Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursday – My Folks

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Blessed, Dad, Glad, Grateful, Gratitude, Happy, Mom, Thankful, Thanks

Today, I wanted to express my gratitude for the decisions I made leading up to this moment. Had I not made the decisions I did, I would not have been in a position to retire early so I could return home and help out my parents.

It is nice to be home with Mom and Dad during their senior years. My Dad is 80. My Mom will be 76 on September 10th. All of us do our own thing at home. My Mom likes to sit on our deck and enjoy nature while she reads or plays Facebook games. My Dad has always been a reader and enjoys his books or a nap in his rocker. I enjoy my writing, reading, and learning while Dad sits in his chair. I typically spend most of my morning and early afternoon in the living room with Dad, while he reads or naps.

Mom likes to get out and about to run errands, while I sit with Dad. This arrangement works out pretty good. Daily, we have dinner as a family. Dad likes to watch his news while we eat and Mom likes to hear the weather report. When people come over to hang out with the family, we all gravitate to the deck. Many people comment how relaxing our home is. How calm it is. It truly is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle present in most people’s lives.

I am grateful for this. How many people are in a position to be with their parents in their senior years? How many people get to know their parents as peers? I am truly blessed.

Today, take some time to make a call or write a letter to your folks. If your folks have passed, write them a letter. They will get it. If you are connected with your parents on Facebook, see if you can connect on Facebook messenger and have a quick video call. You’ll be glad you did.

Thanks Mom and Dad for having me, raising me, and teaching me. Thanks for all of the sacrifices you made to make my life better than yours was. Thanks for always being there. Thanks for the birthday cards, birthday presents, and Christmas presents when I was serving abroad. Thanks for the calls on my birthday. I love you both.

Have a great Thursday, everyone.

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Happy Birthday, Dad

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Birthday Cake, Celebration, Dad, Family Time, Good Food, Happy Birthday

Picture: My Dad and me posing for a picture at my nephew’s HS graduation.

My Dad’s birthday is today. He is 80 years old. It’s hard to believe my Dad was born in 1939. He’s seen a lot. Now he’s enjoying his retirement reading, playing with his toys (tools), and reading. He’s also picked up watching YouTube. It’s funny how all of us adapt to new things. He likes the randomness of YouTube and the lack of commercials.

If any of you still watch public TV you know how many commercials interrupt the programming. I can’t stand watching normal TV anymore. I am spoiled by Netflix, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Well, we’re headed out for a nice steak to wrap up Dad’s birthday celebration.

Have a great Sunday, folks!

Until next time…

Dave

My Dad has Dementia

Tags

Beth Malone, Dad, Dementia, Ted Talk

You never really think about this disease until you’re affected by it. My Dad was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia last year. As soon as I got the news, I retired from my job and drove home to spend as much time as I could with my Dad before he forgets who we are and who he is.

This video is about Beth’s Dad. I can relate to this because I’m experiencing it every day. Some days are good for Dad. He talks, he listens, and he understands what’s going on. Other days, and more of them lately, he stares out our living room window unaware of what’s going on.

My Mom and Dad are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary this month and I can tell my Mom isn’t taking this too well. She gets mad at him, she gets frustrated, and all the rest. I can only imagine how horrible it is to see the man you love literally fall apart before your eyes.

If you have someone in your family that is suffering from this horrific condition, feel free to share here if you’re comfortable. If not, I get it.

All the best,

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Happy Father’s Day!

Tags

Dad, Father, Father's Day

Happy Father’s Day!

My Dad (pictured above on the left) raised three kids and took care of our family.

When I look at my life I recognize how hard it is to support a family. The endless hours of work, the constant worry, the stresses of day-to-day existence, coupled with a sprinkling of injuries, diseases, troubles, and all the rest.

Last year my Dad was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. This is a type of Dementia that is caused by poor circulation (he was a smoker for more than 50 years). I retired early in December to spend my time with my Mom and Dad (both in their 70s) to make sure they had someone to take care of them and not miss any more time with them.

I never thought at the age of 53 that I’d be back home taking care of my folks, but here I am. It is truly a blessing to have the ability to spend time with the people that bore you, raised you, and supported you throughout your life. After a month or so of returning home, I realized how blessed this situation was. I get to wake up to my folks every day, hang out with them, and enjoy them. I’ve missed a lot of years and do not want to miss anymore.

My move back home has also reduced the stress on my sister, who was the only sibling in Michigan before my return.

I hope each reader who is a Father has a tremendous day. I also hope each of you reaches out to your Father by phone, email, or text, thanking them for the sacrifices they’ve made to raise and support you.

Dads are the best.

See you tomorrow…

Daily Ramblings – Daily Quote

Tags

Brother, Dad, family, Love, Mom, Sister

Today’s Quote:

“The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden

There are some quotes that do not need an explanation. I have been blessed by a family that always does its best to take care of one another. My brother and sister have taken care of me, and I, them. My Mom and Dad raised us and gave us the best life they could. Today, I am doing my best to return the things they gave us, now that they are in their Golden Years. I cherish every day I have with my Mom and Dad.

I hope everyone has a great Saturday!

See you tomorrow…