Dream Conversation with My Father

My father died January 4, 2013, just days before his birthday on the 10th. Understandably so, this isn't my most chipper week. While I recognize the importance of grieving and taking time to remember loved ones, I don't want to be a total grump. Life has a tendency to go on.

For this week's post, I decided to combine my mourning with my passion and craft something I wish I had: a better relationship with my father. Before he died, we were well on our way to constant communication. I resented him years prior for a reason I can't recall. I resent myself for that. In any case, here's an imaginary conversation that I'll continue to dream of.

[To avoid confusion, middle names have been used, as we share the same name]

Adrian
Boy, come here. Sit with me a while.

Greg
Ok. Do I have to sit here and watch your Raiders lose, though?

Adrian
Boy, you must not have been watching this season. My team's doing great!

Greg
7-8 is great?

Adrian
...it's better than what they've been doing. This team is still killing me.

Greg
Dad, too soon!

Adrian
Hey, I decide what's what, ok.

Greg
[sighs] I guess. They making it to the playoffs?

Adrian
Are the Ravens?

Greg
Touché.

[they laugh]

Greg
You know, I almost made it to the playoffs in my fantasy league?

Adrian
How are you doing in Baltimore, anyway?

Greg
Don't you already know that?

Adrian
I have a life of my own, Boy. I don't have time to study you.

Greg
Baltimore's good. I like it. Think it's a good home for me. Been there a while, probably be there a while longer. [shrugs]

Adrian
Just good, huh? Staying safe down there?

Greg
Yeah, I'm safe. Things are starting to quiet down after the riots. I mean, you know, there's still unrest, but the city's healing. And you know I know how to stay out of trouble.

Adrian
Ok. ...and are you staying "safe"? You're not keeping any grandkids from me now, are you?

Greg
Dad, how many times do I have to come out to you?

Adrian
Just checking. Thought you might have been bi or something. You know I still love you either way, right?

Greg
Yeah, I know, Dad.

Adrian
You're clean though, yeah?

Greg
Dad!

Adrian
What, not getting enough action down there? You're supposed to be killin' 'em. Clark Family tradition.

Greg
Yeah, tell that to Uncle Keith.

Adrian
Keith's special. Don't worry about him. Just make sure you provide me a heir to the throne so I can spoil them and watch them drive you crazy like you did me.

Greg
...what if I don't want to have kids? I mean, I wouldn't mind them. But you know, no biological way and all. I mean... Alexis already has two boys!

Adrian
[laughs] Don't worry about it, Boy. Take your time.

Greg
Ok. ...you know I occasionally do drag, right?

Adrian
You look like your mother when you do.

Greg
Ah, so you have been watching me?

Adrian
Only the entertaining parts. Your grandmother had a fit the first time you do it, boy.

Greg
She saw that! Damn, didn't even think of that. ...oh well, just gotta keep living my life, right?

[they laugh]

Adrian
Charles.

Greg
Yes?

Adrian
Don't be like your uncle.

Greg
I know, Dad. I won't become a hermit.

Adrain
And take care of your sister and mother.

Greg
Sisters.

Adrian
Yeah, your other sister, too.

Greg
You leaving already?

Adrian
You have to get going, don't you?

Greg
Yeah, I guess. I'd rather spend some more time with you, though.

Adrian
I know, son.

Greg
Dad, what's heaven like? Or... the afterlife in general?

Adrian
If I tell you that, they'll take away my dream privileges.

Greg
Oh. Makes sense, I guess. Gotta keep the mystery alive.

Adrian
Don't kill yourself.

Greg
I haven't had those thoughts in a while. Not seriously, at least.

Adrian
And don't burn down the family house just cause you don't want to deal with it.

Greg
I plead the fifth to those thoughts.

Adrian
You're still a nut, you know that?

Greg
Learned it from you.

Adrian
Yeah, yeah. I love you, son.

Greg
Love you, too, Dad. I miss you.

[Adrian walks out of the room]

[Greg wakes up]



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