Today is a day of gratitude. My father came home from the hospital on Sunday and is is doing fine. I am thankful to all of you who prayed for his recovery. A thing happened while he was in the hospital. He has always been a very mild manner gentleman. But because of altzheimers he struggles (fights) with hosptial staff if they try to take blood of anything tha involved touching him. He fights and is so strong, 5 men could not contain him. In a way it was funny. So the next time I went to the hospital, they had him with boxing gloves. I took pictures and want to share with you on this blog. It is so funny.
Well! I guess you can tell that is if you have hospital experience, that these are not really boxing gloves. These gloves are used to protect the patient from pulling out the IV or needles, or harming themselves. But because I saw him fighting with the hospital staff the day before, I called them boxing gloves. Memorable, what do you think?
When we are young, it is important what we allow to come into our spirit. The music we listen to, the unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness, negativity. But, just think if you get into your spirit, love, forgiveness, hope, faith, and a love for God? Well then, when you get in the condition of my daddy, even in his stages of Alzheimer’s, it is amazing how he remembers ALL of our Church songs that we sing in Church. I mean the old time songs that I grew up with. Also, if we start to pray out loud, he starts praying too. Some people say at this stage of the disease, this is not possible. But believe me; I have it on video tape. Flip Camera you know!
The night before his surgery, he was sedated, but I asked, "Daddy, will you say the Lord's Prayer with me." He said "yes." I started him out and he repeated the entire prayer with me. I did it again after he was home. And again, he repeated the entire prayer with me. Priceless!! What a testimony about putting the positive, good, lovely, peaceful things in your spirit while you are young.
I am in the process (for the last 2 years) of making a documentary on my daddy's life. He is a remarkable man who started a very successful roofing company by, believe it or not, saving a nickel a day. In those days, he worked for a roofing company in Coral Gables, FL. It cost a nickel to catch the bus. But instead of riding the bus, he walked and put the nickel in a large jar. One nickel for his walk to work, and another nickel in the evening when he returned home. After years of patience, he finally had enough money to purchase a truck, then a tar kettle.
In almost every situation there is a lesson. This is a valuable lesson that I have learned from my very special and dear friend, Bishop Henry L. Porter of Westcoast Center for Human Development (http://www.westcoastcenterorg/)
What lessons are you learning with your life experiences, family life, work life, your belief? From this situation, I have learned the value of life. We appreciate less these days. Some people forget about the elderly, even their relatives. Some people forget about their responsibility to those who have come before us and given so much into our lives. Today, why not remember. Make a phone call, send a letter or post card. Do something!
Until next time. You are invited to respond to this post.
6 comments:
Tina, thank you for sharing your story about your daddy. I learned so much from my mother during the last 10 days of her life while she was in Hospice. I learned that when you are close to death, no material possessions matter anymore. The only thing that matters is having family surround you, love you and comfort you. My mom died peacefully on Feb. 28, 2009. I know she is in heaven looking down on me.
What a great lesson on life. Your father is a fighter of life. He taught his daughter the same way, this is why you are so successful. Also, because you are not afraid to let others shine. I pray your father will continue to get better, however I know it's tough. Much Love to you and your family my dear friend!
Thank you for sharing this with me. I too sometimes forget what's most important and valuable in life.
Thank you for sharing this with me. I too sometimes forget what's most important and valuable in life.
Tina, such a beautiful and important story...Much love to your dad and to Our Father in heaven. Reciting the Lord's prayer at bedtime with my dad is one of my earliest and most cherished memories. It just confirms what we all know -- you come from a committed, dedicated and loving family!
Tina, my prayers are with you and your father. Thank you for sharing your story.
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