My Dad
I finally had a chance to get over to my dad’s house and take some photos. I’m not entirely sure this is the one I’m going to use, but at least I got to spend some time with him. This photo is supposed to go with the I took at Christmas. They don’t quite match up, and I doubt I’m going to get any that will.
What was most troubling about this particular photo is that I keep seeing the pain my dad was in. I don’t think it’s apparent to most people just looking at the image, though. He was hunched over while standing up, favoring one leg over the other, and generally looking ill at ease the whole time, even when sitting. It hurt my heart to see him that way. He was so frail. Even after his surgery he seemed much hardier than he did the other day. My heart sank and I had this terrible knot in my gut when LD and I left. I know, I know. He’s 78. But he’s my DAD!
Sigh.
I guess my folks are both getting to the stage where I’m going to have to accept that they’re older than I care to think. Truly, I have this picture in my head of each of them: younger, busy, and full of life. They’re still full of life and generally busy, but they aren’t as young as they once were. And I have to adjust my way of thinking.
Sigh.
What a handsome man! He doesn’t look 78 – not just being polite.
It’s difficult seeing parents age… and hurt.
Beautiful photograph.
Comment by Chris — 2009/03/21 @ 19:50
And it’s gotten worse. My mom called today — in tears. She’s physically hurting to the point were she can barely do anything. I know exactly how she feels. There’s hope, though. Her doc (same as my doc) has said yes to surgery.
I wish my dad were receptive to more surgery on his knees. Different doc, maybe, since this one isn’t working with him.
It’s just not fair that our parents should have to get older right when we’re able to really get in synch with them.
Thanks, Chris. Thank you.
Comment by DaGoddess — 2009/03/21 @ 20:13
I saw the pain before you mentioned it… I’m so sorry. It’s a wonderful picture, but you captured everything brilliantly… the good and the bad.
I’m so glad that your Mom is going to have surgery. Maybe your Dad will go for the knee surgery after your Mom is better?
Aside from the pain, your Dad looks like a robust, vital man, not his age at all.
:hug:
Comment by Pam — 2009/03/22 @ 06:51
Nope, my dad won’t go. I mean, we’ll try to talk him into it (albeit with a different doctor), but I think he’s at that point where he just doesn’t want to go through it again. It was hard on him last time.
I hate that they hurt. I wish they lived closer to each other so I could spend a little bit of each day with them both. (Stupid divorce!)
My mom’s surgery is on hold until they can get her kidney function back to normal. Until then, she’s going to be doped up and miserable. She was in better spirits today, though, so there’s that.
hugs back!
Comment by DaGoddess — 2009/03/22 @ 18:45
Sigh…My folks are only in their 60’s and I’m having trouble dealing. It’s so hard to see our parents age and deal with the issues older age brings. Sighing with you.
Comment by GW — 2009/03/27 @ 19:07
Isn’t it, though? Sigh. :grouphug:
Comment by DaGoddess — 2009/03/27 @ 20:06