Conversations with Dad

Daddy, will you pick me up? Can I ride on your shoulders? Can we go look at the cows?

Why's the sky blue? Why is grass green? Where do baby cows come from?

Can I go to the shop with you today? Can I feed the bulls with you?

What does "dangitsonofagun" mean? Did it hurt when you hit your hand with the hammer? Mommy says that's a bad word, so why do you get to say it? Do you want one of my Scooby Doo Band-Aids? It'll make it feel better.

Daddy, how come I can't go to school with Joni and James? When can I be in 4-H? Can I have a cow when I'm in 4-H? If I get to have a cow, I'm gonna name her Black Beauty.

I don't wanna take a nap. I'm not tired. Where's my blankie? Will you tell me a story? Don't forget to check the closet for monsters. I love you, Daddy.

I made a new friend today. Can she come over to play? Can we have a sleepover? I promise we'll be good!

Can I have a horse? Why not? All my friends have horses. Please, please, please?

James says I'm adopted. I'm not, right? Why can't I go with Joni and her friends? Why am I always too little?

I learned a new song in Sunday school today. Want to hear it? Daddy, why can't we see God? How do we know He's there? Where is Heaven?

I had a bad dream, so will you keep the light on? G'night, love you.

How was your day Dad? Here, have some of Mom's new casserole. I think you'll like it.

Dad, don't forget I've got that school music play tomorrow night. I know it's planting season, but you'll be there, right? I get to sing a solo.

Mom showed me how to bake a cake today. Wanna try a piece? It's good, right? I may have forgotten a few ingredients, but I figured the frosting would cover it up.

School was fine. I just don't get my math homework, though. Can you help me out?

Mom says I have to practice the piano first. Tell her I hate taking lessons, will you? She'll listen to you.

Fine, I'll keep trying until I get to junior high, but then I get to quit, right?

Thanks Dad--love you too.

Nothing happened at school today. No, I don't want to talk about it. Fine, I had a fight with my best friend and now she won't talk to me and I'm the ugliest girl in class and everything's just awful! How do you know it'll be all right? What if it's not?

I hate being in junior high. I wish I was in high school. I wish I could drive. I never get to do anything.

Yes, I know I still have to do chores and finish my homework before dark. I'm going, already!

Why can't you leave me alone? I can't wait to grow up and leave here. I hate you.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'll go tell Mom I'm sorry too. I know I shouldn't yell at you like that. I love you and Mom.

Dad, will you come help me move out of the dorms? It's only a couple of boxes, and some clothes, and shoes, and a small refrigerator...I think I can get it all in the big trailer...better bring the dolly, too.

Yes, I've checked the air in my tires and the oil in my car. No, I don't need any money, but thanks anyway.

Who? Oh yeah. Well, he and I broke up. No, I'm fine. Really, Dad, I'm okay.

What's that? Yeah, finals are just about over. I'm going to miss my friends, though. I may switch my major at semester to agricultural journalism.

What have you been doing around the farm? What's James doing lately? Heard from Joni in Montana recently? Yeah, I miss them all, too.

How's Grandma feeling? Should I stop by next weekend and check on her? No, I don't mind. Tell Mom I'll meet her in town and we'll go see her together and grab some lunch.

I think I have a job lined up over the summer. Maybe I'll stay in town with Grandma and keep her company. Think she'd like that?

Well, I should go. Love you. I'll see you soon.

Hi, Dad. It's me. How are things?

Yes, my car's running fine. Just bought her four new tires. Yep, I used a local tire guy like you told me.

Is Mom there? No, just wanted to ask her a question about one of her recipes. It can wait, though.

So, what have you been doing lately? How's it feel to not have to feed cattle in the mornings anymore? Nice to sleep in a little, I bet.

Oh, work's fine here. The house is starting to feel settled in. I just cleaned up some brush in the yard and I'm hoping to get my flowerbeds planted this weekend. What's the name of that stuff we use to paint tree stumps in the pasture? That's it. Where can I get it? Yes, Dad, I promise I'll be careful.

Christmas? Well, I'm hoping to get up there for Christmas this year, but we'll have to see. When are you and Mom coming here to visit? Oh, well, that's okay.

It's just good to hear your voice.

My neighbor's lilacs are blooming. Yeah, reminded me of Grandma too.

Well, I should go. Just wanted to call and see how you're doing. Give Mom a hug for me.

Don't worry about me, Dad, I'm doing just fine.

I love you, too.

Jennifer M. Latzke can be reached by phone at 620-227-1807, or by e-mail at jlatzke@hpj.com.

6/2/08
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Date: 5/27/08

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