Tonight's picture was taken in November of 2005. Mattie was three years old and my parents were visiting from Los Angeles. We took Mattie to the US Botanical Gardens. I loved going to the Gardens during the holiday season, as it was decorated beautifully for Christmas. Not to mention that it felt warm and humid, which was deeply appreciated when it was cold outside.
Quote of the day: When our grief cannot be spoken, it falls into the shadow and re-arises in us as symptoms. ~ Francis Weller
It was a busy day today! My dad's therapist came over at 11am. We have made a pact that no matter the weather, unless it is dangerous, my dad is going outside for a 15 minute walk. I decided to do this because if my dad does his walking routine inside, he won't do it! But if he is outside, there are no chairs to divert his attention. I bundled him up and out he went.
After his therapy session, he rested, and I focused on multiple things.... bills, Foundation bills, the Foundation November newsletter, backing up electronic files, and the list goes on!
While we were at Dairy Queen, there was a man sitting with his 94 year old father. Let me tell you... this 94 year old had NO balance issues and walked independently. Cognitively he was another story, but what I observed was his son truly did not know how to talk and engage with his dad, who lived in a facility. I was saddened actually to hear the dialogue between them and what this illustrated to me is when I get down that I am not doing enough..... I have to remember, my parents are showered, wear clean clothes, I meet their every medical and social need, they eat good food every day, and most importantly they are not isolated. In a way, I needed to see this today because it illustrated what an important role I play!
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