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| Here's Clyde in happier time, riding kiddy rides at Carolina Beach. |
My father-in-law had been in the long steady decline of Alzheimer's Disease for years, but his decline accelerated geometrically when Bub's Mom died in November. He lost his anchor, he couldn't adjust and i think he lost his will to live.
But here's the deal. I don't want to remember him the way he is now, literally a mere shell of his former self. Instead, I choose to remember him the way he was for example, in this picture (with Erica at 22 months). Let me describe him for you...
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| That's Clyde (aka Evil Kneivel) on left |
- He was tall and thin and really quite handsome.
- He was one of those folks you couldn't help but notice when he came into a room. As a matter of fact, at our wedding, everyone said he looked just like Evil Kneivel in his white (a la 70's) tuxedo, and you know what? He DID!
- He was very athletic. Clyde probably could have been a pro in just about any sport, (OK, maybe not wrestling), and in fact, he became a pro horseshoe pitcher quite late in life.
- He always said what was on his mind, a trait I came to appreciate very much. I always knew what Clyde was thinking. He gave us his opinion, but respected our choices.
- He would always call and thank me personally for a gift, or a home-cooked meal... even if he had already thanked me in person. Isn't that sweet?
- He always seemed oddly amused by me, yet I like to think he genuinely cared for me
(I'll be a little scarce over the next few days, tending to my family and honoring the memory of a true gentleman.)
God bless you all!
ReplyDeleteMay God help you find peace and healing. Please remember that others effect how we deal with life. For you, Kat, you have blessed so many with your talents. Your ways have come from your parents and your husband's parents. Blessings continue to flow from generation to generation. You are passing this on, also, in your work and life. God is with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteHugs, France
It is a wonderful piece you wrote. You have the right attitude and that doesn't help what you are going through now. Keep those good memories always. My father has that disease and I don't know he is surviving this long. Love them while you have them.
ReplyDeleteMay you always keep the memories! You have blessed so many. May you find PEACE in all
ReplyDeletethis, Thank you for everything. May God watch
over you,and all your family!
This disease is so terrible! We lost both our dads to this and then my mom as well. May you find peace in the memories.
ReplyDeleteArlene
Kathy, this is such a sweet tribute to your Father-in-law! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe have paced those Forsyth floors too.
We'll pray for God's comfort for your father-in-law, you and your entire family. Sending hugs too.
Thank you for all you do with the newsletters and such! I'm truly sorry for your loss . My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHugs, an Avid reader,
Julie
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteIt helps knowing that your family will be together again in Heaven. My father-in-law has that same amused by me look in his eyes, when he talks to me. I hope this journey is a short one, that he goes peacefully and with joy for what awaits him. God be with you in this time.
ReplyDelete