It's Sunday, that day when many of us sleep in, or at least relax around the house. That day to do your best to enjoy what is left of the weekend, or to try to finish up stuff that didn't get done.... all before heading back to the work week. Well, those of us that are normal anyways.
Today is my father in law's birthday. I don't know his age, though at this point I don't think it matters. Dad has finally retired late last year after 40+ years in the American Missionary Fellowship. He has held several positions in those 40+ years, starting in the central portion of AZ, then State Director, and on up to SW Region Coordinator. He has started and maintained many church communities around the state, sometimes in towns I had never heard of: Cornflower, Skull Valley, Nutrioso, Crown King. Sure, not all survived the changing times, but many have. I learned many of these places from talks with Dad, and trips we made on Sunday mornings with him to visit a church, or he was guest speaking there. Most were followed with pot luck lunches, and man, you don't wanna miss that kind of food!!
Much of that ended for Dad once he retired. See, Dad is diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, and the effect on his mental abilities has become more and more severe in the past year. His health has deteriorated as well, and he has lost quite a substantial amount of weight. Mom has been his constant caretaker, though the strain gets to her at times. I guess after 50 years of marriage, you can see how much love is truly there in times like these.
But today is his birthday, and we are celebrating by taking them to lunch at one of our family favorites, the Black Bear Diner.
Happy Birthday Dad!
PeacE
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