The Daily The Sunday Read: ‘Finding My Father’
Jun 20, 2021
Nicholas Casey, the Madrid bureau chief for The New York Times, shares a deeply personal tale of searching for his estranged father. He reflects on his childhood memories, the impact of his father's absence, and the emotional journey of identity that followed. Through an ancestry test gifted on his 33rd birthday, Casey uncovers family connections and grapples with the complexities of belonging. This poignant narrative explores themes of self-discovery, familial ties, and the lasting effects of unresolved issues.
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Absent Father
- Nicholas Casey's father was a sailor who visited infrequently.
- After one visit following Nicholas's seventh birthday, he disappeared.
Meeting and Early Visits
- Nicholas's parents met on Diego Garcia, an atoll, and spent one night together.
- His father worked on cargo ships, visiting sporadically and sharing stories.
Fear and Resilience
- Moments of fear accompanied his father's presence, like being called a "sissy boy."
- His father once sewed his own foot, demonstrating a strange mix of harshness and resilience.