“One of the best things about my life is that I get to be your dad. If you ever need me, I’m coming, no matter what.” He taps on his wheelchair.
I nod, tears spilling down my cheeks. I quickly brush them off with my fingers.
“Now, what is my daughter going to do with her life since she hates accounting?”
A laugh springs up from my chest, and I admit honestly, “I have no idea.”
“That’s okay,” he assures me. “That’s the fun thing about life, honey. You choose the things that matter most and hold those tight. The rest of it . . . it’s just extra.”
“That’s the fun part?” I jest.
“Life has a way of making us think it’s not fun,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “Like it’s scary if we don’t have a plan. But the truth is, most of the good things that ever happened to me weren’t planned.”
I tilt my head. “Including this place?”
He smiles, glancing around his office. “Especially this place. I knew I wanted it. I didn’t know how it would work out. I just knew it mattered.”
He looks back at me. “You don’t need all the answers rightnow, Sadie. You just need to be honest about what matters to you.”
I let that settle in my chest.
“You matter to me, Dad.”
“I know, cutie.”
I nod, feeling lighter than when I walked in.
When I stand to leave, Dad reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “Whatever you decide to do next,” he says, “make sure it feels like yours.”
I smile softly. “I will.”
53
SADIE
TRY SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER DONE.
Speedon a back road.
Order dessert first.
Quit something you’re “good” at.
Go somewhere without a plan.
Wear something just because I like it.
Climb the water tower.
Watch an R-rated movie.
Get a tattoo.
Kiss a stranger.
Paint the walls in my house.
The list sitscomplete on my counter.
