Mostly Just Talking

Me and Dad, 2016, somewhere in California. (Photo by my son.)

My father, as with many men of a particular generation, can be a tough nut to crack. He’s just so opaque.

A holiday – a birthday, say – arises. A question is voiced – “Is there anything you want?” And the response, every. single. time?

(You know what it is. Your dad does this to you, too.)

“I don’t need anything.”

Cool, cool. Except it’s your birthday, and I’m your only child, and I’m OBVIOUSLY GOING TO GET YOU SOMETHING SO HELP A GI...