As soon as Jessica could write more than a few sentences, her father started giving her journals and told her the best thing she could do for herself was to write things down that she couldn’t tell him in person. He tried to be there for her through everything: every sports event, every performance with school, her birthday parties and slumber parties. Her father was the one who came when she was sick and when she was in need of a friend. He did try to be the father she needed, but sometimes life got in the way. Well so did death really. She was seventeen when he died and she was left with a mother who thought being seen was far more important than anything. Her mother just had to be at the right parties and shows and on vacations and well you get the idea. Jessica continued with her journals, because it helped her miss her father a little less. It felt like she was writing directly to him.
On her nineteenth birthday two packages arrived in the mail for her. One was small and came from a law firm, she thought she recognizes, but wasn’t quite sure. She also received a very large box from her mother who was off in Monaco or somewhere like that. It didn’t matter as it changed often and Jessica was already tired of trying to keep up. No wonder her parents divorced when she was small. How they ever got together was another quandary for another time. The big box was obviously from a fashion designer and out of curiosity she opened it first. Jessica expected it to be some fancy party dress that would be over the top and more her mother’s style than her own. However, she opened it and found what looked more like a business suit with a small card in her mother’s hand writing.
“Jess dear, sorry I am not there for your big birthday but I just couldn’t get away. Hope this comes in handy as your father always said at 19 you were on your own. He never would explain but I am sure with this you can land a job in no time.”
Jessica read it over three times trying to understand what her mother meant. She had never heard her father talk of her being “on her own” at 19. Her mother had a substantial trust fund from her family and had inherited a sum when her father had died. Did she intend to cut Jessica off and blame her father for it? Only her mother would think the outfit would be the deciding factor as to whether someone was hired or not.
The suit was nice and she thought it would look very professional if she worked in a big office, but she was in university right now. She had exams to complete and one more year before she graduated. Jessica wasn’t even sure she wanted to be a writer but that was what she had gone to school for. It wasn’t a fancy university or anything but she had a couple friends there which suited her just fine. Her mother was devastated that it wasn’t one she could brag about. To Jessica that was a bonus.
She decided to tidy up the wrappings and put the suit in her closet when she noticed the smaller package. She picked it up and started looking it over. Where did she know the law firm from? Shaking her head and taking a deep breath she opened it. An official looking letter and a black moleskin notebook sat nestled in the box. She leafed through a few pages she recognized her fathers hand writing. The scent from the pages reminded her of him. She had to put it down and find a tissue through the tears welling up and spilling down her cheeks. She missed him so much.
The letter told her this was one of several journals her father had written and the first one he wished her to read. She was to contact their office and come in to sign papers for her inheritance and to collect a cheque for $20 000. An amount her father wanted her to have on her nineteenth birthday to get her started on her own in the world. To help her rent an apartment or pay off anything she might need to to get away from her mother’s place.The firm had been managing the inheritance since her fathers death and would continue to assist her if she wished them to do so.
“I guess that’s what dad meant by me “being on my own’. Not having to be with mother will be so much better.” She lifted the journal and hugged it to herself as she curled up and the couch.
“Thanks Dad,” she whispered, as the tears began to flow again, but this time she was happy. He had found a way to still be there for her.
She lifted the cover and began to read:
“My dearest Jessica,
If you have this first journal then I am no longer alive. I wanted to be the father you needed and to see you grow to be the person I know you can be. You are my heart, my reason for everything and I have been proud of you since the day you were born.
You surprised me over and over and my heart swelled with pride each time you achieved something new. Even your failed attempts were just stepping stones for you. I could not be more proud of you and I could not love you more than I do.
I hope that the journals I have kept over the years as I watched you grow, will help you to see how wonderful you are. You have the world at your feet and it pains me to think that I am not there watching you discover it all. If there is a way for my soul to stay and watch over you, I will find it and be with you always. I love you my girl, don’t ever doubt it.”
The rest of the journal spoke of her father’s investments and things he wanted her to know about the people in the lawn firm he had been dealing with and how he hoped she would continue to count on them as he had. She found herself more involved in memories of her father, than the actual words she was reading. He was there with her, just as he promised. He would be there with her with each moleskin notebook he had journaled in. They would give her the courage to keep pushing forward and achieving each goal she set out to accomplish in her life. Each time he had begun a new journal for himself he had given her a new one and now she had a timeline to follow. Her own story was intertwined with his and she new with each stage she had gone through growing up, he had been there for her and had never failed to love her through it all.
