Birthdays & Forever Homes

 

Yesterday, August 15th was my father's birthday.  I called him to wish him happy birthday as one does & he was so happy!  After having some severe strokes a few years ago it was such a delight to hear him so happy!!!!!  Now a days it's the little things that bring out the best in him.  Sometimes (more often than I want to admit) I mourn the man he was vs the perceived shell he is now.  Yet, I cannot be in wonder at the fact that he is SO happy for the little victories.  Isn't that what we all should be like?  Delighted in the small, every day, minutia.

My Dad doesn't write so well anymore (Ok, as if any engineer ever wrote well!?!), he doesn't walk so well either & has a difficult time having a real conversation.  BUT... but the last time I visited them was wonderful.  Past issues have melted away & forgotten and it's the precious time we have together that counts.  I feel such pain for him b/c his brain is probably still extremely sharp, sharper than I could ever hope to be- yet he can't get the words out.  Unbearably frustrating.

I have started writing my parents weekly again. We haven't done that since I was in graduate school in Ames for Developmental Genetics.  It's fun & I really learn from the questions we ask each other.

My Mom & I used to write weekly asking each other a rather deep question in our letters.  It helped me from the loneliness of living in a different state w/ no relatives and was really a lot of fun.  I mean who doesn't love snail mail!?!

The last time I saw my parents was not this summer but the one before.  I recall my father saying he needed his home.  I was crushed & heart broken as he was home & clearly the strokes took a harder effect than I realized.  But I was wrong!  After he said that, Mom came up to him and hugged him for an extended time.  The he & she said "This is our home".   Home was being with each other.

Home was with each other!

It was one of the most beautiful expressions of love I've ever witnessed.  I was so happy for them yet somewhat jealous at the same time.  They have what so many strive for.  It's incredible to see.  Their home is with each other, period.  That's what 52 yrs. of marriage will do.

How does one NOT see the divine in that!?!

This post is dedicated to them both & all the other couples who are truly soulmates.  You are my heroes & a light for us all.