A Little TLC

When I was in high school, I ran cross country and track. One day during the track season, we had a meet about 2 hours from home. Daddy, of course, came to watch me run. For some reason that day I ran a terrible race. The worst of my short racing life. I ran it about 2-3 entire minutes longer than my previous worst time - coming in dead last for the first (and, thankfully, last) time ever.

I was so bummed out the entire trip home. I don't really remember what daddy said to me, if anything. I just remember him sitting beside me and being there.

I went to bed that night dreading the next day at school. The morning after a race, during homeroom, someone would always announce who came in what place - over the loud speaker which was heard throughout the entire school. I was so used to my name being linked with a high number, usually 1st, 2nd or 3rd. I couldn't imagine them announcing to everyone that I came in dead last.

I was laying in my bed that morning. The alarm had gone off, but I just didn't want to get out of bed. Daddy came in to my room. And I remember thinking that I had to get up now...but instead of flipping on the lights and pulling off my covers, Daddy came and sat beside me on the bed. He took my hand in his and asked if I wanted to go to school. I just started crying and he said to me, "Baby, you don't have to go to school today if you don't want to. You need a TLC day."

I didn't know what TLC meant. When I asked, he said, " Just a little Tender Loving Care." I really don't remember what we did that day. But, I know that we spent the day together. I remember thinking how cool it was that my dad really "got" me.

Today, Daddy, I need some TLC from you. I miss you so badly and wish so much that you were here.

Love, Aimee