Hello, Daddy!

For the second time, dad visited Norfolk, VA and for the first time in a long time it was as if I was daddy's little girl again. I guess the thought hit me when I was waiting for my dad at the arrivals terminal. It reminded me of how I used to wait for him at lunchtime when I was in kindergarden. I would my dad would be coming home soon when Camp Caribou was on TV. As I watched the people embracing one another, some crying, some in position as though to leap, I couldn't help but laugh. Anyone who's depressed should just hang out for a few hours in Arrivals to remind him or herself of all the love that's out there.

13 minutes delayed, the connecting flight from Atlanta came in and a very calm, cool, dad walked in. A run, a jump, and a really big hug, and I was put back into the shoes of that six year old girl who used to wait at the widow for dad.

With this being the first time dad would see my new home, you can only imagine the efforts Josh and I extended to make sure his visit was perfect. Of the utmost importace, his vacation here would have to carry forth as our Father's Day and birthday present to dad. A few days ago we planned our menu, meal by meal for dad. Combining eating out and staying in. We also did an itinerary so we would not miss a beat together.

"EAT, DRINK, AND GOLF"

EAT

It would be six days of decadent dining for us. Noshing began with an authetic Filipino meal, a joint effort between dad and I that included grilled whole fish, shrimp, pork, and three different kinds of spring rolls. Dad was really impressed with my fresh spring rolls--a Josh fave.

DRINK

A Vintage Wine Tour at the Williamsburg Winery was probably the pinnacle of our beverage-ing. Back at the house, bottles of red and white wine were a flowing. I don't remember the last time we drank so much. Dad concoured. The mojitos were fabulous with fresh mint from our garden.

GOLF

36 holes were played and the weather could not have been better. The first round was played with my two boys at Cypress Creek in Smithfield. The scenery was beautiful and though we had a brief encounter with a grumpy-old-men-type foursome, it was a great game. The last 18 was a father-daughter round. We were able to catch up and work a little closely with my golf game, just like when I was a kid. I remember all the private lessons, the weekly golf 'practice' games, and the almost every other day driving range workouts.

It was a long overdue visit and so much fun. Dad could not have been more relaxed with his daily hour and a half long morning beach walks with Paige. A sweet visit, but saying 'goodbye' was bitter. The goodbye moments are the ones that remind me how much I miss having mom and dad so close by. But as dad said, no matter where I am, or where he is, we'll never be far apart.