30 Years Already

Last Wednesday, July 30 marked 30 years since my dad's passing. I'm rather stunned at the fact that three decades, more than one-half of my lifetime, have gone by since that pivotal day. As an only child, I was blessed to be close to both my mother and father. In many ways, they were friends, as well as parents.  I had no reason to go through a "rebellious teens" era because my mom and dad were so much fun, so supportive and such interesting and talented people. Since I was 17 years old, I had known that we were somewhat on borrowed time, my dad and me.  He had suffered a devastating heart attack in May of 1976.  He had suffered from congestive heart failure on at least one subsequent occasion, and he was experiencing some worrisome symptoms before he died suddenly on July 30, 1984. During the last couple of years of Dad's life, my maternal grandparents were experiencing health challenges themselves. When Mom would go to visit my grandpa and grandma, Dad and I would have "date" nights. They involved our going out for dinner - just the two of us, taking a walk, listening to good music, enjoying each other's company and engaging in meaningful, deep conversation. When I think of the many blessings in my life, I include among them my truly wonderful dad.  Although we only had 26 years together, we made the very most of all of those years. 'Love you, Dad.