Soon.

I called my papa today.

He asked me about work. I told him I didn't want kids. He told me he bet me 10$ I would change my mind. 

He was in his wife's hospital room. 

She was falling asleep. 

I told him about my apartment next year & the job I have in PA. 

He told me gardening is so much harder to do with a dislocated shoulder. I told him to make a piña colada & stop gardening. He laughed, "oh Emily Jo" 

He asked about boys & I told him the truth. He told me i should be with a man who makes me forget i attract losers. 
He told me to stop tanning & eat more veggies. 

I told him about my biggest dreams. And that I don't really have fun anymore. He said he doesn't either. He asked about a job after college. 

"Grad school" I answered & he said "what's your plan after that?" 

I told him I knew exactly what I wanted & he laughed 
"oh Emily Jo...tell me your plan & we will see if it comes true" 

I rattled off & told him not to doubt me. 

After telling him where I saw myself in 4 years his voice cracked 
"your uncle had the same ambition you do. Don't ever let that go." 
He told me stories of how Ted never gave up & knew what he wanted.
 "He was focused" 

It was silent and we both cried. 

"I love you, pop" 

"Oh Emily Jo, I love you" 

He then told me Jean, his wife, was asleep.
She doesn't know who he is anymore.
She hasn't for a few weeks. 

"Emily Jo, marry someone who you love so much that you'll want to sit beside their bed even when they don't recognize you anymore"

His physical therapist was calling & he had to transfer calls. 

"I love you, Emily, let's talk again soon"