Sunday and Monday

You started the day by getting up with me in the morning. You ate two soft-boiled eggs with me and Dad. You said you were feeling better and that maybe tomorrow you could go to the DMV to find out why they didn't send you your driver's license renewal. Our insurance company won't renew our policy without proof. Who would have thought something so simple would be so difficult? You are weak and you need someone to go with you to stand in the line. We are fortunate Laura's boyfriend is here and will do it with you.

I took Dad to church. He was particularly critical. He commented on every driver, every pedestrian. I found myself trying to take the negative sting off his criticism. He said, "Oh, lady, don't cross now". I said, "She has plenty of time; the light is with her". When a car did a u-turn in front of us he said, "Hey, Mister!" I said, "He thought he had found a parking spot on this side but it turned out to be a driveway, so he made a quick left to go into a parking lot on the other side of the street." After a few more comments, I said, "Dad, you're being very critical this morning. You have said something negative about almost every other driver and pedestrian." He said, "I have?" "Yes, you have." Then he was quiet for the rest of the ride. What happens when you are gone? Do I confront Dad every time we go driving? Does he do this when his caregiver is driving him during the week?

I asked Carmi today about Dad's criticism. Her experience is similar to mine. Usually she can let it go but sometimes she says something to him. She says he is constantly making comments about others when they are out. She's pretty cheery but I got the feeling that every now and then it gets to her.

What a blessing it was to have Laura here. Our child is becoming a wonderful young woman! She and boyfriend both took you to the DMV and were on hand to take you to the ER this afternoon if the doctor called and fast-tracked you. She sent me texts on your health during the day. Our conversations this evening were far better than I could have dreamed. She is so concerned with your health. She said she wants to be a better support for you ----and for me---than she was when you had your triple bypass. She wants to move back here to help us; she's even willing to take a chance on putting boyfriend back in his old stomping grounds, the scene of his crimes, as it were. I never thought she would want to help! I thought she'd want to be here if your end was near and you were declining quickly, but it was music to my ears to hear her say she wanted to be here to help me. And boyfriend is right there with her. He is being very supportive. I'm glad we decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

When I came home from work today there was a letter from the Parking Violations Bureau about a ticket you had gotten in the CNG Crown Vic. They said they no longer allow hybrid and cng vehicles to park free at meters. Please send a check for $50. I was frustrated. We have spent more on tickets on those cars. At least now they have a policy they won't be contradicting. We'll put money in the meters. You asked me why I was upset. You asked me if there was anything you could do for me. I said, "Get well."

You and I had another discussion about faith. I told you I thought you had nothing to lose by being a Christian, that it's a good way to live. You said you had some fundamental problems with it: you don't think Jesus is the son of God and you think the Bible contradicts itself over and over. I said I used to think that until I read it a couple of times. I asked you if you believed in Intelligent Design. You said in a way. You believe God is the ultimate Creator but that you also believe in evolution. Again you said you like and respect the way I practice Christianity-----I corrected you with my favorite phrase: 'the way I try to practice Christianity'.