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.
As the evening wore on and the crowd began to thin out, Dad and I decided it was also time for us to leave. We had checked into a local hotel (adjoining rooms) and the short drive there was quiet as we both began to wind down from the days events. I was not really ready to go to sleep and suggested that we clean up and relax with some TV or just sit around and talk a while. We went to our respective rooms and unlocked the door between them (keeping it closed) and proceeded to wash up. After my shower, I put on a pair of panties and a long t-shirt and knocked on the door to see if Dad was ready.
When he didn't answer right away, I cracked the door slightly to see if he was still cleaning up and found him on the bed dressed in his robe and in tears. As I entered his room, he tried to compose himself. I assumed he was shaken from the events of the day and sat down next to him and held him close to me. He apologized to me for allowing me to find him in this condition and I told him that it was perfectly normal. He went on to tell me the reason - that since Mom had passed away, he had not found an outlet where he could socialize since his life had revolved around her. The social gathering that day had reminded him how much he missed socializing with others and how much he missed Mom.