June 18, 2010 > Plane please bring my dad home Plane please bring my dad home By Maria Elena Salinas In the early 1960's when I was approximately five or six years old, I vividly remember my dad had to work far away in places like Wisconsin, Florida and Louisiana. It would be weeks, even months before I could see him. Being the youngest of six, I never understood why my dad had to leave when my siblings explained. All I could remember is them telling me daddy will be home soon. My father called as often as he could and I could not wait for those rare moments to hear his voice. He frequently wrote letters and I remember telling my mother "let's go check the post office!" Every day I would be at the post office checking the mailbox, hoping another letter had arrived. While my dad was away, I would wait by the door, hoping my dad would walk right through so that I could finally see him. When it was going to be time for my dad to come home, I remember that my mom would tell us, "Your father will be coming home soon." The excitement and anticipation was thrilling and I could not wait to hug him. Also, he would always bring me and my siblings a surprise gift; he always brought home the best gifts from his travels. I remember one gift he brought me as a child that I still have today. It was a doll with a bright red dress, white shoes and short brown hair. It soon became my favorite doll and she was always with me. This doll reminded me of my dad and when I had her around me; it was as if my dad was right next to me. These gifts made me feel as if my dad never left home. I remember that when he was home, I always wanted to be around him because I knew he would be leaving again. I would follow him all around the house and sit next to him. Even if he was hanging out with his buddies, there I was, right next to him. Then, the sad moment would come when he would have to leave us again to go back to work. While he was gone, I would look up at the sky and when I saw an airplane, say "plane please bring by dad home". Now even though my dad has passed away, when I hear a plane fly over, I still look up and tell the plane to bring my dad home.