CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 13 My father, Dr. Horace Long, a well-loved pediatrician to now multiple generations of Fayetteville families, shouldered each and every parental responsibility in a way that became even more impossible for me to comprehend aer I had children of my own. He packed lunches. Rearranged his work schedule so that he could be there to pick up my brother, his youngest child, from school. He came home from long days at his office and dug out my mom's handwritten recipes and cooked for his children, resolved to continue the delicious sit-down dinners to which we'd been accustomed our whole lives. He baked homemade birthday cakes and shopped for thoughtful gis for his daughters from their favorite girly boutiques. He lugged his 8-seater, solid wood kitchen table out to his backyard on his own and hung twinkle lights in his big cherry tree to set the scene for an outdoor graduation celebration. He served as right-hand man to the three of us daughters as we planned our weddings, thoughtfully weighing in with his surprisingly adept opinions on gown styles, veil lengths, floral arrangements, program fonts, musical selections and appetizer options. He showed up on front porches with home-cooked meals and the offer to stroll a grandchild around the neighborhood while tired new mamas rested. All of this and so much more for his own four children, while continuing his full-time profession of caring for so many others. Just next month, my dad will marry a woman exactly like the one I have prayed he would find. She is a lot like him: steadfastly faithful to God and her family, even aer the unexpected loss of her own spouse to cancer. Between the two of them, there are seven children, eight grandchildren (at least one more to come) and one big goldendoodle named Mookie. I am so happy that my dad, who has dedicated the last 16 years of his life to taking care of those he loves all on his own, will have someone to share the rest. And these days, when I need time-tested parenting advice, am bursting to share a bit of good news or realize I forgot to buy the can of diced tomatoes needed for the soup already in the works on the stove, I dial my daddy's phone. He answers the call just about every time. And I love to hear his voice. Claire Mullen can be reached at clairejlmullen@gmail.com. Your source for fine home decor textiles, wallpapers & elegant hardware Specializing in custom draperies, pillows & bedding 2706 Bragg Blvd., Fayetteville themillendstore.org 910-483-2375 NEW HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. MILL END THE STORE E s t . 1 9 3 6 Create &Save up to 75% off fabrics, trims and more through June New arrivals herald delicious designer deals Dwell in possibility...

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