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Its serendipitous that I should come across this unpublished blog post today…I was with my father one fine day in the spring and we had had a wonderful visit and I think I need to record this occasion somehow.
Three years ago, after a near fatal heart attack and an extended hospital stay, we, as a family, had to make the heart wrenching decision to place my father in an assisted living facility. It was a difficult decision, no one wanted to make and it went well against my Hispanic roots. We just wanted him home but the care was overwhelming for my mother.
Fast-forward to today and I can honestly say, he has adjusted well, although, it still breaks my mother’s heart on occasion. There are times I reflect on the shell of a man that has become my father. When he was well, he was larger then life, stuborn as a mule (maybe he hasn’t lost that trait). He is always good for an amusing story. I have often said to my husband: “I wish you spoke Spanish because my dad is hilarious…in Spanish”
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When I saw him that day, he was in bed avoiding the dining room because he had not been feeling well. His blood pressure had dropped. All part of dealing with a failing heart. I tried in vain to coax him out of bed…(mind you, if I had to have dinner there, I must admit, I may not have wanted to eat either).
The thing is this…no matter his circumstances, my dad was smiling and laughing and trying to reassure me that he was fine. In fact, he was better then fine, he was, and I quote:
That is a tall order for a man that suffers from diabetes that blinded him 4 years ago. He is a triple bypass survivor and because of his weight, is in a wheelchair. His heart continues to challenge him everyday. He has fewer and fewer pleasures in life, he loved his computer but alas, his lack of sight, has taken that pleasure away. To add insult to injury, he was a banker first then a French chef de cuisine (as he would proudly say). Good GREAT food is what he lived for (and alas his downfall) but now all he can do is dream about it.
I love my dad the most (THAT is what I tell him, every time I see him)…and in his 85th year, he is still teaching me a valuable lesson: love life…don’t worry…be happy!
So to you, my dear old man, I say: SWEET SWEET HUGS & KISSES FOR YOU, MY PAPIS…
I LOVE YOU THE MOST!
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Now It’s my turn to cry after reading this. Wish I had met him. He sounds like a great guy. Funny when I look at you I never see a Spanish person just my friend and then I start hearing you speak in Spanish and I am taken aback. Same thing today when I read this and noticed wow Margarita’s parents are Colombian. I believe you when you say he lived well. It sounds like he did and I love your stories of him. Very very sorry for your loss. He was proud of you, I bet!
Big hugs, Love: Paula
Thanks for the beautiful story about your dad. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Your Dad sounded like an incredible man who had a lot of wonderful things to share and teach! Hugs to you and your family!!!
Thank you so much for sharing the blog with us. It’s a wonderful tribute to your loving and caring father and your relationship with him.
Making those types of choices for your family can be the most difficult of all. I am so glad that everyone is trying to take a positive outlook on things rather then dwelling on the “what might have been”
beautiful post 🙂 thank you for sharing
It’s hard to age but we all do it.
It’s great to see that will all it’s challenges, your Father is still trying to get the most out of every day.
Thank you so much for sharing your him with us.
Que le vaya bien
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
Thank you so much for sharing this lesson from your father! It’s so easy to forget to be thankful for what we have and sometimes that reminder can come from people who truly understand it!
Aww, thanks for sharing your beautiful father with us. I don’t know what I would do without my dad. He is my rock.
Thanks for sharing a great post, your dad reminds me of my father in law who I took care of for a few years before he moved in with his daughter and then shortly after, passed away.
What a great lesson to remember every single day. Thank you to your dad for reminding us of that.