I went to the Joffrey ballet with my father earlier this week. I loved it. As I sat there I was reminded of how quickly time flies and how different life and relationships look at every stage.
A number of years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to hospice work and I became a hospice volunteer. I was assigned a patient who was in the latter stages of his/her life (had nothing to do with age – just time left to live). I would go and visit and be the “light” during that particular days visit. It was wonderful and quite sad work at the same time.
Then, one day it hit me … why wasn’t I spending this time getting to know my dad? Here I was spending hours with strangers and yet, I had a father who lived just miles from me. I had no idea if he had an interest in this idea but last summer I decided to try it and took a break from volunteering.
I remember the first day I called my dad for coffee, he sounded shocked (he even said it!). He asked if something was “wrong.” I told him no, that I just wanted to have a cup of coffee with him. He gave me a time and a place and we met. Admittedly, it was awkward at first. I am sure he thought I needed money, or something of that nature because I never met him just to “chat.”
That’s how I get to the “date.” The Joffrey was one day shy of 8 months since that first coffee date – which was on a beautiful summer morning. I now see him at least once a week (usually for coffee) and I talk with him every day (he could be bored with that but he’s too kind to tell me!). My kids have even gotten into wanting to see “Gramps” because they say he is so “hip” (they never say that about me!). We’ve seen movies with the kids, dinners, the opera and now the ballet!
So, even though it’s not Father’s Day – I want to give a shout out to my dad. I am lucky to have this experience and I am enjoying every minute. Yes, time flies and I did miss a lot of time with him. But you really can make up a lot of time over a cup of coffee!
theyearof50 