A few days ago, I texted Dad a silly question, not really expecting an answer. After all, Dad had never been a small talk kind of person. He speaks plainly, but he doesn't speak about trivial matters. I thought it might be fun to get bits of his personal history and background.
So I asked: What were your favorite games growing up?
A couple hours later, Dad texted back: Monopoly, chess. Sheepshead.
The next day, I asked: What were your favorite toys when you were a kid and why?
Teddy bears. I don't know why. I'm thinking of one more. Lincoln logs. I liked building things.
And today, there was this gem; simple, but traditional: What's your favorite color?
Blue.
Tomorrow there will be another text. I don't what it will say exactly - just another question and another answer which will provide another glimmer into my dad's life. These questions aren't much, but I hope someday they'll lead to bigger ones. Perhaps - if his treatment progresses - the questions will become that interview I've always wanted to do. But right now, I'll have to settle for these little Questions of the Day.
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