The Weatherman Came Through

The weather man kept his promise!  It was in the low 80's today and it felt so good.  I have the windows open so I can hear the birds tweeting, the crickets churping, and a lawn mower going a block or so away.  Dennis is outside on the patio with a glass of wine and his Walkman listening to music.  I have a roast in the oven and the aroma is heavenly.  Ahhh, Spring! 

We went to see the Angels play the Chicago White Sox today.  The Sox swept a three game series against us.  Boohoohoo.  Den thinks they will go to the World Series again this year.  The Angels won't get there if they continue to play the way they have.  Come on, guys!!!  You can do better!

On the way to the game, we stopped to see Den's dad.  Bernice was there which was nice.  We always like to see her, too.  Dad sleeps most of the time now.  When we first got there his nurse came in to give him some medication but she couldn't get him to wake up.  Dennis went to that side of the bed and called to him.  He woke up and managed a little smile.  He took his meds and then Den helped him take some water thru a straw.  Dennis is so sweet with him.  He talked to him about their old dog, Jake (who died many years ago) and about  Dad's brother, Frank (who at the age of 94 is alert and lives in an assisted care facility).  Dad seemed to like hearing about Jake and Frank.  He can't really talk much anymore.  It just takes too much out of him.  His dementia makes it difficult for us to know if he understands what is going on around him at any given point.  Today, we just choose to think he enjoyed Den's stories and went back to sleep happy.

Den's mom, Carol, married Myrl when Dennis was about 5 years old.  He was more a dad to him than his biological father because that dad lived clear across the state and only saw Den and his brother once or twice a year.  Myrl was DAD.  When Carol died in 1981, Myrl was pretty devastated but he was able to pull things together and he soon met Bernice.  They married in 1986.  Bernice is just the sweetest person.  She truly loves Dad and has taken such good care of him since he has had dementia and has been in failing health.  We have the greatest respect for her and we are so grateful that we have always agreed on Dad's care and how things should be handled.  There is never any tension in the relationship.  Praise, God!

We know time is short and that Dad won't be with us too much longer.  We go to see him often and pray for him everyday.  It is a difficult experience but it is making us stronger and pulling our family closer together.  We are talking more and we're not holding back the emotions.   We cry together, laugh about funny things Dad says, talk about how much he and Bernice mean to us.  We don't want to leave anything unsaid.  No regrets.  No should haves, could haves....