Profile of a Man

Posted by danleone on September 20th, 2008 filed in my father

I took my dad to the Charles River. We took a brief walk on the path and paused to look out at the water, rowers and random children feeding the ducks.

We didn’t say a word except when we were talking about a home repair that my brother-in-law was nice enough to take on. That is when he wrote me a note and said in Italian “that is what I always wanted to do with you.” A painful reminder of unfinished business.

At some point, he saw me checking emails on my cellphone and he began laughing. I knew he was reflecting on how far away his life was from cellphones and emails. He then pointed to himself and gave himself the thumbs down; a far-too-familiar hand signal that he is not well.

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15 Responses to “Profile of a Man”

  1. Maggie's Mind Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 7:32 pm

    I’m so sorry, all of it, this cruel disease, but that is a picture to cherish, and it looks like a beautiful day to spend time together. You remain in my thoughts.

    Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Haiku Friday 9/19/08

  2. terri Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

    I think everyone will look back on life and regret things they didn’t find the time to do. I am sure, though, that your dad appreciates time spent with you as you did today.

    terri’s last blog post..I can blog and chew gum at the same time!

  3. Chuck Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    Keep writing Dan. Keep talking and keep writing. I believe you’ll need this later.

  4. People in the Sun Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 9:45 pm

    I won’t say he looks happy, but it does look like he appreciates being able to be outside and be alive to experience a beautiful day. I wish we could all look at our lives near the end and wish for more time. His frustration shows he appreciates his good fortune in life.

  5. L'uragano Says:
    September 21st, 2008 at 12:03 am

    Dan, how courageous of you to keep writing/talking about this. Please continue to experience this.Being in the moment of what’s happening. When my dad was sick, I didn’t. I was in such denial and I regret it so, so much.
    I loved the photo of the thirty-year-old ladder. my dad had the same. it’s in my garage. can’t bear to let it go.
    Be good to yourself.

    L’uragano’s last blog post..little girl at a ball game with her dad

  6. Lilacspecs Says:
    September 21st, 2008 at 1:19 am

    It’s good that he can still spend some moments with you Dan. I hope you can both enjoy them. I found out last night that my dad has emphysema and his lungs are only at 50% capacity. I don’t know whether to feel angry at him for bringing the disease on himself or upset because he has a potentially fatal illness.
    Either way, it’s killing me that I’m so far away from him right now.

    Lilacspecs’s last blog post..Torn

  7. celticbuffy Says:
    September 21st, 2008 at 10:13 am

    I hope that you both enjoyed the outing, just being together. I’m sure it will be a memory you carry with you.

    celticbuffy’s last blog post..An Average Day

  8. Tara R. Says:
    September 21st, 2008 at 1:28 pm

    Still a sweet memory for you both today.

    Tara R.’s last blog post..Smörgåsbord Sunday

  9. meleah rebeccah Says:
    September 21st, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    I am sooooo sorry for all of your pain. I don’t know what I would do or be feeling if this was my father.

    meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..Food Allergies = Depressed

  10. Fox Says:
    September 22nd, 2008 at 7:49 am

    My heart breaks for you Dan.

  11. Jodi Says:
    October 2nd, 2008 at 10:15 am

    popped in to check in. Sending thoughts and comfort.

    Peace

  12. Marissa Says:
    October 5th, 2008 at 10:54 am

    I have to agree with Chuck. Keep writing. Everyday contains something that can be cherished. Thanks for sharing this journey.

    Marissa’s last blog post..Silent Sunday

  13. meleah rebeccah Says:
    November 10th, 2008 at 6:23 pm

    heres to hoping you post again….someday soon

    meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..I Am A Sore Loser So Please Help Me Win?

  14. Mary Says:
    November 12th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    Hey Dan – I didn’t realize you had this blog or that your dad was so sick. What a great thing to do to enjoy him.

  15. meleah rebeccah Says:
    November 16th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    *ahem*

    meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..I Could. But I Won’t.

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