“I believe that we always have to make sacrifices for the people we love. And I swear, there is no person on the face of this earth who I love as much as you. That’s the way it always will be. Essie, honey, I’m so glad we got the chance to talk today,” he said. And, with a laugh, “This long distance phone call will probably cost a fortune. No wonder so many people use snail mail over such distances.” I grinned. He still had his sense of humor. “You’re right,” he went on. “I don’t know what to say, I really don’t…but…” I knew he was giving in. “You have my permission to stay longer. I know things got hard for you back home for a while…I’m so sorry. Maybe time is what it takes. You can stay, but under two conditions. One, we’ll have heart to hearts like this more often. And two, that you’ll come back to me. Because no matter what, I’ll come back for you,” my father said solemnly. I could hear the sincerity residing in his voice.