One more thing about my father- But there may be more
My apologies to a couple of people who expected to receive a detailed email about this. I found this to be a tougher experience than I had been prepared for and couldn’t do this in that kind of format. It was too personal and I needed time, still need time to process. But I thought that this is kind of sterile and I would share a couple of nuggets.
So at 9:15 last night a 4.5 month odyssey came to an end, “Operation Bring Abba Back” came to an end. Accompanied by my mother my father rolled into the baggage carousel area at LAX.
When I last saw him he was unconscious and on a ventilator. The docs were not real optimistic about his chances and thought that it was quite likely that he would die. For those who do not know me, I am that cut and dry about this. If you spoke with me during this experience you know that I said that my dad might die. I had to phrase it that way, because I cannot fool myself about things that are that serious.
So when I saw him in the hospital I went through all that goofy crap that you should say to people when they are conscious and can respond. I did it then and I intend to say it to him again, but there is an appropriate time for it and I want it to be private. It is for his ears only and I only will have this particular conversation once.
Enough of the drama. He looked good and he sounds good. He is not quite back to form yet, but that is ok. But even though I know that he is in the middle of a recovery it is surreal to see my abba using a cane. I still look at him as being the strongest man in the world. Isn’t that how we see our fathers, those of us who are lucky enough to have the kind of relationship that a father and son are supposed to have.
So without further ado, all I have to say is that my goal is for my children to see me the same way that I see my father. If I do that, I have been successful. For those of you reading this, go give your dad a hug, you don’t need a reason, just do it.
P.S. I should mention that for a moment I tried to envision myself in 100 years having to lean on my son. It is so hard to do that, but one day my strength will fail me and I’ll need his help. The circle keeps on moving, doesn’t it.
PPS, that get’s into non-Euclidean geometry and that is an entirely different post altogether.
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