When Jack Needed Daddy
Daddy was packing the van. Jack held his ball and watched. In went bags of clothes and shoes. In went his booster seat and water wings. “If you want to take your ball, put it in, Jack,” Daddy said. “As soon as we get Mommy and the babies it will be time to go.”
“Time to go?” asked Jack. He was a big brother now, but he didn’t like the idea of going. Ever since his twin sisters were born at the hospital he had been afraid Daddy and Mommy would disappear again. “Daddy going?” Jack asked. “Don’t leave me, Daddy.”
“I won’t leave you,” Daddy said with a smile. “We are all going together. Your aunties are coming with us.”
“And Mommy and Sissy?” asked Jack.
“Yes, and the babies, too,” said Daddy.
Soon everyone was climbing in the van. Jack’s seat was in the very back. It seemed very far away. “Daddy, I need you,” said Jack.
“I will sit next to you,” said Daddy.
Jack smiled. “I’m hungry!” he said, as Daddy buckled him in.
“We will stop for some food on the way,” said Daddy.
Jack felt happy with Daddy near. He felt safe. Daddy talked and laughed. And then he gave them food to eat. Soon it got dark and Jack felt sleepy.
Suddenly the van stopped. Jack looked around. Daddy was outside! “Daddy, I need you!” he cried, banging at the window. “Daddy, I’m scared.”
“Daddy is getting gas. He’ll be back soon,” Mommy said.
Jack wasn’t so sure. “Daddy!” he called. “Daddy, I’m scared!”
“I’m here, Jack,” Daddy said, climbing into the back seat. Jack sighed. Everything was all right again. He leaned his head on Daddy’s shoulder and fell asleep.
A bright light made Jack wake up. The van door was open and Daddy was getting out! Jack’s heart beat fast. Was Daddy leaving him?
“Don’t leave me, Daddy! I’m scared.” Jack reached out his arms and tugged on his car seat.
“Alright,” said Daddy. “I’ll stay next to you.”
At last Daddy was back in the seat where Jack could touch him. “Daddy, I love you,” he said softly.
“I love you, too, Jack,” said Daddy. He put his big hand on his head and everything was safe again. The van drove on through the night and soon they both fell asleep.
Jack opened his eyes. Where was Daddy? Someone else was sitting next to him and it was NOT Daddy. It was someone called “Auntie.” Jack sat up and began to cry loudly, “I need you Daddy!”
“Daddy is driving,” said Mommy.
Jack did not listen. “Daddy, I need you!” he cried. He leaned forward in his car seat, but he couldn’t reach Daddy. Panic made his heart beat faster. “Don’t leave me, Daddy!”
“I’m here, Jack.” It was Daddy’s voice, far, far away. Jack cried louder. Why didn’t Daddy come? Every other time he came. Didn’t he care?
“Jack, you are waking up the babies,” said Mommy. “Stop crying and Daddy will come later.” But Jack didn’t stop.
“Jack is too loud!” Sissy complained.
“Let’s pray for him,” said Auntie. She asked God to help Jack to calm down soon.
“I need you, Daddy!” Jack sobbed. His voice was getting hoarse.
“Daddy is coming to be with you,” Auntie said softly. “He is driving first, then he will come.”
“Daddy, I need you!” Jack said again, but he didn’t cry so loudly now.
“After Daddy drives, he will come and sit with Jack.” Jack stopped crying to listen.
“Sit with Jack,” he said. “Daddy sit with me.” He gulped back a sob.
“Yes, Jack,” Auntie said with a smile. “Daddy will come soon. First he has to drive.”
“First drive?” Jack repeated. “Daddy will come soon?”
“Daddy wants Jack to be quiet, and he will come soon,” Auntie agreed.
At last Jack stopped crying. He looked at a book with Auntie. He even smiled and laughed.
After awhile the van stopped and Daddy got out. “Here I am, Jack,” he said.
Auntie let Jack out of his car seat and he shouted happily. “Daddy! I quiet!”
“Yes, you were,” Auntie said with a smile. “And now Daddy can be with you!”
Questions:
Have you felt afraid or bothered, and it seemed like no one was there to help you? What did Jack learn? How do we know that God cares, even if we cannot feel Him?