Papa

I got a phone call from Papa. For some odd reason, he called my home phone. I didn't even remember giving him that number.... Anyway, this was after I sent him some photos of the baby shower this weekend. Amongst 10 non pregnant women, I looked huge and bloated. The reality of my state must have hit him and decided to call me. He sounded happy, and told me that I looked healthy and the baby seems to be growing steadily. Of course, in our conversation was my new assignment in China that I am suppose to finish before the baby's due.... I lied, saying that I've started research.... I better do something quick.
Growing up, Papa was not a very big factor in our upbringing. He even nicknamed himself as the sponsor, because his sole responsibility was to give us $$$, mostly for education. With all the expensive private international schools that I went to, the amount that he has invested in me is unimaginable. It is only recently that Papa has become closer to me personally and began to support me in non-financial ways. It was odd at first because I wasn't familiar with this sort of connection. The first time was when I got engaged to Pat. That night, June 18, 2002, I called home to tell my parents of our news. Since my mom usually picks up the phone, I was in total shock when Papa did. I fumbled around with words until I finally told him. "Papa, I have something to tell you.... ummm.... uhhh.... Patrick and I just got engaged."
This year, January 5, 2005, I called home to tell my parents of the baby. I automatically thought, what if it's Papa.... And I was right. He's never the one to pick up the phone unless it's news like this. So I said my genki? and what are you doing? until I said "Papa, I have something to tell you.... ummm.... I went to the doctor today and he told me that I'm pregnant." I didn't know what his response was going to be since we never talked about babies. Papa always took interest in my career and often gave me encouraging advice for development. If I had called to tell him of my career success, I know he would have been proud but I didn't know what he thought about me becoming a mother. So I was worried. Then through the receiver, I heard "Aiya! Hontoni!?" with his usual thick Chinese accent. "I am so happy. Congratulations! I know you are going to have a boy." That gave me some relief because I haven't heard him so excited in so long. He then went to get mama and she came on the speaker phone saying "Doshitano?" So I told her again.
There were times during my childhood and adolesence where I probably could have used some of his support. But now that we are here, both adults, I love his support, participation, and interest in my life and my family. The relationship has definitely changed. And even though I do appreciate his sponsorship in the past, there's nothing better than for me to hear his happy and approving voice over the phone. So for father's day this year, I am giving him a boy in the family. He will also be partially naming our son. But I still don't understand this Chinese craze of having a boy....