As Thanksgiving approaches, I have a lot to be thankful for.
My health is good, Sandy’s is good, my mother’s is improving and my dad seems to have at least stabilized.
For that I am very thankful. There may not be many Thanksgivings where I get to call and wish mom and dad a Happy Thanksgiving.
I have my fingers crossed there is going to be at least one more and with a miracle healing from God there may be a few more.
The chemo treatments he’s been underg oing are slowly working. I’ll take slowly over not working.
For the families who may also be dealing with cancer or any other disease, I offer you my strongest prayers.
Dad has told me he never expected to make it to 84 years old. I mentioned to him his fatherin- law lived to be 89 before he was called home. I told him to dream big and have that as his goal.
His gate has slowed and is energy is just enough to get from Point A (bed) to Point B (living room) — a mere 20 feet.
It’s hard to see this proud man struggle. He doesn’t ask for help as he still tries to do the little things himself. He’s never been one to complain. He’s a proud man with a strong spirit.
Most of the stubbornness he possesses has rubbed off to his three offspring. We’re all different, but yet the same.
One of the things I’m so proud of is the work ethic he instilled in us. The long hours I put in is because of him. My time is not strenuous, but very time-consuming.
You’ll never hear me complain about my long days, only that I wish I spent more time with family. That’s my only regret.
It’s time a person will never ever recapture.
In saying all this, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and time shared with loved ones. Our days are getting shorter as we age, so enjoy what’s left in your lifetime.
• Rick Head is the Publisher and Editor of The Brantley Beacon and the Waycross Journal- Herald. He can be reached at beacon@btconline. net
