Thursday, April 1, 2010

To Remember or Not To Remember?

Daddy has Alzheimer's.

It's cruel.
It's sweet.
It's sad.
It's funny.
It's making me slow down.
It's making me want to speed things up.

I love my daddy so much! He and I have had a special relationship for as long as I can remember. The funny thing is that my brother can say the exact same thing. Easy really...we only had one boy and one girl in our family.

I have always called him "daddy"...it has never crossed my mind that I might be too old to call him that. I think he has loved it that I haven't changed it to "dad".

I've never heard daddy raise his voice...never! But that didn't mean that he was never angry or that I never got disciplined....on the contrary...

I remember daddy coming home from work early one day and I didn't know why. He told me that he was taking me somewhere and I needed to get in his truck. I was home for the summer after my freshman year of college. I got in his truck and he got a grin, more of a smirk really, on his face. We pull up to a store and he tells me to pick out whatever color of Justin Roper boot I want! I had been wanting a pair forever it seemed. So...I came home with the reddest pair of boots ever. I still have them and love when I get the opportunity to wear them.

Just felt the need to write down a few things about this. I will probably write more in the coming months as things progress. I don't know what God is up to with this Alzheimer's business...but I don't want to miss it by being so depressed and upset, whiney and mopey about it all. I want to relish the great moments and be sustained through the difficult times.

3 comments:

The Nelson Family said...

Love that story Lisa. Love it. Please do share more stories about your Daddy. I can only imagine how difficult things can be sometimes. Will say a prayer for you guys, right now.

Anonymous said...

The way you handle things is such an inspiration! I think it's a great idea to write down stories about your Daddy. The stories will be a heritage for your kids that can be passed down. And, that everyone can enjoy together. I love you! Nikki

The Cornelisons said...

I lost my "daddy" 4 years ago at Christmas. I only wish I had such a positive attitude about the time leading up to his going home to be with the Lord. But I did the opposite and moped and whined and was selfish about him not being in my world and being a grandfather to my kids as he had been for my brothers and sisters. You are always such an inspiration - thank you for sharing your stories. He must be a wonderful man to have raised such a wonderful daughter.