Dad-e-o

This is a tough picture to post.... but I wanted to share a few thoughts about this special man.
My Dad on his 82nd birthday... July 10, 2011.

I went to see my father yesterday, because today is his birthday and we were off with the religious affiliated vacation (aka Mission).  I walked into the room to see once again - the man that use to be.  It's difficult to see him in the late stage of his life, and in the condition that he finishes his life here on this earth.  About 10 years ago he suffered from a virus called Transverse Militias, which paralyzed him from the chest down.  Quite rare, and viciously quick to finish off it's victim.  Lack of mobility for my father, meant lack of ability and or even desire to live for him.  Quickly his mind started going - quickly all of the memories of our utter existence in his life left him.  My mother gave her entire days and nights trying to care for him.  My brother and I made that horrid decision that no one wants to make - and broke a promise that we would never do.  We chose to give our mom quality of life for her remaining years and put dad in a care center.  It was the end of the man I use to know.  My had still has some skills.  He yodels, really loud, and at night.  He chews gum, so he won't swear.  He participated in church one week by yelling out - 'He's lying!"  to which - he received another piece of gum.... He does however follow my mom around the room with his eyes, and now and then will jibberish off an entire conversation with my brother or I when we visit.  I asked God one time - "Did you forget to take my Daddy home?"   Why would anyone ask that?  Because the man laying in that bed was a warrior.  He took on the world and he gracefully, and kindly, and beautifully adorned it with his life.  Today - my dad turns 82.  He is still that Marine that flexed his muscles on the beach at Bear Lake.  The father that let me dance on his toes.  The friend that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it - and put another one in your hand for the next time you needed one.  The Master of the grill, the keeper of the campground.  He's the sweetheart of my mom.  The one that cheered me on at every single sporting event I participated in - and that was many many, year round.  The one that would show up on my doorstep with pumpkins the size of Cinderella's carriage.  The grandpa that loved his grand kids.  The father in law that adored Del.  He's the great grandfather of my grandchildren, who when they are placed next to him, he smiles and tries to whistle to them.  I'm sure that when God created the garden of Eden, he called my dad for advice.  He's my Dad.  Today - I honor you for the 72 years I know you knew I was your little girl, and I mourn for the 10 you haven't, and I rejoice in the day I see you walk again, whole, happy, and singing the "Big Black Dog" song.  I love you dad - lucky me, God sent me to you.  Oh Happy Day.