“See that group of stars over there? That’s The Scorpio. And that one right over there is Orion. That one over there is-” My dad an I were out on the balcony of our apartment, the stars were scattered across the deep blue sky like marbles flush against a pristine floor. I was explaining to my dad about the constellations when I suddenly turned and saw that my dad looked a bit… Bored. To be more specific, bored out of his mind. So I started to explain things a bit more distinctive. “Sometimes it feels as  if each star leads it’s own life. Like it lives and dies just like something here, one this planet..” My dad just stared at me and then said “Yeah, it is kinda like that isn’t it?” I smiled as we continued our journey through the cosmos. In our minds.

That was almost two years ago.

My dad and I are really close, kind of like my relationship with my mother. But my father and I have different ways of interactions. We share most of the same interests. One day my dad might be scrolling through the options and videos featured on the T.V. while I’m sitting there farther away doing my own thing( reading, writing, drawing, etc.) then suddenly I would hear: “Kanmani look, their showing the new Apple keynote!” or “Kanmani look at this! They are now showing the design for the new Mars rover!” or “Kanmani wanna watch this old space movie? It seems like something you would like…” or “Check out the movie trailer for Passengers! Incredible right?” Yup, I know it’s seems a little odd that a father and daughter bond over things like science, and technology but…. I learn so many things about my own father that I haven’t even known about my entire life.

Though sometimes there can be some conflicts: “Dad could we go to the library today? I haven’t been in two weeks and I’ve run out of books… Again.” These conversations always end up with me either rereading books or nagging my dad to take me for a few hours in the stretched period of time separating the date in which I run out of books, and the date in which I actually go. Huh, you know that phrase “like father like son?” Well, like father like daughter. I have finally figured out who I got my stubbornness from.

What I love about my dad is that he has such a catching yearning, and sense of wanderlust. Like nothing I have ever seen or heard. Remember a few posts back when i wrote that one of my dreams is to spend time in a forest or mountain region or any natural geographic area where the stars can be well seen? Well I told my dad that when I became older and had a career and everything, I wanted to live in a tiny house in a forest or near a beach, or even the mountains, a place where every single night I can look out and watch the stars, hundreds of them, the milky way right above me. I told one of my friends and she just laughed. I wrote it in my journal at school for homeroom and my teacher just giggled. But when I told my dad he didn’t laugh at all. He really does have faith. I just hope I don’t screw it up. Anyway, I always share my thoughts with my mom, but sometimes, when it’s not something super stupid, I tell my dad too. He told me that he wanted to live close or even actually in Yosemite. He loves nature and everything it upholds. He yearns for the feel of fresh air and the sound of the bubbling rivers. He like me, is a wander luster. He is like no other man I know. He is my father. And how lucky am I? I honestly don’t understand how I was able to get so so lucky.

We are so similar and yet so different. But I love how everyone just wants to be around him. I beam with pride every time he rants about me doing something not even voluntarily amazing. And yet he thinks my “achievements” are something worthwhile. He is so funny and though not the most sympathetic, he can be there when you need him. He wouldn’t care if you are a stranger or not.

I remember one time we went shopping. I was about five or six and we were driving out of the parking lot when suddenly we heard a noise and a screech. My mom, brother, my dad, and I, all looked back and saw a car, rammed against a stout, but strong looking tree. My dad told us to stay in the car, and he got out. He rushed over to where the passenger and their car was and tried to figure out what was going on. I was filled with worry and remorse, I was so tempted to jump out of the car and stand behind my dad and help, my hand was gripped against the door as I watched my dad come back to our car. He told us that the person inside was okay. I don’t know if my mom or dad remember that or not. But I do. And that honestly was incredible. Integrity. One thing I hope and wish I will soon grow to have.

My parents are both representing the person that I want to become. My dad is so influential to me. Without him I wouldn’t really be the person I am today.

My father is neither an anchor nor a sail, but he guides me with the glowing constellations in his eyes. The glinting stars in his soul guiding me through the direction and darkness of the sea we call life.

Love you dad. To Pluto and back.