5.09.2013

Life at Both Ends

It's been over a week since I visited the dugout here at the Ballpark.  I wanted to check in all week, but life just kept happening.  During the past month, I've experienced opposite poles on the emotion spectrum.

Two weeks ago, I thought my dad was passing from this life.  As I sat with him, tears dripping, I tried to envision what was he was seeing.  I prayed it was wispy angels, a soothing lullaby, Jesus whispering, "Welcome home."

To my surprise, Dad rallied and by the next morning, he was looking brighter.  Yesterday, he celebrated his 90th birthday, and is currently in rehab.


He likes to surprise us, my dad.  I have never known another soul with such enthusiasm for life.  The Superman shirt was a gift to Dad from my brother, the ex-clown.  No matter how debilitated Dad becomes, in his heart, he can still fly.   

A few days after that grief-filled night, a fresh baby arrived at the Ballpark.  Her parents were in town for the 90th birthday bash.  A great-grandfather and his great-grandchild - 90 years apart.  To see the wrinkled, Parkinsonian hand reach for tiny, chubby toes....so beautiful.   


There is nothing more popular than a fresh-from-heaven baby. 

Holding this child was a balm to my weary heart.  She was as warm as fresh bread from the oven.  I loved curling her fingers around mine and sniffing her soft little head.  She was so new and untarnished by life.  So willing to just be held and smooched on.  It's refreshing and soothing and healing to hold new life.

The company has returned home now, and my focus is back on my super hero dad, who has chronic health issues, but is currently stable.

Author T.D. Jakes said that life is the great equalizer.  We all start out with supple skin, toothless grins, and great potential.   We grow to be strong, independent, and productive (hopefully.)  Eventually, we become weathered and disabled and forgetful.  Unless we die young, we will progress though every phase.  It's the human journey.

I will probably never again see two lives, 90 years apart, in the same room.  Hug them both, kiss them both, pray over them and with them.  It was wonderful to be standing in the middle and savor the experience.

We took hundreds of pictures, so we will never forget.

Both subjects are a bit blurry because they never stop moving. 





16 comments:

Memories of yesterday said...

I'm glad your father is doing better. And those two littles... goodness there IS something about a baby. :D I'm glad they got to be together and celebrate life.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

What a blessing! You certainly have a lot to be thankful for. I love how you call the babies fresh from heaven. I'm always glad to hold my grand babes. They always brighten any day and thankfully my children have supplied me with a good supply. Ranging now in ages 6 months to 20 years old. Happy 90th to your Dad. The Superman Shirt is very appropriate !

Cathy said...

What a beautiful post. Happy Birthday to your Superman Dad!!

Paula said...

What a beautiful story. I am so happy for you to have this memory. The roller coaster ride of Parkinson's can be stressful. I am glad he is better

Jaime said...

What a precious time. My thoughts are with you and your dad.

P.S. I totally love his birthday hat.

Marianne said...

I seriously have tears in my eyes. These pictures just make me so happy. Thank you for sharing & love to you all.

Retired Knitter said...

That was one beautiful post. It brought tears to my eyes.

orneryswife said...

My heart goes out to you as you run this last leg of the race with your dad. What a great legacy he has left behind, and having those pictures with his great-grands is such a precious memory to keep!

Thanks for all your comments yesterday. They were rocket fuel for my day. I need that!
tm

Pam Williams said...

What a beautiful post and a blessed event. Thank you for sharing it with us, Mare!
Have a blessed weekend!
Blessings!
Pam at 2 Encourage

Rita said...

Hundreds of photos were never more needed or more precious. Aren't you glad it is the digital age so you could have so many more to capture the memory. :):)

Juli said...

What a wonderful post! How fragile and strong we are all at the same time. I am glad you could have this day to celebrate.

Tara Tyler said...

how wonderful! to make more happy memories!!
so happy for this burst of revival!

have another great week!

Unknown said...

Dad looks good God bless him!

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

What an awesome time and a treasure to cherish!

Anonymous said...

This post puts life in perspective. Bless you as you walk these challenging days with your Superman!

Marie said...

So sorry I'm late reading this post! This post has given me so many tears of joy!!! This is a beautiful post! So glad your dad is doing much better! He looks fantastic! Hope your mom is doing well. :)
hugs,
Marie