I was actually hesitant if it was a request or just a mere question, but it really has impacted my life so here it is.
We were at my grandparents’ house, and my grandma had just told me that I couldn’t sit on my father’s lap anymore since I was a grown girl. My favorite spot in the house was always on my father’s lap. When my father returned home after work, I would sit on his lap and talk to him. Sadness, joy, and love were mostly shared in that space. It was a place where I felt secure and protected. But, as soon as I turned 12 and started my periods, I felt like a big girl already, and my favorite spot on the planet would disappear sooner. I am naturally curious way back then, so I went to my father, still sited on his lap, and asked him this question, wondering if it would be the last time.
“How come I can’t sit on your lap any longer?”
“Some things cannot be explained,” he replied with a smile. You do what your heart tells you to do. Mamma must have had a purpose for saying that. Allow it to be. Don’t argue. You are free to sit for as long as you would like. For the father, a daughter is always a small baby.”
I don’t fully understand what he was trying to imply when he said that. I still sat on his lap for another few years until I simply overcome it. My grandmother often was upset, but as soon as my father spoke to her, she became calmed. I’d still kiss and cuddle him and for my grandmother, it was still a no-no.
As soon as I’ve become an adult, I realized how wonderful my father is letting me to have a great time with him. Because for a father, a girl has always been a baby. Even when you’ve reached adulthood, being held by your father is one the loveliest feeling in the world.
—– Teacher Gelay —-