Journal Extract : Father Vs Dad (Through the Eyes of a Lone Soldier)

The words ‘dad’ and ‘father’ are very similar on the surface and yet, I think to many people they hold very different meanings;Growing up I had a father,a father who made sure and went out of his way to make sure that i was provided for.He woke up every day to go work and make sure there was food on the table and returned every evening to read the paper, take a bath and sleep.Once in a while,he took time to talk to me about grades,degrees and how he hoped i aimed for a PHD.As much as that was important i wanted him , not to just talk to me but also take time to Chat with me,know me and befriend me.I wanted him to take me to football matches,and tell me the different stages of pre-manhood and Manhood like how to shave,love and wear a Suit.I wanted him to tell me about the thin line that lies between love and pain and how a man should walk and talk,i needed a comrade-to hold my back in war,talk to me about my first time,my first girl and what to do when she broke my heart;Instead i grew up a Lone soldier with a father and had to walk my self through the tests and Challenges of being male.Not having a bigger brother, i needed a role model- someone i could look up to and say to my self "I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE YOU WHEN I GROW UP".Honestly i grew up with a father but i needed my dad more.I hope for my little girl and little man i get to be more than father. I love my Father but i greatly miss my Dad.