my daddy

today is my father’s last day on the job.
it’s funny, when he first started this contract last fall, i was a little unsure of what it was going to be like having him around all day, every day, especially considering his history with the company. i was a little nervous about how normal i would be able to act with him here. he’s been counting down the days until his contract ended and as he got more excited about not having to make a lunch or wear his steel-toed shoes, i got more and more upset at the thought of my not seeing him every day. his not coming up behind me while i work and putting his hands on my shoulders saying “hi, kid” and my answering “hey, papa!”
i bought him a card last night. on the front is a goofy little kid in his underoos and cape, standing with his hands on his hips, the caption reading “you’re my hero!”. inside i wrote:
For all that I will miss having you around on a daily basis, just a page away —
I don’t know of anyone who has worked longer or harder, who deserves to stop making lunches and enjoy their leisure time, more than you —
Having you here has meant more to me than you can ever know.
i’m really going to miss his being here.