CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
A local Betoota Grove dad has today made it abundantly clear to his 19-year-old daughter that he is there for her.
58-year-old fumigator, Bob Clarence, wasn’t expecting such a deeply personal message from his second oldest today – but he’s glad she knows she can talk to him whenever she feels the need to do so – about anything.
After a bit of a dummy spit over the weekend, Erika, the daughter in question has been keeping her head low and not engaging with the family.
It was her absence at a family catch-up at Bob’s sister’s house on Sunday that initially created tensions. However, when pressed on why she didn’t feel the need to show up at her aunty’s birthday, Erika really cracked the shits.
Unlike the cold wars that take place between his daughters and wife, this was a Gen-Z blow-up that Bob actually thought he should take the lead on, instead of doing what he usually does and disappearing to the living room to watching state-level cricket.
After mincing his words and stumbling on a few return fires, it seems Bob made it worse with Erika now giving the whole family the silent treatment. However, he finds solace in the fact that this wasn’t a drama he caused.
However, after half a week of no contact from Erika, the first year uni student has emerged from her sharehouse hidey place and reached out via text message:
“Hey dad, I know I’ve probably come across as a bit snappy recently. So I’m sorry about that. I really wanted to make aunty Flo’s birthday on the weekend but I just couldn’t get out of bed. I think after the break up with Jack, paired with all these longer hours at work, I’ve slipped into a bit of a slump. I don’t think it’s depression or anything, but I’m taking action anyway. I’m starting a new health kick next week and going to talk to the GP about a mental health plan just to be sure.”
Bob sighs. It all makes sense.
He’s glad she’s taking ownership for her behaviour and accepts her apology, but is also very proud that she’s making an effort to look after herself.
This is the kind of clear communication that could have been useful during the Friday night blow up, but like the rest of his girls, he knew Erika would eventually get around to talking it out.
Bob responds back quick as a flash to ease Erika’s restless mind, and makes the extra effort to let her know that she’s not alone when it comes to her personal hardship, and he’ll always be there to lend an ear or offer advice.
“Gotch ya” he replies.
“👍”
