WWYD?

skittles_123 · October 2009

So my dad calls me last night to tell me he is going to be awarded some big award for his profession in our state, and they are presenting it to him today. He was just told about it last night and they said family typically attends.

My issue is that Friday is literally my only day this week that I have had nothing going on at lunch. I have been running kids to dctrs appts, etc. I had planned on picking up outfits for my kids today at lunch since we have pictures tomorrow morning. They have nothing to wear. I have no other time to do this and if I go to this awards thing during my lunch, my kids will have nothing to wear for pics tomorrow.

How do I explain this to my dad. I can't take an extra long lunch as I already have to do that several times a week for my ds therapy appt's (he has autism).

My brother is going, but he is a server at night, so has no plans during the day. My step-mom is going because she is off work on Friday's.

WWYD?

EastCoastBride · October 2009

I'd say "Dad, I'm sorry, but w/ the last minute notice, it's impossible for me to come. I'm sorry. If I had known earlier, I could have made arrangements to come.".

If he asks what you ahve to do instead, just say "Work is really busy and I can't break away". He doesn't need to know what that "work" is.

Because really- if it were THAT important that you come, he would have given you more notice.

And while family may "typically" attend, it doesn't mean you HAVE to, and it doesn't mean the entire family must be there.

massdreams · October 2009

Just kindly explain to him that you are very proud of him receiving the award and would love to be there, but it is too last minute for you to be able to take the time off to attend. There are other family members attending, so it's not like he won't have people there.

Also, maybe suggest that you want to take him out to lunch or dinner soon (this weekend or next weekend) to celebrate the award. I think this would make up for not being able to attend the lunch.

hiltyn78 · October 2009

Devil's advocate speaking:

It sucks your dad gave you virtually no notice. Apologize and tell him that you can't make it.

Ask yourself if you'll regret NOT going to your dad's function. Sometimes (ok, most of the times) we have to sacrifice important things/ time for our family and (at least for me) it's usually worth it. Is this a once in a lifetime award for your dad? Or does this happen once a month/ year?

GL!

vagirl06 · October 2009

Personally I'd reschedule the kid's pictures and attend my Dad's function. I'm very close with my Dad and after everything he's provided/given to me over the last 33 years, the least I could do is attend his function where he's going to receive an award. Pictures can wait in my opinion.

mclaugaa · October 2009

It depends on the function, but I would cancel the kids' pictures and be there for your dad.

AmyCC1980 · October 2009

I would probably either strike a deal with my boss so that I could take a long lunch to go shopping and attend the ceremony (maybe work through a couple lunches next week) or just postpone the pictures. I think family events are more important than pictures. I missed my brother's white coat ceremony a few months ago because I really didn't want to put DD in a car and drive 6 hours for a short weekend trip, but ever since I have regretted it and have felt like a horrible sister because the ceremony really did mean a lot to my brother and we really should have been there. I should have just sucked it up and gone.

beenbizzy · October 2009

I agree with Amy - can you strike a deal with boss or coworker to take a long lunch? Can you work late tonight or go in early a couple of days next week?

If the roles were reversed and you called your dad last night with this news, would he have re-arranged to be there?

duchess0727 · October 2009

I would go because I know how much it would mean to my dad. If you really can't go because of work, then just tell him that. I wouldn't not go because the kids have nothing to wear for pictures. I'd run to Target or Kohl's when they open at 8 am.

FloF9 · October 2009

I would go to my father's function. Life is too short and I have learned that things like this are worth the trouble.

smiles4ya · October 2009

FloF9:
I would go to my father's function. Life is too short and I have learned that things like this are worth the trouble.

this

BoxTer · October 2009

I'd go to the function.

14years · October 2009

duchess0727:
I would go because I know how much it would mean to my dad. If you really can't go because of work, then just tell him that. I wouldn't not go because the kids have nothing to wear for pictures. I'd run to Target or Kohl's when they open at 8 am.

This is a great idea. I'd do that, and go to the lunch today.

SparkFish · October 2009

What time are the pictures? Can't you go to the awards ceremony at lunch and get things for the kids to wear first thing in the morning tomorrow, on your way to the pictures, or after the kids go to bed tonight? It's not ideal, but if you want to go and support your Dad, there are ways you can fit everything in.

tosababy · October 2009

I would go see my Dad receive his award.

boondocks · October 2009

I'd go see dad, and rummage through the kids' closets for something suitable for pictures that they already own.

skittles_123 · October 2009

Wow, wasn't expecting so many to respond, thanks! I went ahead and rescheduled the pictures and attended my dads thing today.

I can't do shopping early mornings on Saturday, because I have to do therapy with ds. So that wasn't an option.

It turns out I am glad I went because I ended up having to ask a big favor of him (an additional occupational therapy spot opened up for my ds during a time I couldn't leave work and he is going to help with that). I would have felt terrible if I didn't go and asked him to do this.

Thanks ladies!

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