It probably seems like yesterday ...

My dad has had a few rough days over the past couple weeks. One of his very dear friends, Duane Landreth, passed away. They had been very close friends for years and talked frequently right up until about a week before Duane died. While he was grieving over this loss, my dad found out that his great-nephew had passed away. He was just in his mid-30's. Not long before Christmas, he had lost another friend.

He did get a new roommate but that has been a challenge in itself. He (my dad) doesn't take change easily at this stage of his life so when he has to adapt to another person in his room, his anxiety level begins to rise. Rachel has been a rock through all of this -- I'm not quite sure how she does it-- balancing being a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend!!

My dad is doing better -- he is back in physical therapy now and he told me today he realized he really had lost some strength and seemed to be focused on regaining it again! I thought this week about how strong my dad had been over the years and I'm sure this is particularly difficult for him. We discussed also that the time may be coming sooner than we think that we need to 'let go'. But, I am so glad he is still here!

One of the funny memories I have from childhood was how in awe my friends were of my dad and his good looks. I'm afraid my mother was frustrated from time to time by the attention he received. (Of course, it was particularly amusing when they were in their 80's and ladies were still admiring him!!)

My dad's birthday is just around the corner -- January 26th. My Aunt Roberta's birthday is the same day .. so an early "Happy Birthday" to them both!

When I was going through my mother's boxes of photos, I found this photo and just had to share it!!!