May 25: 'Dad Died'

I'm at my older sister's wedding. I'm spending most of my time in the kitchen because I am in charge of catering. I busy myself with filling people's glasses, fixing the floral arrangements, etc. (I've worked for a couple different catering/wedding planning companies. Maybe that is why I dreamed I was working at my own sister's reception). My mom pulls me aside and is very upset that I am spending all of my time in the kitchen and not out with the family. I figure it's useless explaining the obvious fact that I am working the reception and just take the tongue lashing like a man.

After that little flair up, my mom gets on the phone and suddenly gets emotional over something that someone has said on the other line. I ask her what is the matter and she says, "Dad died."

I think, 'This is it. This is what I've been fearing my whole life—that a family member will pass away before their time.'

My stomach falls out from underneath me along with the floor and I start walking away without any direction while the tears start spilling down my face. It was at this moment that I thought, 'Wait, did she mean her dad or my dad? Who am I crying for?'