I love my Dad. And I'm happy that I got to see him this weekend...

[bicentennial_baby]

My Dad has had MS since a year after my birth, about 30 years. He has non-remitting chronic MS, and is paralyzed on his right side from the neck down. Bedridden, for the most part.

But, my Dad is the same person he was before this, no matter how bad it has gotten, how many dozens of meds he has to take, no matter how bad the pain is. He's funny, political, a sports and music junkie, and a great Dad. He used to manage a country club, and worked with my Mom in the hospital, where they met in the early 70s. And now my Mom is sick too, with an undiagnosed neurological problem that has robbed her of her ability to speak, control of her facial muscles, and other issues. And my Father, the man who has been taken care of by her for so many years, has stepped up to be the emotional rock for all of us. No matter how sick my Mom is, or if she's in brain surgery, or at yet another neurologist's appt., he's there for us, despite his own personal terror of losing her.

He's been there, where she is now, he knows the pain, the frustration, and the helplessness. I hope that he's teaching her to handle it all with the grace that he has for all of these years.

Happy Father's Day Daddy...and Momma too. :)

[bicentennial_baby]

1. Kick for my Dad

:)

[SPKrazy]

2. Hey bi bi!

:hug:

I think this tells me some special things about you too!

:pals:

:loveya:

[bicentennial_baby]

6. Thank you love.

:hug:

[JackBeck]

3. Hugs, darlin'.

Both of my parents had chronic illnesses for as long as I can remember. My mom was diabetic, and when I was 16, someone stepped on her foot, which created a sore that never healed. At the same time, my dad had cancer and leaking aneurysms in his abdomen. My sister and I spent our 20's taking care of ailing parents when we should have been living the lives of 20 year olds. Both Mom and Dad are long gone (I'm 33) so I understand how difficult it is to be in your situation. I will always be here with arms open wide if you ever need a hug or a shoulder to cry on.

[bicentennial_baby]

7. Awww, thank you sweetie....

It's nice to talk to someone who knows what it's like... :hug: :hug:

[Haole Girl]

4. Wow

He does sound like an amazing man. :hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

8. My Dad rawks!

He's so funny and uplifting, even when he's battling kidney stones and bedsores. I adore him, :)

[Shakespeare]

5. Aw, sweet. That's great you got to see your dad today.

I only got to talk to mine on the phone, and I miss him terribly (if you're a daddy's girl, it doesn't matter how old you get...you're always a daddy's girl).

And you're a good daughter, so I know he must be having a happy day. You've mentioned before the things you do to help your parents, and they're as lucky to have you for a daughter as you are to have them for parents.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

9. Thank you dearest...

That meant a lot to me...I sometimes feel bad, being away from them most of the time. I simply adore them, and they are so strong and wonderful. I love my Mom and Dad. They made me what I am today. :)

:hug:

[Wetzelbill]

10. wow that was beautiful

Thanks for sharing. :) :hug: