Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

I grew up bereft of hugs. Neither of my parents was the cuddly type. Greetings involving kissing caused me to wince, and hugging generally just made me feel awkward. Then one hug changed all that. One month before my 40th birthday my dad had heart surgery. As he came round, days later, he grabbed me and hugged me so hard I had to push with all my might to keep my head from pressing down on his newly stitched torso.

It was a hug to make up for all those we had never had. Days later as he slowly started to gain strength he told me for the first time ever that he loved me, and 1 my tears I told him I loved him too.

I began planning how to bake him better � with carrot cakes, victoria sponges, jelly and ice cream. My maternal streak kicked in and I fantasised about wheeling him through the park and feeding him home-made goodies. Then he died.

I felt 2 . All my life I had wondered whether my dad cared for me and loved me � I doubted it. Just as I got proof that he did, he passed away.
As time moved on my grief and anger at his untimely death began to recede. I realised that his affirmation of me from his deathbed had filled a gaping hole of insecurity I had constantly carried around.
Dad's hug had a profound effect on me. It carried me along a path from childhood to adulthood. At last I am my own woman and one who loves nothing better than a good old-fashioned hug.


1. A. through B. against
Could I use "against" to express the act of "fighting back my tears"? Is "through my tears" a fixed expression?

2. A. deserted B. cheated
Which one is more suitable? WHY?

The underlined sentence makes no sense to me, since Dad seldom hugged "me" in my childhood. How can Dad's hug carried me along a path from childhood to adulthood???

Thanks

[Lorikeet]