Konstantinos or Gus or simply Daddy

by Maria
(Greece)

Today, the 21st May is celebrated, at least in Greece, as the nameday of St Konstantine, the founder - if I am not mistaken of Konstantinople or Istable as it is widely known. Konstantinos is a name given to many Greek males and my personal favourite since my dad is also called Kostas.

He is not my biological dad. However, he is the person who made me who I am today. Growing up in Australia, I taught him English and he taught me the ways of the world. He sent me to the best schools, bought me anything my heart desired and all that just so he could feel proud of his daughter. I never once thought of him as not my real dad.

Then one day, after not speaking with my parents for a couple of days, I called him. I could tell by the tone in his voice that something was amiss. He finally gave in and told me that my mother and he had separated. That was the end of the world as I had known it. Not because my parents would now be living in a different part of the country but because my dad would not be part of my life anymore, as was his wish.

He missed out on my graduation, on my engagement, on my getting a great job, on my marriage and on the birth of my two children. At Christmas and Easter and New year's there is always someone missing from the festivities. It's been 25 years now.

On the 21st May, I always wake up and send a simple prayer, hoping that he is well, wishing that things were different, and that I could call him and tell him "I love you".