Time with Dad
I returned from Edmonton tonight after an exhausting three-day trip to support my father following the death of my mother on Friday night. Her passing was not expected but still a shock to all involved. I was able to arrive in Edmonton on Saturday afternoon and immediately went to be with him. With most of the initial arrangements done, we sat back with a couple of glasses of scotch (Chivas Regal thank you very much) and toasted to her memory.
I sensed my father's feelings of sadness yet relief. No one had to live through my mother's battle with Parkinson's Disease day in and day out like he did. I was always sensitive to support my mother's needs yet not to overlook his.
On Sunday morning he expressed a desire to get outside for a walk, even if the weather was cold and snowy. We had a short but refreshing walk. On that day and the next we shared memories, thoughts on the past and future, and discussed plans to memorialize my mother's life.
This is what families do.
