Reunion

The old rotary dial phone hadn’t rung in he didn’t know how long? The sound of it startled him so it took a few rings before he could get to it. “hello” a pause then “hi dad” the old man sat down because the voice on the other end was one he hadn’t heard in a very long time. “how are you dad”? He didn’t answer right away as he didn’t know how he was or how he could explain it.” I’m good I reckon and how about you are things going well for you”? The old man twirled the phone cord still not believing that his first-born son was on the other end probably as nervous as he was. They hadn’t spoken since his wife, and his son's mother had passed away going on twelve years now. “I’m good dad I know it’s been a long time and I got to thinking about you today and how we left things all those years ago. I wanted to apologize to you, I was wrong but stubborn like someone else I know. The old man managed a little smile and remembered that day a dozen years ago when he told his son he was better than what he was doing. The son disagreed and stormed out of the house saying goodbye forever. “yea I guess both of us have that stubborn streak done we?” “dad you said I was better than that and you were right, I was so I did go to college and graduated first in my class. I went on to become a doctor and have my own practice, I did good dad and I wanted you to know that” there was silence on the line for a while just the old mans labored breathing that has bothered him for a while now.” Still smoking old man”? He replied with the sound of his old flip top lighter and the line grew silent once again. “seems we have a lot to catch up on dad, so I was thinking of flying up there for a visit sometime soon” there’s somebody I want you to meet. Two people. I’m married dad with a son.” The old man got up from the chair and looked out of the kitchen window, a place he stood so many times watching his son play.” A son you say? What do you call him?” “his name is William dad after you.” The old man dried the tears from his eyes and spoke slowly into the old rotary phone.” Guess I’ll make up the guest room then” Thanksgiving will be here soon how about a big dinner with all the trimmings”? His son agreed that would be nice and they said their goodbyes and hung up. The old man stood at the window awhile longer then went to his tool shed to gather some tools he hadn’t touched in years. He tightened the nuts and bolts on the old swing set and even gave the teeter-totter a fresh coat of paint after all he couldn’t have “William” thinking he didn’t take care of his toys….