Day with Dad

Hello all,

Today was a day I will remember for the rest of my life. While my mom and Nic took the kids down to see our neighbor's horse, I went in to talk to dad. My purpose was just to strike up a conversation about my Chevy truck, Sam. I asked him what he thought it would take to get the old truck running again. My thought was a new battery, a master brake cylinder and maybe a few filters and the truck should start right up.

In the middle of this conversation, dad started coughing. He pointed to his glass of water on the shelf to my right. I tried to pull him upright, but I could see by his reaction, that was causing him pain. I then elevated his head to allow him to take a drink. After a few gulps, his coughing abated and he pushed the glass away and reached for me. He gently put his arms around me and patted my back as I started to cry on his shoulder. Time stood still. I sobbed as he patted my shoulders and back. He asked me why I was crying. I didn't need to respond. My tears said it clearly. I love my dad. He told me to be a good husband to Jen and a good father to Ali and Zac. I wiped my eyes and told him I would do the best job I could. I then said that he has been my role model for what a good father and husband should be. Dad then said "Thank you" and pushed my shoulders back so I was sitting upright on the bed. He held out his hand and which I took with both of mine and he said he was getting tired. With tears still in my eyes I said "Go ahead and sleep dad. Mom is going to be alright. We are going to take care of her."

I leaned in and kissed his forehead one more time as the door opened. It was mom and the gang. The kids had a great time visiting Bandit. Mom asked me why I was crying so I told her about the conversation. We both fought back tears while she hugged me.

I was soon on my way back to Kansas City. In my heart I was still back in dad's room being held by my dad.

-Andy