Father and friend

Dedicated, Durable. Distinguished.
Always loving, caring, protective, helpful, encouraging, joking, comforting, wise.
Deeply rich in family.

Dad speak

Being a parent is like being a police officer. I have to make sure you are not breaking the law.

Dad speak

Don't think you are the only with problems. It's like this everywhere.

Dad speak ...

Because I said so.

Project, Dad and time

In the middle of a project at work and there was a presence. It was him. Yes, Dad was checking in.

Wigging out

Honor your parents. Don't wig out and cause hurt, especially the day of a funeral.

Second-guessing

Don't second-guess yourself when it comes to a parent's failing health.

Tough weekend, tough visit

This is a tough weekend.

I traveled home to the folks' house.

Running away

I have come to a place in this journey with Dad's failing health.

Home delivery

Those things delivered to my parent's house included: hospital bed, wheel chair and portable commode. Later an ambulance brought Dad home.

'Stinkin' prayers'

With Easter a few days away, there is something I am trying to understand.

Tiny hope

I hear the weakness in his voice over the phone, but there is also a slight chuckle. He enjoys being asked if he is breaking out of the joint.

Grass clippings

My first mowing of the lawn for 2014 took place in Indiana this year, at the home of my parents.

A chance to help out as Mom takes care of Dad.

The size of your world

Your big world has been drastically reduced.

You no longer can get in your car and drive to the American Legion Post to meet up with the rest of the members of the honor guard.

Hour glass

How does it feel when you see the sands in the hour glass running out? For me, helpless.

Life observations: Dec . 3, 2013

Make sure you take good notes from your parents about life, We will need to pass them on to our children.

Nearing the end

I'd like my Dad to get better.

It's not working out that way.

He is fighting but it is taking its toll.

Is it time to say it's okay to go home?

Life observations: Nov. 15, 2013

All the health care in the world sometimes can't put a parent back together.

Life observations: Oct. 14, 2013

Children can never thank their parents enough, or help them enough. It's a gift that keeps giving from both sides.

Life observations: Oct. 7, 2013

The world tends to move in slow motion when a loved one is ill.