When Dad is happy, the whole world feels happier.
Today he came out of his place calling me excitedly….to announce…that he had managed to stand on one leg for a full minute. This is one of his balance exercises. He can’t do it on the other leg….yet….but here’s hoping!
Yesterday and the day before, my husband got him to drink 2 full glasses of water each day which is amazing.
Dad has been happier for about 6 or 7 days now which is lovely. And more than just happy….he’s engaging again. What’s up with that?!
Maybe the magnesium is helping. Maybe the water. Maybe the balance exercises or the prickly mat! No, probably not the prickly mat. Whatever it is, we’re thrilled!
Of course, the moment the weather turned into this gloom and rain, my father’s mood turned with it. He is tired, slightly sad and sluggish. But he’s really looking forward to seeing Perils of Penzance again so that’s very cool!
The other day he said to me that we should simply not tell anyone when he passes away. Silly man! But then he said something about being “disconnected” as a human being. Interesting. He’s not totally wrong. (I refer you to his childhood trauma) He’s not totally right either. (I refer you to how he has lived his life helping others)
Yes, he finds it hard to hug or say “are you okay” or “I’m sorry that happened to you” or “how can I help” but he always does help and he always does check in and has ever since I was little. He certainly does not withhold love. He’s maybe not as connected as some people are, but that doesn’t make him disconnected either.
Inclusion of all and acceptance of others are actually 2 important things I learned from my father. That’s pretty darn connected!
And balance in all things. He taught me that too. Of course, now we wish he could balance on his other leg too – HAH! In the meantime, we keep practising.
