To the Best Dad in the Whole Wide World

Kevin, Dad, Josh - May 2000

Dad and his Grandchildren July 2003

Dad and Elizabeth December 2003

Dad and Elizabeth Easter 2006

Dad and Elizabeth January 2007

Dad and Ella July 2007

Ella and Dad October 2007

This post is in honor of my Dad, Rich. He is fighting another fight with his Parkinson's. He has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease since 1994. He retired in 1995 from driving the city buses. It didn't really slow him down until the summer of 2003. We worked with different agencies and his doctors to keep him in his house which was his wish. Sadly, we weren't able to do that and keep him safe. So in October of 2003 Dad moved into his apartment at a great assisted living place near here. He gave up his house and car in the same month.

My dad has been my pillar of strength all of my life. He raised me and my two brothers after my mom, Grace, died of cancer in 1968. From my earliest memories I always knew I was loved and protected. That is the greatest gift a parent can give a child.

Dad is a call it like you see it kind of guy who exudes strength and honor. He is the greatest Dad in the Whole Wide World to me. When I was 9 I wrote an essay for Father's Day and submitted it to the Highland Villager about how he is a great dad. In there I said he is both my mom and my dad now and that he loves us even if he makes me wash dishes (or something like that). I got second place and used the prize money to buy him a key chain for that Father's Day. I wonder where that key chain went.

My Dad is my hero and I wish I could make this better for him. A couple of weeks ago the doctors changed his medicine because Dad's memory and mental abilities were at the point where the benefits from the medicine were less than the side effects. They took away two pills. It took about 5 days for that to show in Dad's body. Since that point he has been very weak.

The doctors have reinstated one of the pills and increased the dose on another, but that only started a few days ago so Dad's weakness is still there. My brothers and I have been calling and going over as much as we can. The girls are usually with me but yesterday I was able to go over alone. Thanks Todd for staying here and watching the girls. I was able to help Dad with his food as well as have some nice time together. I'll be honest, there was some tears from me and Dad, but not alot. I am so grateful I have been able to have this time with my Dad and I told him yesterday how much I love him and that he is the reason I am the person I am today.

We are still working with Dad's medical team to get his condition improved. Its a balancing act. My brother Kevin goes with Dad to his doctors appointments and I really appreciate that he has been able to do this. I am surrounded by strength and honor.

The girls and I have been doing well during this. We did end up going to Wisconsin on Memorial weekend but came back Sunday night. We slept in Monday and went to visit with Dad and then to another BBQ in the afternoon. I was ready for work to rest again.

This last weekend we participated in a garage sale and made a little money. Elizabeth and Kiah sold lemonade and cookies and made some money too. Elizabeth wants to do it all again. It was alot of work for not so much money. :-)

Yesterday the girls and I walked up to a neighborhood cafe and met Todd for breakfast. Then he dropped his vehicle at our house and we walked to Grand Old Days for the parade. As we were walking there, someone else tapped me on my back. It was my boss. What a small world. Todd, the girls and I watched the parade and then took the shuttle down further to visit with Mary and Mike at their food stand. They were doing great business and the pork sandwiches are wonderful. Then we took the shuttle back, walked the little bit home, mowed the lawn and then dug out the sprinklers. The girls put on swimming suits and had a blast. When they were tired out I took Todd's vehicle to check on Dad and do some grocery shopping. I think everyone here took a nap. Then we had some chicken on the grill. Thanks for spending the day with us Todd.

Today Ella had another speech therapy. They continued working on D sounds and she is showing a little bit of improvement. She even said Elizabeth today which was a first. She usually calls Elizabeth Me Me. Ella even said Doll with no problems so the therapist, her intern, and I all clapped and cheered.

UPDATE - GOOD NEWS!!!!

I called Dad about 6:30 and the voice that answered was almost back to normal. I said Dad you sound almost like yourself. He said, I feel Good!!! Thank God. The medicine is doing what it is supposed to. I hope he continues to improve but it was a miracle to hear my Dad again!