On Friday night, my niece threw a really nice party to celebrate her husband’s college graduation. It was a fun evening full of family, food, and music. For me the best part was the joining of family and music.
My Mom, Winnie, died in September 2009. My Dad, Ed, has continued on in his life. From my view he is doing pretty well. After 60 years of marriage, losing your spouse must put you in a very unfamiliar and lonely spot. Dad has fallen into what seems to be a seamless routine of the grocery, laundry, yard work, and golf. I think the fact that he plays golf twice a week at age 83 is important. The exercise is really good – he uses a pull cart instead of riding (probably more to do with the cheap German in him, than a strong desire for exercise), and he is out with his buddies socializing.
My family has done pretty well to look in on Dad either on the phone, or by stopping by to visit. Before my Mom died, Dad was likely to want to take a pass on invitations to go out. Now he is willing to accept most invitations – probably because of the loneliness he must feel after losing Winnie after 60 years of marriage.
My Dad was at the graduation party Friday and it was nice to see him. My sister-in-law Debbie asked him to dance – and he did. My Dad is a good dancer and I used to love watching him and my Mom dance together. They would float across the floor effortlessly. Watching him on the dance floor on Friday may have been the first time he has danced since my Mom died, but I don’t know. I do know it brought tears to my eyes thinking of my Mom, and made me happy to see him out there living life in a way that brought him enjoyment for many years. Thanks Debbie!
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