Regardless of how dismal a situation may seem, there always seems to be a blessing that comes from it. My mother has Alzheimer's. She has always been the support beam in our family of 7 kids. All of us kids grew up with a relationship with Mom but never Dad. Dad just never seemed to have time for us. He was a selfish man that had no time for anyone but himself. He believed in first class all the way where he was concerned. Mom - -&-- Dad's marriage was stormy at best, but they stayed together. This past April we held a 59th WA party for them, not knowing what the future would hold next year for a possible 60th. For their 50th, Mom told us if we had a 50th WA party, she'd not show up. For 9 years Dad thought it was us kids that didn't want to have a party. He was THRILLED at this event and Mom knew it was something special and kept smiling and the 2 of them were almost like honeymooners! It was one of the happiest days of my life!
So, what is this blessing that I'm referring to? Well, a year ago, if my dad would've died (his health is physically poor but he's still fairly mentally sharp like he's always been!), I'd of probably gone to the funeral but would've felt like a hypocrite because of my bitterness towards this man that made Mom's --&-- our lives miserable for so many years! But since Mom's diagnosis of Alzheimer's last year he has come full circle and has allowed his children to love him. When we go home to visit Mom in the nursing home and then Dad at the house, the visits are enjoyable and Dad shows emotions. He cries and says he loves us. He calls us on the phone (5 of us are in 3 different states and 2 live close to home) often and just TALKS. He wants to get involved with his children and grandchildren now. He's lonely and realizes that he needs his family around him.
For years we all did things for and with Mom because Dad just shut us out. NOW, Mom is shutting us out and Dad has wrapped his arms around us. My dad, he's a GOOD man! And I'm blessed to have had the gift of time to be able to see this before it was too late.
Thanks for letting me empty my heart out...I hope the tears don't stain!