My father died last night. I had taken care of him for the last 11 years as his body suffered the ravages of strokes and Parkinsons Disease. I am glad that he is no longer suffering and is now with my mother, to whom he was married over 60 years before her death several years ago.
He was a Naval Aviator (a Navy pilot) for 30 years so we moved frequently when I was a child, but he always received catalogs of rural property for sale, and he dreamed of owning a farm. Unfortunately, he was married to a city girl, so his dream never came true, but he grew tomatoes, strawberries all over the country, and citrus here in Florida.
My mother taught me the skills that I needed to run a home, but my father shaped my heart. Thank you, Dad.
2 comments:
Cindy, this is kind of how I remember your folks...a little older, maybe in their late forties early fifties when I met them? But the same sweet smiles on their faces, especially your dad. I only met them once, but the welcome they gave your friend has never been forgotten.
A lot of parents didn't seem to know how to put their kids' friends at ease...maybe it was the military training, but they were very good at it. All I remember is the good food, good conversation and laughing.
I know they know how much you loved them. I've watched you give up some of your dreams, in order to make their lives easier. You know you did the absolute best you could to make them comfortable and to protect them. I pray that you'll have comfort in that and knowing how much they loved you.
My parents did have hospitality down to an art, didn't they. I really appreciate your prayers.
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