I called my dad a few nights ago. I wanted to give him a full report on our trip to New York as well as check to see how he was getting along. Since Fran's death two months ago, I've been trying not to let too many days slip by without touching base with him.
As soon as he realized it was me on the phone, he chuckled and the words just started spilling out. And while I got a complete run-down on what he's been up to, I learned a lot more from how he said what he said. His voice was strong and upbeat as he described his improved bowling scores, morning coffee hangouts with his cronies and two trips he has planned in the coming months. Yes, he still misses Fran...you can't live with someone for almost half a century and not miss them when they're gone, but hearing the easy laugh and excitement about the future return in his voice tells me he's going to be O.K.
He's adjusting to a new role and new responsibilities, and while he candidly admits there are still moments of pain, he seems to be settling in to his new normal quite nicely...and for that I am grateful.
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