This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Saturday, September 4, 2010

When You Make Your Move, It Has To Be Like Dancing...

"The essence of football was blocking, tackling, and execution
based on timing, rhythm and deception."



~Knute Rockne~


I spoke with Dad today. I only had to call three times.  I had asked one of  nurses to call me when he finished his lunch, but she forgot... He sounded happy and in a great mood. He had finished lunch and was in his room with Doctor-Doctor.  She had just given him his shower and was preparing to tuck him in for his nap.  He was watching TV, the story of Knute Rockne.

Dad likes football.  He told me how "it is all about rhythm...When you make your move, it has to be like dancing..."   I had the feeling he was not just talking about football...



We do have to learn the plays of life...we do have to develop a rhythm. The more nimble we are to dance through the twists and turns life throws in our path, the stronger and more adaptable we become...

As always when Doctor-Doctor is around, I hear the joy in Dad's voice.  He also refers to her as his wife, and spoke of the rhythm between a man and a woman...  "When a woman looks a man in the eye, it is a mating call..."

Dad is definitely feeling frisky and wide awake...

"I must follow her rhythm and follow her orders..." he said, "I feast my eyes with her goodness and love."

My heart swells and my eyes weep in gratitude for her and the care he receives at this nursing home.  Thank you God for your blessings...

I asked if he enjoyed his lunch.  "Oh yes, I stuffed myself.." as he laughed...

I laughed too...

"We always laugh when we are together, dear Donna"....

I tell him how glad I was to reach him and how much I love and miss him.

"I love you! The nurses run from one phone to another phone to find me....they know how persistent you are!"  as he laughs again...

He began to sing our song, Bye Bye Blackbird (see here for further explanation of our song...) which is always special and emotional for me...

Wiping my eyes, and putting my voice in check, I tell him I have only the best memories with him.  I tell him he taught me the plays of life by following his examples...

" Thank you so much for telling me...it means so much to me...that is so kind of you..."

I mean it Dad.

He doesn't sound tired.  I can hear Doctor-Doctor in the back ground... I ask Dad to tell her hello from me...

I know he would love to enjoy her company, as she does have other patients...and as soon as she leaves, he will no doubt doze off...

I tell him I will see him soon, in a couple of weeks.  I tell him I have lots of hugs and kisses for him when I come...

"Oh, I am looking forward to those kisses and hugs dear..."

Me too...

7 comments:

Mari said...

He has such a unique way of putting things and so often their is joy bubbling up through those words!

Chatty Crone said...

Now you are making me cry! sandie

Pat said...

Such precious moments...hold them close.

Jeanie said...

It seems like your dad had a very happy day and that yours was made good by your conversation with him. There is a lot of wisdom in his words, even now.

Rochelle said...

What a wonderful dad (and great daughter!). And I always like to hear that one doesn't have to stop being frisky! :)

betty said...

I think it is so neat he has developed a special relationship with Doctor-Doctor; she does sound compassionate and caring; I'm sure knowing there are people who genuinely enjoy being around your dad as they administer to his needs must be reassuring to you all indeed

betty

Theres just life said...

Donna,
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am very glad you did, because now I have discovered yours. My mother-in-law had Alzheimers as well. We lost her just before Christmas last year. One of the things we all remember and miss the most was all the little songs she sang. She had a song for everything.
I will be back. Thank you again.