My dad dunked Oreos with me tonight. He said that this is the way we do it. I am happy.
My dad told me to tie a scarf around my pants for church this morning. He said it would go with my outfit. I think it’s cute.
My dad let me watch tv with him tonight. He said if I am quiet, I don’t have to go back to bed. I hope no one else wakes up.
My dad went to bed after dinner today. He didn’t want to hear my new piano piece. I think he is tired.
My dad was mad at me today. He said I was “disrespectful” to my mom. I feel misunderstood.
My dad asked me to go buy my mom a birthday present. He gave me $30. Why can’t he do it?
My dad asked me to clean the house tonight. I spent all day cleaning. Am I not good enough?
My dad pulled me out of ballet tonight. He said it was too expensive. I feel guilty.
My dad grounded me from driving last night. I bought all my siblings ice cream. Why am I punished?
My dad told me to go buy more milk for dinner. I told him no; I’m grounded. Should I feel vindicated?
My dad bought me a milkshake. He didn’t say anything. I think it’s an apology.
My dad got a new job this week! He asked me to play the piano for him. I am relieved.
My dad drove me to college today. He cried when he left. I won’t cry.
My dad asked if I was going to eat all that ice cream tonight. He thinks it’s a joke. I cried.
My dad lost his job this month. He was really stressed. I will fix it.
My dad bought me a map today. He said the power grid is going to fail. I think he’s ridiculous.
My dad asked me to organize Christmas this year. He said he needs help. I feel proud.
My dad got another job. He doesn’t seem to like it. I think he’s depressed.
My dad gave me away today. He said he likes my dress. I feel pretty.
My dad called me this morning. He said my sister is sick. I have to go home.
My dad asked me to draft a resume with him. He called me HopeGPT. I love helping him.
My dad called me today. He told me he thinks he’s depressed. I feel guilty.
My dad got a job interview today. He seems really hopeful. I hope it all works out.
My dad drank coffee with me this morning. He laughed and breathed deeply for the first time in a long time. I am content.
The repetition and your feelings at the end make this so powerful. Many times as a parent, we don’t think about our actions and what we say having such an effect on our children.
Hope, this perfectly captures the complicated relationship many daughters have with their father. I love how your describe your joined actions, his action, then your feeling. That rhythmic cause-and-effect is really impactful to the overall piece. Brava!
Hope, I loved reading about you and your father. The line, “My dad gave me away today. He said he likes my dress. I feel pretty,” is so powerful. You are blessed!