Tattoo, Please… Don’t Come to School Today, Alright?

Dad, please dont turn up at school today, alright?
Why, Ellie? Youre about to get a prize; I wanted to see that face.
No, dont. Everyone will be there kids, mums, dads and you
And me?
Youll be all dusty, love, straight from the works. Theyll have a good laugh

He froze. In his hand trembled a wilted daisy, plucked from the road.

Youre right, my dear, he murmured. I was in such a hurry I hadnt even changed out of my overalls. Didnt want to be late.
Just dont come! the little girl squealed. Ill be mortified!

He nodded, a faint smile curling his lips.

Fine, Ellie. I wont be there.

He turned and stalked off, clutching that single daisy like a talisman.

They lived in a modest thatched cottage, the very one hed built with his own two hands.
Her mother had left when Ellie was five.

He toiled from dawn till dusk in the rain, in the cold just to buy her a book, a pair of boots, a pint of milk.

Dad, we dont even have a fridge!
And thats just fine, love. The pantry on the landing is nice and cool, he replied with a grin.

Years slipped by. Ellie excelled at school, won a few spelling bees, and earned a place at university in Manchester.

Her father gave her everything he owned.

Here, darling, for your flat.
But youll have nothing left!
Ill keep what matters most pride in you.

Ill come back, I promise! Ill take you home with me!

He merely waved his hand.

No need, love. Im happy with this garden, my chickens and the quiet.

Time kept ticking. He called often; she answered less and less.

Dad, Im busy, Ill ring you later.
Alright, sweetheart. Just dont go hungry.

One rainy afternoon he decided to pop up unannounced. He brought a sack of homecooked grub cabbage rolls, fresh bread, a Victoria sponge.

At the blocks reception desk a concierge stopped him.

Looking for someone, sir?
My daughter, Ellie Georgiou.
Ah, the lady from Diamond Events? Shes at a gala tonight big night. Better leave the parcel here.
No, Id just like to see her, even for a minute.

He headed to the hotel where the charity gala was in full swing. Ellie stood by the stage, elegant and confident, flanked by celebrities.

He shuffled forward, nerves jangling.

Ellie its me, your dad.

She spun around, eyes wide.

Dad?! What are you doing here?!
Brought you a bit of home cooking
Please go! This is a private function!

The sack slipped; tins clattered at his feet. He bent to pick them up and whispered,

Sorry I didnt mean to embarrass you.

He slipped out quietly. A tidyup girl helped gather the mess.

Dont worry, sir. The kids will come back sometimes a tad late.

He gave a rueful smile.

Yes, when no ones waiting any longer.

Decades later Ellie married, built a career, and would often say her father was no longer alive.

Then the firm was invited to a modest charity evening in a little town called Whitby.

Theme: Ordinary Folks, Extraordinary Hearts.

An elderly man shuffled onto the stage. His hands were rough, his gaze gentle.

My names George Georgiou. Im no big shot, but I know a thing or two about love. I raised my daughter on my own. Shes gone far, and I pray for her every day.

If she could hear me, Id say: I love you, even if youve forgotten me.

A hush fell over the hall.

Ellie stood, hand over her mouth.

Dad

She ran to the stage and threw herself into his arms.

Forgive me! Im sorry I was ashamed of you!

He held her tight, whispering,

Darling I forgave you ages ago. I was just waiting.

Their story spread across the country.

Afterwards Ellie launched the Fathers Heart foundation for orphaned children and lonely seniors.

At the inaugural ceremony, through tears, she said,

The man who taught me everything good never had a formal education, but he gave me the greatest lesson: true love never feels embarrassed.

She took her fathers hand.

Dad, today youre our guest of honour.

The audience rose.

He smiled through his tears.

You know, love, the ache passes, but love never does.