For several years, January 11 was the day our family celebrated my nephew's birthday. Now January 11 is also the anniversary of my father's death. Don Kuhn died in his sleep two years ago ... peacefully and quickly ... just the way he wanted ... but totally unexpected.
We knew he had health problems - he had been diabetic for many years and that affects the body in so many ways. As it turned out, Dad's kidneys were failing ... what my sister and I didn't know was how advanced the failure was. Thankfully, a heart attack took him before he reached the dialysis stage - he would have hated that with a passion.
Nearly ten years prior, our family had to make the difficult decision to move Mom into a nursing home due to the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. For a few years, she continued to recognize my sister and me, but it was Dad whose presence could make her eyes light up even after she could no longer speak. A testament to the strength of their love, he visited Mom every day, feeding her lunch and dinner, and sitting with her throughout the afternoons. As the disease progressed and Mom ate less and less, Dad still visited every day, patiently coaxing her to eat. How many men would do that?
Dad was a loving husband, father and grandfather ... he had extra special relationships with his two grandchildren. He was strong in his Christian faith and loved to sing hymns and listen to gospel music. On this two-year anniversary of his death, I like to picture Mom and Dad in heaven ... he is singing while she is lovingly listening ... just as they used to do.
1 comment:
Mom and dad's marriage was truly an inspiration to me. I miss them both so very much, not a day goes by that I don't think of them often. Thanks for the beautiful tribute.
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