Ted Williams, My Father by Claudia Williams

Author:Claudia Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins

Chapter Sixteen

WHEN I WASN’T TRAVELING WITH MY BROTHER AND MY father, I was at school working on my degree. In spite of my reluctance to go to college, I took my education seriously and ended up graduating cum laude. I never took a break. I stayed at college working on campus and taking classes over the summer. I graduated in three years, with a BS degree in psychology and just two credits shy of a BA in art therapy and art.

Truthfully, though, I thought much of it was a waste of time and money because I had no focus or direction. I thought I might go on to get my master’s in psychology, but the pull of Europe and my athletic dreams was far stronger. I had fulfilled my father’s wish that I get a college education, and now it was time to get back to Europe. I couldn’t wait.

Before that, though, I wanted to enjoy the best graduation present.

Throughout my senior year, my dad would ask me what I wanted as a graduation present. My answer was always the same.

“I want to go on a trip with only you and John-Henry to California and see where you grew up.” Time alone with Dad became more and more valuable as my brother and I matured. Both of us longed for opportunities just to be with our dad, alone, and enjoy the moments. We valued our limited time with him. When it was just the three of us, there were no outbursts, there was just easy, fun, creative games and stories. Dad was as interested in us as we were interested in him. We would share dreams, experiences, regrets, and wishes. We were united and supportive of each other, and it was a great sense of family.

“What about a car? You want a car? How about some money? Do you wear any jewelry?”

“Just me, you, and John-Henry on a road trip. That’s what I want.”

We were to depart for California right after my graduation. Louise was not invited, and she did not like this. I would discover just how much she didn’t like it on my graduation day. It went without saying that Louise was not invited to my graduation either. My mother and father, my brother, my best friend, and my boyfriend were the only ones I wanted there.

Having the last name Williams put me near the end of the line. I couldn’t wait to walk into the building and find my dad sitting in the stands like every other dad, being proud of me.

As we marched out in unison toward the stage, I searched the bleachers. I spotted him immediately. He was beaming. I was so excited. Everyone was waving and smiling at their families, showing off their caps and gowns. A gold rope around my neck represented graduating with honors. John-Henry was taking pictures, and Dad was just smiling like I had never seen. I broke formation. I ran toward my father, right across the middle of the large room, and scampered up into the stands.

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