My First & Last Christmas With Dad in NYC

I spent Christmas in NYC in 2000. My family flew up there and met my dad and his family. It was the first time I had seen him in 21 years. I am a small town Kentucky boy who was amazed at the sights of the City. It was cold and everything was decorated for Christmas. We went to his house and had a big family meal. On the ride there I was amazed at all the traffic and how busy things were. Where we came from they roll the sidewalks up on Christmas day. They had a beautiful tree. We exchanged gifts. That night I got time to talk to my dad. He told me he was sorry for not seeing me all those years and he regretted it. Being the christian man I am, I forgave him. We stayed up the rest of the night and looked at the lights of the Christmas tree and talked. We got to know all about each other and our families. I have to say that it was the best Christmas I ever had.

The day after Christmas we all went looking around. Everything was so Christmas like. It was truly a big city big time Christmas that this country boy had never seen before. Even though it only lasted 2 days before we had to return to our home, it was still a great experience. When we left we all said our good byes and agreed to keep in touch. Ill never know what caused my dad to reach out for me that Christmas. I was glad that we did meet, because on September 11, 2001 my dad was working on the 103 floor of the south tower and was never found. So that makes the one Christmas I had with him special.

Written by guest blogger: John Dunning