Getting old

This week has been interesting. My dad came to stay with our family for a few days while his wife went out of town. My dad turned 76 last month and has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers, which makes me sad. He recognizes everyone still and remembers things in the past, but it's his short term memory that he has troubles with.
Dad is and always has been my hero. I would just love to do things with him, no matter what. I remember when he would be outside practicing basketball with Andy and I would be sitting on the grass and remember wishing I was Andy. I would go with him on service calls and believe it or not I learned quite a bit.

Last week when he was here, we took him fishing. We didn't catch much, but my boys were impressed that I could cast a fishing pole. Something my dad taught me.

My dad has taught me many things. He taught me to love baseball. He loved baseball more than anyone I ever met. Whenever he talked about baseball, he would get a smile on his face.

My dad taught me to love ice cream. I love to eat ice cream. Dad didn't really have a favorite flavor that I know of, but he loved to eat it every night while we were growing up.

This getting old thing is different. But yet it's not a bad thing. I find myself liking to shop by myself and buying things for me instead of for my kids. I told Ron the other day, I can't remember the last time I bought myself 2 pairs of shoes, because the kids always came first.

It was hard taking care of my dad, but he took care of me for twenty years or more, so I guess I owe him a lot more than a few days of companionship. Thanks for the memories, Dad.