Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Dinner with My Dad, June 11 edition.

I had dinner with my dad last night. MY mother and he would have been married 57 years yesterday. Have been married 57 years yesterday. I don’t think he has been without her since her death in October of last year. I think she is watching over him every day.

I knew this day might be tough for him, so I stopped by after my doctor’s appointment to ask what he wanted for dinner. He said he didn’t feel like going out. I suggested sandwiches. It was a busy day form me and I didn't feel like cooking.  Truthfully, I had no plan. I told my dad that my son and I would be over with some sandwiches later. He was fixing himself a drink. Kentucky bourbon on the rocks.  I knew it was that kind of day.
 
I went home to get Tim and the sandwiches. We stopped at the local Subway shop.
I had dinner with my dad last night. Somehow I feel like I let him down. He didn’t like the bread I chose for his sandwich. My first career was in the food industry. I had 20+ years in restaurants as a cook/chef. And all I had for him for his anniversary dinner was a store bought sandwich on “sh@#ty” bread (my term, not his). I let him down. He only ate half. Save the rest for tomorrow’s lunch, I guess.

There was nothing much to say at dinner.  He did the math.  57 years.  At first he said 37 years.  That didn't sound right.  He caught himself right away.  57 years.  It would have been. 

Life is fragile.  It seems even more so these days.  He doesn't move very fast.  He misses driving his car. He liked being able to go get a haircut without having to plan so heavily.  I know he misses his freedom.

Vacation in a few weeks.  I think the trip will do him some good.  I hope he enjoys it.  It will do him good to get out. 

D.