When the time came that it was apparent that my dad only had a few months to live, I was determined to share as much of life as I could with him for those remaining days. I mustered enough courage to swallow that huge lump in my throat, wipe away the tears and dig deep enough to revisit wonderful experiences we had shared in the past. Fall was fast approaching and he loved the Franklin Cider Mill. I bundled him up and off to Franklin we went. What a joy it was to see his eyes sparkle over drinking cider and eating warm donuts again. One afternoon we visited my high school burger hang out together! He confessed he had driven by on the sly sometimes just to make sure I was 'where I said I was going to be.' Soon dad caught on the my memory lane tour and he joined in on planning events. As time passed, we were visiting places and experiencing old memories first hand again. We recorded some of our conversations. What a thrill to play those tapes now! Halloween came quickly and that morning dad wanted to pick out a pumpkin and carve it together. After the ceremonial carving was complete - we lit the candle and I marched around the kitchen reciting 'Little Orphan Annie' while he followed me in his wheelchair.
Not long after that day, dad passed on. I am so grateful that together we revisited and made new memories. I encourage you to do the same. It eases the hurt and helps to heal the pain.