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My mother and father were both in their seventies, living alone
in their own home and, fortunately, reasonably self-sufficient.
Of course, they were dealing with some seniors’ ailments, as
most elderly do.
They did their best to show their ability to
independently care for themselves, financially, healthy living
and social contacts. Fortunately, my mother had two sisters
living near-by that provided them with a wonderful social
network of love and friendship.
My father was pushing seventy-
six and was as handsome as they come, 6’1”, lean and very
healthy in appearance and very sharp of mind.
My mother was
a lovely 5’1” petite lady with the ability to garner attention
from all, just by walking into a room, as she was interested in
everyone and listened and my father did as well, treating all
with his interest in them; they were the perfect couple.
It was my custom and was much appreciated by my parents, as
I was the only child that lived in the state; my three siblings in
different states. Thus, I spent a few hours visiting with them
mid-week as I headed home from my office in Seattle; myself
looking forward to the visit with them and sharing a glass of
wine with them on Saturdays, spending a few hours in the
morning helping to do some heavier chores for them. Most
often, they would prefer that I visit with them in-lieu of chores,
as sometimes they just wanted conversation and to belong;
many times, each of them attempting to get the most attention.
This was something I was used to and knew how to
lovingly handle it, after all, I loved them to pieces.
On a very memorable Wednesday evening about 5:00 PM, I
stopped by their home as usual and headed for the front door.
As usual, I knocked, although I did have a key, but I felt it only
right to knock and let them come to the door and let me in. This
day, I knocked on the door and patiently waited for them but
they did not come to let me in. I thought that perhaps they
were napping.
Still concerned, I quietly opened the front door
and softly announced a ‘hello’, again, nothing. Finally, I headed
for their kitchen and stopped dead in my tracks, as a most
beautiful event was taking place. I just stood there looking
beyond the kitchen through the dining room and outside to
their patio. There they sat, just the two of them, looking
lovingly at each other, talking softly and the radiance of love
was everywhere.
I chose to witness this beautiful experience
for a minute or so and quietly walked back the way I came in
and left. I just could not disturb this wonderful and intimate
event; a memory I truly treasure, for within the year my mother
passed away. My father was lonely the rest of his life without
the love of his life.
I again came on Saturday, and fortunately, there was no
mention of my not showing up the previous Wednesday.
With Love,
Their Son.