About the Creator
Gina Solomon
Life is an adventure and sometimes the adventure is figuring out who you are and why you have learned so many odd skills years before. I think it is time to share my adventures in stories my imagination has been aching to create.
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Little black book
As the taxi pulled up to the house I was flooded with memories. This was only the 2nd time I had been here and yet it was connected to so much of my life. My past and now my future. The last time I was here was before I was married. My fiancé had brought me here for dinner and to meet his mother. Dinner was quiet, almost void of emotion. David had done most of the talking and it was about him more than anyone else. I was nervous and proud of him and so was glad he had taken control as it made it easier on me. I thought he had done so to be kind to me. After the meal I helped take dishes into the kitchen. We were alone and she said to me “don’t marry him. No one deserves that kind of cruelty” just then David came into the kitchen saying we had to leave and I wasn’t able to say anything to her. I thought all the way home ‘why would she stay such a thing? She doesn't even know me and nothing was said at dinner to make her think I was a horrible person’ Did David say something before about me to make her think I was so horrible for him?’ I asked him why his mother didn’t like me and he said, “oh I am sorry she gave you that impression. She has always been a difficult person. I don’t think she likes anyone. She doesn’t even have any close friends that I know of. She seems to push everyone away.” She came to the wedding but only for the service and didn’t stay for the reception. she never smiled once that I can remember and even the few pictures taken of her she wasn’t smiling. So I didn’t mind that my husband let me stay home when he went to visit her or deal with things for her.
By Gina Solomon3 years ago in Families
Party
Title The substance of a Memorable Party Creating Moments That Last Parties are further than just gatherings; they are exploits that weave together laughter, music, and connection into the fabric of our remembrances. From intimate gatherings with close buddies to extravagant fests that light up the night, the substance of a memorable party lies in the intricate details that appeal and engage every guest. At the heart of any great party is the atmosphere it creates. Whether it's a sophisticated soirée or a lively dance fest, the air sets the tone for the entire event. Picture an elegant theater party adorned with elf lights and flowery arrangements, where guests mingle under the stars, begirding champagne and engaging in sparkling discussion. Or imagine a vibrant dance party pulsating with energy, where the music is contagious, and the dance bottom is a whirlwind of movement and cadence. Whatever the theme or setting, a well- drafted atmosphere draws guests into the moment, making them feel like they're part of commodity truly special. Of course, no party is complete without succulent food and drinks to tantalize the senses. From gourmet appetizers to decadent delicacies, the culinary offerings play a central part in delighting guests and keeping them fueled for the fests. Whether it's a gourmet buffet showcasing an array of international cuisines or a curated selection of artisanal combinations drafted by a master mixologist, the menu should be graciously planned to feed to different tastes and salutary preferences. After all, the way to a guest's heart is constantly through their stomach. Beyond the food and drinks, entertainment is another pivotal element in the form for a memorable party. From live music performances to interactive games and exertion, the entertainment should be as different and engaging as the guest list itself. Imagine a live band descanting guests with soulful songs, or a MC spinning the bottommost successes as people dance the night down. For a more interactive experience, consider incorporating pleasurable exertion like print cells, karaoke, or themed costume contests, encouraging guests to let loose and embrace the spirit of festivity. Yet, amidst all the excitement and conviviality, it's the particular traces that truly make a party unforgettable. Whether it's handwritten appointments that set the tone for the event or thoughtful party favors that guests can take home as monuments, attention to detail goes a long way in creating meaningful connections and lasting remembrances. Consider incorporating rudiments that reflect the host's personality and style, from custom decorations to hand combinations that bear their name. After all, the swish parties are the bones where guests feel like they aren't just attendees but cherished members of a larger community. But perhaps the most essential element in any great party is the people themselves. Whether it's reuniting with old buddies, making new bones , or simply sharing moments of laughter and joy with loved bones , it's the mortal connections forged during a party that leave the most continuing print. In a world where we're increasingly connected yet constantly isolated, there's commodity constitutionally magical about coming together in festivity, if only for a numerous temporary hours. In the end, a truly memorable party is not just about the pretentiousness and glamour, but about the moments of genuine connection and shared experience that transcend time and space. It's about creating an terrain where guests feel seen, heard, and valued, where laughter flows freely, and remembrances are made that will last a continuance. So, whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand circus, flash reverse that the true substance of a great party lies not in the extravagance of the event, but in the warmth and hospitality that drink guests with open arms and leave them pining for further.
By vinoth kumarabout 15 hours ago in Families
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