You Owe Me One

The phone call begins,

and it's our usual introduction and greeting:

"Yo."

"What's going on?"

"Nothin, man. Trying to figure out what I'm about to eat. You?

"Trying to figure out what plane I need to catch, so I can eat with y'all."

Some people would call it banter, or small talk...

Those people don't know how serious my Dad is when it comes to food.

Our conversation continues, and we're catching up...

sharing details from the past week or so...

his tone slightly begins to change,

and the question of the day is asked:

"Hey, man...

I'm wondering if you can do me a favor."

The man who's half-responsible for my existence as a human-being...

The man who stressed the importance of academic success & integrity...

The man who introduced me to my first water slide as a child...

The man who guided me through cursive-writing in the third grade...

The man who gave me stern looks when I stepped out of line...

The man who helped me get my jumpshot and lay-up in tact...

The man who received the grunt of my teenage frustration, instead of patience and forgiveness...

The man who always supported my hobbies and interests, even from many miles away...

The man who gave me honest, trustworthy opinions about the girls that I dated...

The man who stressed the importance of higher-education, and pushing through adversity...

The man who taught me financial responsibility....

The man I sat beside as his father transitioned to be with the Lord...

The man who made a visit across the globe to apologize after missing one of my most important life moments...

The man who stood proud, as I walked the love of my life away from the alter, and into our forever...

This man...

This man asked me for a favor...

Through the many ups, and the many downs,

Through the best moments, and the worst moments,

all I know is...

He needed me...

in this moment.

After his brief explanation, I told him that I'd gladly help out...

He laughed and replied:

"Thanks man, truly. I owe you one."

The phone call ended

before I had the chance to say:

"Nah, Dad.

You don't owe me anything."