Strike Dad

It is during street festivals around here that we usually meet people who we havent seen for a long time; but who used to be a part of our lives.

And so sometimes, we think, we could ask a simple question and we would get simple answers. So when I saw a friend with her daughter, I asked, 'and where is your papa?'

Boy was I shocked when the mom burst into tears and blurted out, 'he's left us a couple of months ago.' I was in shock after hearing those words. I noticed how the daughter came nearer to her mom, as if to protect her. Does this little girl really know what happened? I wonder.

I gave my friend a big hug. The thing is, I was also trying to comfort myself as well, and I was trying to hide the threatening tears. We are after all in the middle of a 'celebrating' crowd.

Well, I gave her sometime to compose herself, giving me time to compose myself, too. I decided not to ask more questions and instead told her we'd set a date for a get together. She smiled and said that would be great.

I gave her another hug and said goodbye as the kids were tugging me away and back into the rides.

I told my husband her story and we both wondered: 'They look so happy and perfect together. Always present as a family whenever there's church events, shows, festivals, etc. They participate in all kindergarten projects together. And now, this!'

I dont know. It is sad, and yet we would never really know what the future would bring.

And I just wanted to keep both girls and my husband in a thight embrace and never let go.