Like Dad Like No One

I remember my mom shouting at him. "Tim, How many times do I need to
tell you this? Don't smoke in front of kids!"

 But he'll be sitting on the couch staring at the newspaper, and then
looking at me. I know he wants me to blush. Then only we both can
smile at mom and make fun of her. I still remember those good old
days, and still can't forget that one bad day, 19 September 1998. It
was his birthday. We were waiting for him at our grandpa's house. We
were all set to give him a surprise. But it ended he surprising us by
tearing our heart apart. I remember getting that phone call from Steve
uncle.

 I remember him saying in a shivering tone, "Jake, Tell Cathy to come
to my home. Now."

 I knew something was wrong. I gave the phone to my mom. The next
thing I remember is seeing her in the hospital at Rhode Island. I dont
know why, but I still don't remember what happened after that phone
call. I get to know from the doctors that she fainted while talking on
phone. My 7 year old brain didn't understand anything happening there.

 September 26th. I remember sitting with Steve uncle. Its been one
week since I have heard from Dad. Steve uncle was sending a message on
his lap. I looked at the screen and started reading it.

 Sender : Steve McDin

 Receiver : Fr. Johnson Den

 Message : "Here lies the soul of Tim Davidson, father of Jake and the
loving husband of Cathy". This what we need to be engraved on the
grave. I have sent a copy to the church also. Regards.

 Message ended. My heart almost stopped beating. I ran to my room, and
hit the bed. I never wanted to wake up from there. The man who used to
blush at me to make fun of mom, died. The man who used to take me to
Beach every weekend, and tells me to dream about our life goals by
looking at the waves, died. The man who takes me to church on every
sunday, and tells me not to put the money on the church box, but
insists to give it to the beggars standing outside the church, died.
The man who told me a man who doesn't spend time with his family is
not a man at all, died. The man who was my mentor, my father, my
friend, my everything, died.

 Its been 14 years, and I'm sitting on this shore, holding the Tobacco
Pipe bowl which he used. I will never burn it. I'll just hold it like
he used to hold it. Its like holding his hands, and I've always wanted
to correct what Steve uncle said.

 "Here lies the body of Tim Davidson, not his soul. His soul belongs
to Jake Davidson."