Your Friday Jack

You can never lose your family

MICHAEL

What did Papa think -- deep in his heart? He was being strong -- strong for his family. But by being strong for his family -- could he -- lose it?"

MAMA

but you can never lose your family.

MICHAEL

Times are changing.

“Ach, Ba, what kind of lifestyle do we lead?” my father is in the middle of asking as I pick up the phone.

“Lifestyle?” I ask.

“Yeah, you know . . . lifestyle.”

“Lifestyle.”

“I mean, what are we doing? What kind of lifestyle is this?”

“Why don’t I come join you for dinner?”

“No, it’s not that. I’m depressed. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not blaming you — it’s just the lifestyle.”

“I’ll be there at five.”

“You’re coming here?”

“Yes.”

“What time?”

“Five.”

“Dad, what’s going on?” I ask, as we enter the elevator on the way to dinner.

“I don’t know. I’m just — I don’t know. What’s the word?”

“Depressed?”

“Nah, it’s not that I’m depressed. I’m . . . lonely. I’m sad.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. What kind of lifestyle is this? You don’t look good, you know?” he asks.

“I don’t look good?”

“Your hair, your shirt. I mean, it’s not that you look bad — you just don’t look good.”

We sit.

Prayers are in progress.