare to venture out. When he looks at himself in the mirror, he seems pleased. “Airborne All The Way” he says, reading the insignia on the hat. I give him a little punch in the arm and whoop, “Hell, yeah!” I’m hoping the other one will be completely forgotten.

It’s the last week in October, and today it is pleasantly cool, clear and sunny, so I’m taking Dad for what is likely to be his last ride of the season on the Parkway because soon, parts of it will be shut down for the winter.

David has gone to Burnsville, where he’s meeting with developers he sold property to several years ago. Their project has been on hold, but now they’re ready to move forward. When he told me about it, David expressed amazement that they had chosen this time to do so. After all, the real estate market in the area is still stagnant; and even though David hears rumors of start-up projects, it may be years before it comes back. Nevertheless, I hope they can somehow use David’s expertise in moving forward—and pay him for it.

I’m securing Dad in the van for our outing when Nick ambles over and pokes his head inside. He’s never ridden in it before, so here’s another test of the trust that’s forming between him and Dad.

When Dad doesn’t notice him, Nick barks. It’s a soft bark, a woof of greeting, certainly not one that could ever intimidate Dad.

“What’s he want?”

“Don’t know for sure, but I think he wants to go with us today.”

“Can he?”

“It’s fine with me, but it’s up to you, Dad.”

He thinks this over for a bit. “I guess it would be okay. Where are we going to stop to eat? Will he be able to eat there, too?”

I reflect on Dad’s thoughtfulness while also considering the importance that food has had in connecting these two.

“Well, we can pick up some roast beef sandwiches and drinks, and have a picnic at our special spot on the Parkway. How does that sound?”

“That sounds real good, Sugar.” Dad is twisting his head around now to see Nick. “You wanna go have roast beef sandwiches with us, Nick?”

Nick knows “roast beef,” and he recognizes an invitation when he receives one. He climbs up the wheelchair ramp that leads into the van and steps up next to Dad. To my surprise, and Dad’s shock, Nick licks the side of Dad’s face. Nick has been taught not to lick since most people don’t appreciate a wet tongue that’s been who knows where; but despite his training, he’s laid a big one on Dad. I stifle a laugh.

“Aww, I don’t want that dog slobbering on me!” Dad protests, but I think he secretly likes the warm wet tongue and the affection behind it. He’s half-smiling.

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