Hi, Mom. Happy Mother's Day! We haven't spoken much since you left, so I thought this would be a good time to catch up. A lot's been going on around here and I wasn't sure if you were up on all the details.
Let's see. Last summer. It turned kind of cool around here in the latter part of June. We hardly needed the air conditioner at all. There were a couple of days, though, when I came home and it was over 80 in the house. Dad was either too lazy to get up and turn the AC on or was trying to save money. I didn't bother asking him, because you know how he was about that stuff. Anyway, I worked at home for about half the time. It was hard for me to leave him here alone in this big house. That is, until I realized that he liked it. On days that I went in to the office, Dad would run an errand or two (usually just picking up stuff for dinner at the farm stand), and then stop on the way back to get himself some lunch. I had no idea he was so fond of McDonald's Quarter Pounders and jelly sticks from Dunkin' Donuts. I figured, what the heck? I mean, he's 86... what could be the harm?
We didn't take a vacation last summer. It would have been too weird and nearly impossible to relax, worrying about Dad being at home (even with someone staying with him). For a few days, we thought about taking him with us. Then we just decided to stay close to home. Like I said, it all felt kinda funny.
I did take one day off with him and we went for a drive over to the coast. Picked up some fish and chips and ate in the car while looking out over the ocean. We figured we should carry on the tradition. That was nice.
Late in the summer, Dad complained of not being able to sleep. You know how guys from his generation were. They never say anything unless it's really bad. I thought maybe he was watching too much TV or something. You just would not believe the amount of Westerns he went through. I didn't even know they made that many. His complaint though, had me worried, so we went to the doctor and she mentioned something about depression and gave him a small dose of a mild sleeping pill. That seemed to help a lot.
Article comments
1 - Rob
This is a great album!
2 - Connie Phillips
I don't have the words that could really compare to what you've written here. What a wonderful, loving tribute.
Sending you some hugs this Mother's Day.
3 - Lisa Solod Warren
Beautiful tribute, my friend. I know you miss her.
4 - Mary K. Williams
very nice - wish i had your guts.
5 - Mat Brewster
That was lovely, Mark. Very moving.
6 - Linda Saleski
Yeah! We cannot really be so alone when they live with us in our hearts and minds. Each holiday allows us to feel their love once again. The Wife
7 - Jeff Mazza
Mark, I feel your pain. I miss my dad, your mom and dad and your sister Lynn. It has been a rough year. All I can do or say is that I love you man. Your my cousin and my friend and your parents were always my other set of parents. Linda "the wife" is right...they live on in our hearts and memories. You know how to reach me. We need to get together soon.
With Love
your cousin
Jeff