When I was a little girl, I remember that when my dad was repairing something, he asked me every time to hold the hammer, just so we would have a time for a conversation with each other. I never saw my dad drinking or taking a „night out with the boys“, all he did after work was taking care of his family.
I grew up and left home for college and since then, my dad had been calling me every Sunday morning, no matter what. And when several years later I bought a housen my dad painted it all by himself. All he asked me was to hold his paint brush and talk to him. But I was too busy in those days, I did not find any time for a conversation with my dad.
Four years ago, my dad was visiting me. He asked me to bring him a cup of tea and have a talk with him, but I did not have time for any long conversations that day.
One Sunday morning we had a telephone talk as usual, I noticed that my dad had forgotten some things that we discussed lately. Few hours later that day came a call. My father was in a hospital with an aneurysm. Immediately I bought a flight ticket and I was on my way. I was thinking about all missed occasions to have a talk with my dad.
By the time I have arrived at the hospital, my father had passed away. I realized how little I knew about my dad, his deepest thoughts and dreams.
After his death I learned much more about him, and even more about myself. All he ever asked me was some of my time. And now he has all my attention every single day.