There has always been a special bond between my father and myself, however, recent events turned our relationship into something much more different than the typical Father-Daughter relationship. We both live in the same city and see each other quite frequently. He is in his early 60's and retired from the Air Force and I am in my mid 30's working to make ends meet.
My father is quite handsome and has managed to keep himself in good shape...must be the 5 rounds of golf each week that keeps him in good condition. He lives alone since Mom passed away three years ago due to cancer and hasn't dated anyone since, I believe due to his love for her. I also live alone not far from Dad since my divorce several years ago...my husband wanted children of his own and I am unable to have children so we ended our relationship. Like my Dad, I also manage to keep myself in good shape (at least I think so!).
Recently, my uncle (on my mother's side) passed away unexpectedly. Dad and I attended the funeral together (I consented to travel with him since I didn't want to drive the 6 hours by myself). As the day (and into the night) progressed and the gathering turned into a family reunion and everyone reminisced about my uncle, I noticed how Dad was always at the center of small crowds, entertaining and being the life of the party. Things I now remember him doing before, but not since Mom passed away since he kept to himself. I stayed close to Dad and allowed him to be my entertainment and came to realize how I missed seeing him in these situations, attentive to those around him and quite personable.
He was sitting on the couch holding court with our relatives and being in close quarters, I was sitting close to him. I could feel his body warm next to mine and smell the cologne on him that brought me back to the days when I was younger and was comforted by the smells and touch of both my parents. I realized that I was quite comfortable being with him, more so than any other man I have ever been with...and loving the attention he was getting.