My Mom has been
struggling with Alzheimer's. It is a horrible disease that slowly robs
the victim. But I want to talk about my Dad who has been having to
deal with his wife of over 60 years slowly disappear and his world
turn upside down.
My Dad has always
been kind of quiet, especially at home. He seldom told you what he
was thinking and would never disagree with Mom in front of us. Most
of our conversations were about sports or about family members or
maybe his giving us some advice. He was strict, but seldom
emotional.
When we grew up and
moved out of the house we were all expected to call once a week and
talk to Mom. Dad would get on the other line and listen in, but he
seldom said anything. Mom would pick up the phone, she would call
Dad, then she would check to make sure he picked up and then we would
talk. Often Dad would not say a word until it was time to say
goodbye. I guess I presumed he was listening, never really thought
about it, but he always knew what was going on with me.
When Mom was
diagnosed several years ago, it was hard for both of them. Dad had
been taking care or the financial needs and Mom would take care of
the physical needs but that was going to change. Dad cut back on his
work schedule and his social life and also allowed us kids to help
him for the first time. He gradually stepped in and took some of
Mom's load and paid for help in the areas he couldn't handle. About a
year ago Mom got to the point that she could not live in the house
and moved to the skilled care center. That is the point that I was
not calling home to talk to Mom, but to Dad.
In the past year I
have gotten to know my Dad in a different way. He couldn't just sit
and listen on the phone. At first the conversation was mostly about
Mom, but gradually we have learned. He tells me more about how he is
doing and what he is doing. He is gradually learning to ask the
questions Mom used to and I am learning that he really was interested
in what I was saying all along. We talk about the weather, and the
family and about sports, but sometimes we start to get on a more
intimate level. He will talk about his reminisces and his memories;
that conversation was always be filtered through Mom in the past.
Last week he told me
about reading through the letters he and Mom wrote back and forth
while he was in the service. She told him about her new niece, my
cousin. Dad reflected how much has changed. That baby is now a
grandmother and the young lovers who were fascinated by that baby
were married, raised six children of their own and have been blessed
by 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. This is a part of
my Dad I had never met before.
It is hard to watch
my Mom deteriorate and my Dad suffer through it with her. But I am
very blessed that I am getting to know a part of my Dad that he used
to only share with Mom. I know that as both of them age, our
relationships will evolve and there will be some sad times; but I am
learning to embrace the positive pieces, the intimate times.
This was a very touching article showing the love between you and your parents. God bless you and your family!
ReplyDeleteSome typos, but I liked it. :-)
ReplyDelete