July 26, 2010

  • Dinner with dad

    I had dinner with dad and as we were driving, he told me that my brother took him to see a new doctor.  I was trying to figure out what new doctor he was talking about.  We have a list of all his appointments and either I take him or my brother takes him.  I thought it might be his eye doctor as those appointments keep changing.  He said no.  I tossed out a few more names but he said he didn't remember this doctor's name.  It was a new one.  I listened as he described the visit and soon realized it was an appointment my brother and I took him to a few days ago.

    It was a bit surprising and I tried not to look shocked or upset.  I just casually repeated a few things his doctor found.  I didn't tell him I was there as well.  I was hoping he would slowly realize it.  On the way there, we passed by the airport.  It was just like old times.  He used to point out planes taking off or landing.  This time, I was the one pointing them out.  He keeps looking out for that new Airbus A380. 

    At the restaurant, his appetite was remarkably healthy.  The only time he paused was to look at other elderly customers.   The elderly lady hunched over a walker slowly walked by.  Sometimes he would look at them as they eat.  I sometimes wonder what is on his mind. 

    Once we got home, I put the leftovers in the fridge.  I go through his mail and pick out the bills to be paid.  As I head out the door, he gives me a tap on the shoulder and smile.  I return the gesture. 
    I wish time would slow down.

Comments (26)

  • If only time would slow down...

  • He is lucky to have a nice son like you!  Seems like his memory is not as good as before, maybe?  At least he has a good apetite and remember you :)

  • Life is undoubtedly precious.
    I hope you the best and spend as much time as you can. This is why I wish I was stuck in this time.

    I don't think I could stand seeing the people I love grow old.
    This has just brought so much to my mind right now.

    Thanks for sharing <3

  • Yes, he is very lucky to have a son like you. But, then again... I suppose you are very lucky to have a dad like him. I don't think you would be the same if they hadn't raised you well.  

  • Very touching... :D

  • Time has a way of slipping things past us.
    I know that's true for me right now as well.
    Here's wishing you many gentle taps and kind smiles.
    *~matthew~*

  • You really take good care of your Dad. I know that is done with love and even if he does not say it he loves you too,

  • So he didn't remember that you were at the appointment, too?  That's disturbing.

    Isn't Emirates flying the 380 to YYZ?

  • Take care Matt. I'm there too.  I second everything "altruisticdreamer" said.  Take care, my friend.

  • The last couple of paragraphs are quite touchy though. I cannot imagine when the time comes for me to take care of my parents, drive them all over, check their mail, etc. At least, I have a good idea now reading your entries. You're doing a good job, Matt!

  • airbus!!!!!!! i thought i would be taking airbus 380 from paris to rio but >< but well, i snapped 800++pictures in 20hrs lol nothing to do in the plane and at the airports :)

  • this was a wonderful story and it was so good of you not to embarras him

  • Time really does go by too fast.

  • that was a great post :) I wish everyday that time could slow down, or that I could go back in time. kind of like the movie Click. which is really stupid to mention because it's Adam Sandler, but the concept of pausing, going back to revisit memories. I wish for that all the time.

  • It sounds like you love spending time with your dad....that is lovely.

  • Thank you for helping me realize how precious time is.  I often get lost in my own little world losing sight of the forest from the trees.

  • *hugs* this is so nice; it makes my heart warm and smile.

  • :) I think he was sympathizing for the other elderly customers. my grandma does that sometimes. your blog elicits so much emotion!

  • You're so patient.  I wish I can be as patient as you.

  • Hey Matt, I miss my dad!
    Cherish the time together!
    Life is short!

  • Cherish the time together is right.

  • Hi Matt - My post yesterday touched on how time flew by raising my children.  Moms, Dads, Grandmas & Grandpas wish time would slow down too.  He will always know who you are...

  • @wolvenchic - yeah, I wish it would especially at this stage in his life.  Thanks for dropping by. 

    @stevew918 - he's forgotten my name once which is kinda scary.

    @ALTRUISTICDREAMER - it's all part of life (sounds corny...).  Well, we can't stop time so the lesson is to really make the best use of it.  It just marches on relentlessly.  I hope you're doing well. 

    @Dezinerdreams - he comes from a conservative family (typical Asian - there aren't a lot of showing of emotions, hugs etc..., mostly stern words.  He has raised me well.

    @oxyGENE_08 - thank you Gene.

    @christao408 - just when I thought things were a bit stable, he starts to get a bit more frail. 

    @Fatcat723 - thank you Rob - always appreciate your comments.

    @bleuzeus - I appreciate those nice wishes Matthew. 

    @CurryPuffy - I'm not sure if I'm doing a good job, it could be better I suppose.  I appreciate the compliment Gary. 

    @lcfu - you must have gone through a memory card or two. 

    @buddy71 - thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

    @Roadlesstaken - I feel it has sped up in the past few years. 

    @emilysway11 - that's an interesting concept; I would be a bit nervous about using that machine.  I don't read instructions and what if it breaks?  hee hee...

    @Tallman - sometimes it feels a bit like a chore but then I realize that I shouldn't take these time for granted. 

    @thetemptor - I sometimes get lost in the trees too. 

    @SWEETxN0VEMBER - thank you for the kind words. 

    @MiSZ_C0MPASSi0NAT3 - thank you, I appreciate the compliment. 

    @inchyguy - I think I get a bit of my patience from my mom.  But sometimes I can be very impatient.

    @ZenPaper - Evan!!!  thanks for dropping by - haven't seen you in ages.  I will cherish the time.

    @yang1815 - yeah, I will - thanks Andy.

    @sixtyinsix - yeah, I think deep down inside he knows but just can't get the name out. 

  • @Toro69 - thanks Fred, I know you've got a lot on your plate. 

  • Sweetheart, I am glad he smiled at you, and made you feel good as you left the home. There will be some moments that will be distrubing, and then there will be those that you will smile when you think about them. Every day is a new day. Just be there. Much love babe.

  • gawd, your posts capture moments that are so precious and tender. can i ask what your dad's diagnosis is?  i figured it was some type of cancer, is that right?  having lost my dad suddenly 8 years ago, i'm glad and slightly jealous you have the opportunity to treasure time with him. 

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