Sally and I were driving down I-55, heading to see my dad up at his office, the Department of Agriculture building. We were chatting, and Sally kept saying "Daddy loves you more Mary Margaret. He is so proud of you and that is all he talks about...you being an architect." I kept interrupting her...assuring her that Daddy didn't play favorites and that he loved us all equally.
We showed up at the office building ,and my dad was outside on the front portico waiting for us...and smoking a cigarette. We walked up, hugged and then some of his work buddies showed up. Never missing an opportunity to brag about us and show us off, my dad cornered the men so he could introduce us.
My dad was pointing to me and said "Now this is my daughter Mary Margaret. She graduated from MSU and is an architect." Then he pointed to Sally and said.."And this is my other daughter...Mary Margaret." Long pause. Sally and I looked at one another. He quickly corrected himself and told everyone "Sorry..Excuse me..Sally. And she is a school teacher." I can see him now slapping his fingers to his face over his mistake. But I had to laugh. Sally was looking at me and was saying to me with her eyes...see..I told you so.
My dad loved all 4 of his girls so much...and equally. But differently. Differently because he knew us so well. My dad talked to Sally about photography, repetition and their weird fascination with numbers and division. He talked to me about plumbing, cars and work. He was not a dad who just made a one minute phone call to say I am checking in. He talked to us. And cared about every little thing on our minds.
But Sally...I think Daddy did love me more...Because I was taller than you:)
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