Thinkin’ about Dad

My Dad passed away 13 years ago at the age of 84. Certainly, Father’s Day stirs memories of mostly the good times and some of the time perhaps he may not have been at this best. He grew up during the depression and had 2 brothers that were both mentally challenged. He got into plenty of scrapes defending them against others who would pick on them because of their condition. He had a tough youth and perhaps that’s why he never was a real ‘cookies and cream” kind of guy. Growing up, I don’t recall him ever saying “I love you son.”

What he didn’t say in words, I saw though with his actions. His wife Claire (my stepmother…and an amazing woman) had Juvenile Diabetes. As it worsened, she became blind and could barely walk. Through that, my dad relentlessly ensured she was taken care of and watched as she physically deteriorated and passed away at age 49. He loved her unconditionally to the end.

At age 72, Dad made Jesus his Lord and Savior. That’s still a miracle as we NEVER went to church or even talked about God growing up. A couple of years later I went to visit him in Pennsylvania, and we went to his church. I’ll never forget being next to him during praise and worship as he stood there with his eyes closed, head up, and doing his best to raise his Parkinson’s shaking hands the little height they could attain. I just stared at him for what seemed like forever, so full of gratitude, thanking Jesus for the work that he had done here. His body was declining, but his spirit was so alive.

As Dad’s health worsened, we moved him here to Arkansas to spend his final days. He needed additional care and lived in the local long term care facility (sounds better than saying Nursing Home). We’d go visit quite often and there was NEVER at time that before I would leave him…he wouldn’t say…” I Love You Son”.  Thanks Dad… You Finished Well.