My Dad

This is a picture of my dad. I forgot my camera today, so this is him on Mother's Day, holding my mom's flowers.

He is 80. It is a miracle that he ever survived childhood, as he had a severely deformed heart. Although, he did not know this until about six years ago. He had major surgery and came through it all really well. Some of the damage was irreparable, but he copes. He also has lung problems, prostate cancer and a bunch of other ailments. But, he never complains.

I do think that his life is anything but easy. For the past several years he has had to take on more responsibility as my mom, his wife of 58 years, suffers from dementia.

Today I watched my dad as he hurried through church trying to find her. He had told her to go to the car and wait, but since it is her very short term memory that is effected, she forgot. He was trying to find her, huffing and puffing as he went up and down steps trying to locate her. At 80 he is still learning patience.

I doubt that these are the 'golden years' my dad signed up for. For years my mother presented him with three meals a day, a spotless home, finances all in order and every medical incident thoroughly researched and properly recorded. Now, all this falls to him.

But, he never complains.

In fact, if you were to talk to him, he would tell you how thankful he is to God for all of his blessings.

Especially his wife, three daughters, four grandsons, four granddaughters and one great grandson.