I Found My Dad Today
I found my dad today
Beyond the pain, the discomfort, the fear, the dependence,
There he was.
Despite all his afflictions, there is still,
Strength, courage and humour.
During his moments of distress he held my hand,
I fed him, wiped him, reassured him.
I held his hand knowing he didn’t want to be alone.
And neither did I.
These past few days have been wonderful
Seeing him rally his spirit when all seemed lost.
His resilience is astounding,
His strength of character with out peer
He is not ready to leave me.
Today he bathed, dressed and entertained:
His brother and wife traveled to see him.
His mind is good,
They chatted old times.
I fed him, I tried valiantly to make him comfortable,
His rattly chest a reminder that he is unwell.
I have learnt to be his nurse,
My time I gladly give.
I found my dad today,
I am happy that I have this time
Even though it is distressful
I will go each day
To do what I can,
For I love my dad.
Morpethroad 
this brought tears, I can feel the love you had for him and he knew that I am certain.
Thank you. Yes they were times where my emotions were tested. Everyday of that last week I sat with him and held his hand. Dad was not a demonstrative man so I was taken a back initially by this close contact but I realised he was afraid and over time he had come to rely on me.
I am so glad now that I was able to be with him until the end. Thankfully when it happened it happened quickly.One of my students is performing a piece I have written about death and I have used my experience with dad’s death as a part of the performance. I will post it later in the term.
Thank you again for reading my work.
Yes he would have been scared, as we all would be in that situation. Life should be the other way around born old die young, when we do not know what is reality. I am glad that you spent time with him and had that special bond, for that is what he will be remembering as he watches you. I am not religious but I am spiritual and believe in life after..so he is watching and is thankful that you were there and smiling 🙂 That will be interesting to read, looking forward to that oh and you are welcome.
Thank you again. I think the piece called grief was part of the process. I know I did write often. Living alone and going home each evening meant the computer was where I did my talking. But life moves on and so must I. Next year I will be a retired ‘gentleman’ so another aspect of my life will begin.