Jerry couldn’t forget the snowy winter day that his firstborn son almost had a serious accident. Jeff was in his first year of driving, which made Jerry nervous to begin with. The close with disaster only heightened his anxiety.
One day following the near-accident, Jeff told his father he was getting ready to leave the house.
＂Drive carefully, now!” Jerry warned.
Jeff turned to his father with a look of chagrin and asked, “Why do you always say that?”
“Say what?”
“Drive carefully.” It’s like you don’t trust me driving.”
“No, Son, that’s not it at all,” Jerry explained. “It’s just my way of saying, “I love you.”
“Well, Dad, if you want to say you love me, say that!.” Jeff said. “That way I can’t mix up the message.”
“But…,” Jerry hesitated. “What if your friends are here with you? If I say ‘I love you,’ you might get embarrassed.”
“In the case, Dad, when you’re saying good-bye, just put your hand near your heart, and I’ll do the same,” Jeff offered.
Jerry was touched that his son wanted, as badly as he, to express his love. “You’ve got a deal,” he said.
A few days later, Jeff was getting ready to leave again, this time with a friend. “Can I have the keys, Dad?” he asked his father.
“Sure,” Jerry answered. “Where are you headed?”
“Downtown.”
Jerry tossed him the keys. “Jeff” he said, pausing before adding, “have a great time.” He subtly placed his hand near his heart. Jeff did the same. “Sure, Dad,” he said.
Jerry winked.
Jeff walked back to his father and whispered, “Winks weren’t a part of the deal.” Jerry was slightly taken aback.
Jeff headed for the door. :Okay, Dad, see ya,” he said. Just before he shut the door, he turned back – and winked.
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