The Cat is on the Roof...

[conuly]

I miss my dad.

He's been dead more than half my life now, and I still miss him every day.

When my father died, my mother was the one who had to tell us that. And later, she said that what she wanted to say was "Daddy's on the roof". It's a family joke of sorts.

A man had a cat, whom he adored, and a bit of a dim brother. One day, the man went on a vacation, and left his cat in his brother's care. As soon as he got where he was going, he called his brother and asked how the cat was.

"Sorry, your cat is dead"

Well, this surprised him, and, in a bit of a snit, he hung up and didn't call back for another three or four days. When he called back, he explained that he'd just been startled, and upset, and that his brother should've broken the news to him more gently, like so:

"You see, when I first called, you could've told me 'the cat is on the roof.' Then I would've been a little concerned, but not very worried, and certain to call back the next day. Then you could've told me 'the cat fell off the roof, but he's at the vet, and the vet is taking care of him.' I would've been worried, but it wouldn't've been a big blow. Then on the third day, you could say 'I'm sorry, the vet did all he could,' and I would be upset, but I wouldn't be surprised at all, and so I wouldn't've hung up on you like that. But it's all over now. So, um... how's mom?"

*silence*

"Mom is on the roof."

Stupid joke, I know, I know, but... it would've made sense.

Comments

[innerbrat]

I totally read that as a story about your dad. I thought it was him talking to an uncle.

Huh.

[redlami.livejournal.com]

My dad's been gone for 23 years and I still miss him too.

[absurdixie.livejournal.com]

I know how it feels, I miss my sister, so I know what's it like to want a family member back. Grief is a funny thing, isn't it? Though, I dunno, I guess it makes you have a more open mind about death, could just be me, though.

**hugs**

(By the way, that joke made me smile, hee)

[innerbrat]

I totally read that as a story about your dad. I thought it was him talking to an uncle.

Huh.

[redlami.livejournal.com]

My dad's been gone for 23 years and I still miss him too.

[absurdixie.livejournal.com]

I know how it feels, I miss my sister, so I know what's it like to want a family member back. Grief is a funny thing, isn't it? Though, I dunno, I guess it makes you have a more open mind about death, could just be me, though.

**hugs**

(By the way, that joke made me smile, hee)