The Story of my Dad and I (part 1)

When I was a little girl growing up in Cuba I adored my Dad. He was the most important man in my life. Dad was always in a good mood, making jokes, singing, doing his little dancing moves. I have the most wonderful memories about him. He was gentle and sensitive and his dream was for everyone to get along in our family. Dad suffered a lot when my sister Ileana had to go through her crisis (Zchizophrenia). Dad was peaceful, equilibrated and he did everything to make other people happy. He was a very important figure in the first 8 years on my life.

 

Then, on October 25th of 1979 my Dad left our nest. I was too young to understand why he was flying away. All I knew was that I was confused and devastated. No more morning hugs for me, no more cute nicknames and jokes and singing and little dancing. Why was all that happening? It's called: adult's world. I am pretty familiar with it now that I'm an adult myself but as a little girl all I could do was ask myself questions that adults wouldn't answer for me back then.

 

I stopped being a little girl too soon. Maybe because instead of playing around like everybody else I spent lots of time trying to figure out things. I wanted to understand the secret world of adults and why it was so complicated. 

I (as well as my siblings) kept seeing my Dad from time to time. He found different ways to make it happen but my Mom was not happy about it. I will never forget the day when he came to my school. We were in the middle of a class when I was asked to go outside because my Dad had come to see me. He had lost a considerable amount of weight. Dad put a tiny present in my hand, it was a plastic red bow barrette. All I remember is how he couldn't talk, instead he cried and cried without saying a word... But his tears talked to me in a deep way. I knew that he loved me with all his heart. I didn't cry because I felt that I had to be the strong one, I gave him a tight hug and after a few minutes we say good-bye. I told him not to worry because very soon he was going to feel better. 

(I will continue tomorrow)

 

Comments

[maria jose abad]

Elsita , desde España sigo tu blog a diario,, quede fascinada con los relatos de las enfermedades de tu hermana y del pequeño Diego,, que estoy segura q a tu lado será el niño más feliz del mundo ,, y hoy volví a quedar fascinada con el relato de tu papi,, estoy deseando q llegue mañana para seguir leyendo,, gracias por tu blog,, virtualmente te percibo como una " gran mujer"" BESOS DESDE ESPAÑA.

[Lois]

That's so sad about your dad leaving Elsita. My dad also left suddenly when I was 14. I found it very confusing because we were so close as well.Luckily I am close to my dad now and am soooo glad you and your dad are spending time together, :0)Big hugs, xxx

[Mim]

How sad! I am glad you are able to have a relationship with him now. ((hugs))

[Joy]

oh no Elsita, its a good thing i read the post before...coz i found that you actually reconnected with him.... It already sounds like a sad story... When you see it as a child, you totally see how pure the love is.... I'm so happy that you are spending the time with him now.... it's really true what they say, it is never too late...and it somehow all works out in the end. Many hugs to you from all the way in the PHilippines!

[dutchbaby]

How wonderful that you knew that he loved you with all his heart. You are a superb storyteller, Elsita! I'm in, I'd like to read more.

[ania]

Beautiful story & gorgeous artwork....looking forward to reading next chapters

[Joanna]

So sad that he left when you were little Elsita...but I'm glad you are reconnecting with him now. I'm looking foward to reading the rest of your story. The artwork that you made for this is beautiful :)
joanna

[M.K.]

Your story telling is so pure. I look forward to the remaining sections with anticipation. It is nice knowing that what had such a sad beginning has a happy ending!

[Laura]

Your "Why" picture is so beautiful and sad. It really says everything. I can feel it in my heart.

[margie oomen]

he had a wonderful dream
but sometimes dreams take a very long time
to come to fruition
maybe that time is now
sending you lots of love
margie

[Jamie Watson]

I am deeply moved by your story and drawings that perfectly illustrate it. I look forward to more and thank you for sharing this with us. And I am very happy your dad gets to stay with you!

[Teeny]

painful painful painful. I remember when my dad left us. Your pictures illustrate my childhood feelings perfectly. Look forward to next post!
Tinax

[Mariella]

His crying and you being a strong little girl just breaks my heart. I get it. Can't wait to hear more.

[kaholly]

Your story is very touching, your artwork amazing. I hope your visit is all you dream of.

[Cara Carmina]

I have a kind of similar story with my dad... I wrote about it too and still is very complicated... I´m not sure I want him in my life... but I´m happy I looked for him and met him (never knew him after their divorce and didn´t remember him) now I´m 30 years old.. and I decided to look for him... the result is another story, the thing is your art has been very moving and I really like it!!! and I understand....

thanks for sharing...

love your work!

:)

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what a lovely story, it could be the most heart touching story i've ever read...

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See how the sky was black during the day, see how long is the night, and at dawn.

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Plato said: the first was crying because you're not, the second laughing because meet you, third smiling tears because can't have you.