Hi everyone. I have missed all of you. Thank you to those of you that have left me messages. I appreciate them more than you know. I am still sitting with the "old folks". He is getting weaker daily. I am slowly watching a life ebb away. Sometimes he stares at her when she isn't aware of it. I can see stories flash across his face. Emotions...regrets...Unfilled time. I wonder if he is remembering when he met her? The first time that he kissed her? Is her face as lined in his memory as it is when I look at her? He was a strong man. He was a good man. People come by to visit him and tell me stories. They talk about the time that he bought food for poor families. Bought it and no one knew who it was from. They talk about the days that he paid bills for people that were losing thier homes. Hospital bills. Back in the days when it cost $ 25 to have a baby. That was a lot of money then. They told me that he went to a "work camp" during the war. A camp for Objectors. People that refused to fight. I wasn't even aware that those existed. He was a strong man back then. He built houses and he preached the Gospel. Now, I have to help him walk to the bathroom. Time isn't kind to us and I am more aware of that now. I see him staring at Nothing. Not blinking. I wonder if he is looking at the past or trying to see the future? I wonder how long his future will last? Not much longer, I think. There should be a reward for "good" people. For people that have lived thier lives with dignity. With grace. I will miss him terribly when he is gone. He has taught me stories with just his example. He is teaching me charity and kindness. He is and he was a good man. He has become my friend.
I loved reading your story, seeing him through your eyes ... and then I realize what a precious soul YOU are to see something in someone that most people wouldn't even notice anymore.
by kktaylorcc (PM , CC ) on Sunday April 20, 2008 @ 9:23 AM
ValAnne:
When my father-in-law was in that state, we took a photograph album to the convalescent hospital one night and he suddenly started talking about the people in the photographs. You might want to try it.
Taylor !! Hi honey.. I have really missed you my friend. Thank you for saying such a lovely thing BUT I have always wanted to be like YOU. you are one of the people here that I admire the most. take care.
by ValAnne (PM , CC ) on Sunday April 20, 2008 @ 7:27 PM
ValAnne:
My father-in-law died about two weeks after that, but for that one evening he had a joyous time recalling all those people and events from the past. He opened up and talked a lot.
by Anexplorer (PM , CC ) on Sunday April 20, 2008 @ 10:00 PM
Wow, you are hanging out with someone who worked with Conscientious objectors during WWII???? I know many people who were COs during WWII. A few of them did some prison time. Of course, it was legal to be a CO - and it still is today.
Did he work in a reforestation camp? There was a large CO camp near Truckee, NV (or is that CA?).
meanwhile be safe - it is good to see you back again
by busmanterry (PM , CC ) on Monday April 21, 2008 @ 9:22 AM
They say that when that happens - and it will if you do not get hit by a truck first - the person is content and happy. It is just those around who find it disconcerting. And God bless those who take care of them. We all owe them something.
by Bella (PM , CC ) on Monday April 21, 2008 @ 4:22 PM
Oh Gosh ! Val ~ I'm So happy to see ya. Love the post, I'm sure That's hard to watch. Your Friend is Fortunate to have Your Company and Care. Your Posts are So Missed Here, Glad you got to stop in and let us hear from ya.
by ^BELLE^ (PM , CC ) on Tuesday April 22, 2008 @ 12:52 AM
Hiya Val & a BIG WELCOME BACK!!! I've missed you SO MUCH!
That's such a bittersweet story. You know, you're quite lucky to be able to spend this time with such a wonderful man. Seems he's teaching you quite a bit without even saying a word. His memories will live on in you too.
I read the last few posts and they are so poignant. It reminds me of 'Water for Elephants' because the story is told from the 90-year old man's perspective. What an experience; and I mean to be him as well as to know him.
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Welcome back! I have missed you.
I loved reading your story, seeing him through your eyes ... and then I realize what a precious soul YOU are to see something in someone that most people wouldn't even notice anymore.
You are a good woman.
Huggggggggggggggggggggggggggggz,
Taylor
When my father-in-law was in that state, we took a photograph album to the convalescent hospital one night and he suddenly started talking about the people in the photographs. You might want to try it.
My father-in-law died about two weeks after that, but for that one evening he had a joyous time recalling all those people and events from the past. He opened up and talked a lot.
Thank you.
Did he work in a reforestation camp? There was a large CO camp near Truckee, NV (or is that CA?).
meanwhile be safe - it is good to see you back again
ron
I am back, seems like you have been gone for awhile as well.
That's such a bittersweet story. You know, you're quite lucky to be able to spend this time with such a wonderful man. Seems he's teaching you quite a bit without even saying a word. His memories will live on in you too.
Hope you're doing great & stick around!
How beautiful of a soul and a gracious life that has been led.
The Johnny Cash song was perfect to go with it.
I know it must be hard on you. You are really an angel in disguise taking care of God's creatures the way you do. Thank you ValAnne
Have a wonderful week. Heide
Some people just touch our lives in so many positive ways. Excellent post.
Sherry
Blessings,
Lulublue
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Hope you are enjoying a long weekend!
Hugggggggggggz,
Taylor