Father’s day always brings memories of my dad, who I always referred to as Pop! He was a caring and compassionate person who showed love not only to his family, but to everyone he met. He died at the age of seventy, back before heart bypass surgery was happening. Although it has been so many years, I still miss him.
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Today we planted a flowering pear tree in the back yard to remember Ruth’s father. Some dear friends gave us money awhile ago to make the purchase. With spring in the air and temps in the high sixties, it seemed like a good day for this project. We are looking forward to seeing it bloom each spring and thinking of Dad. It will be a great addition to our yard.
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
My father died at the young age of seventy. It doesn’t seem that old, now that I am seventy-one! Although he has been gone 36 years his memory is still fresh in my mind. His outgoing personality helped him create a wide network of lasting friends. When I was growing up, we always called him Pop. As I think back on this Father’s Day, I still miss him.
I still miss my pop
Now, thirty-six years later
Outliving him by a year
I still miss his warm smile
Encouraging me to do my best
I still miss my pop
Seems like yesterday he was here
Enjoying life and love
Reaching out to everyone he met
Welcoming them into his life
I still miss my pop
Sensitive and caring
Loving husband to my mom
Proud grandpa to my boys
He loved watching them grow
I still miss my pop
Wish he could see all that I’ve done
Knowing he would love it
Hearing him exclaim in affirmation
Knowing that he still lives in me
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Alzheimer’s is the thief that keeps on stealing, slowly robbing you of all things present and finally all things past. We just returned from a visit with my wife’s father, who has been confined in an Alzheimer’s unit 2500 miles away from us. Our visits are great while we are there. He keeps remembering less and less as he now turns 91. This poem shares some of my thoughts as I reflect on our time together.
Dad
Though your mind has grown dim
Your personality is much the same
A surprised smile when we arrive
Your desire for family information…
That will not stay long in your memory
Your warm smile and appreciation
Always there when we visit
Always there when the staff helps you
Always there when we say goodbye
While we are there your joy
Is new every morning
Pockets of the past are still filled
With memory coins slowly slipping out
Through that black hole in your brain
Our visits are joyful // you still get my jokes
You laughter is genuine and full
Though you still ask our names from time to time
You are present in the moment // a gift every time
In spite of all you have been through
You have adapted and applied Paul’s words,
“In whatever state I am in //
…there I will be content.”
You won’t remember any of this
When we’re gone
But you sure enjoyed our visit
While we were with you
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
His granddaughter Jen is walking for Justice to help young girls caught in Sex trafficking. See her story on her blog at:
https://walkingthewayforjustice.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/cafe-calvary/
Dad is Ninety
Dad turned ninety today
Although he didn’t remember
Living in a world of memory loss
The short term completely gone
Living only in the moment
One experience at a time
Forgetting the past he presses on
To reach the finish line
Waiting now with serenity of heart
But not the same of mind
Barely getting up out of his chair
He rolls with his walker here and there
Unstable security allows him to move
A forgetful memory keeps him out of the groove
Proclaiming to us that he’s still in good health
Not realizing the creeping stealth of his situation
He says he is thankful he lasted this long
Hoping to see us on our next vacation
He still recognizes our faces
But names slip through the cracks
And when it’s time to go he’s sad we have to run
He forgets we were there each time we go
And exclaims each time we come in
His face brightens up as he says hello
Surprised over and over to see us again
But while we are there it’s a special time
To see everyone brings him joy
He has not lost his humor or wit
Still catches a funny joke we tell
And has a good chuckle at it
Some things in his brain are still working
He loves to have some fun
He enjoyed his party and all his friends
Until they had to run
About most things he asks
It must be quite confusing
To see us there and then we’re gone
The memory just won’t last
Living to a ripe old age sounds good
The goal of many I am sure
But for me it’s a journey I hope not to take
Let me go while I still remember
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
