Life was going Dad’s way yesterday. My brother Jon and I haven’t enjoyed this good of a visit with Dad since…. well, let’s just say it’s been a really long time. We stayed longer than usual, but even then, it was hard to leave.
I wished I had brought a camera to snap Daddy’s photo. He just looked so good.
Not to make light of it, but after three plus months of going without, Dad has new front teeth for Christmas. Perhaps I’ve already shared that the nursing home staff inadvertently threw Daddy’s old dentures in the trash three months ago. To Daddy’s way of thinking, I’m sure he thought his dentures were safe and sound, all neatly wrapped up in a Kleenex sitting by his vanity sink. And now, after four visits to a dentist, Daddy is all smiles.
Unlike our last visit, Daddy intently followed yesterday’s selected Christmas movie — Going My Way — which use to be a favorite of Daddy’s. My father was just fourteen when the movie premiered in 1944 — it went on to sweep the Academy Awards.
Like Daddy, I just love that movie. I want to believe that people like Father O’Malley — the heartwarming character, played by Bing Crosby, who was always thinking of others — really do exist. It’s just a feel good movie from beginning to end.
Yet, Going My Way never fails to reduce me to a few tears as all loose ends are tied up and Father O’Malley is ready to move on.
The only thing that could have made this mini-Christmas miracle more perfect is if my sister Christi had been there to share it with us. But I’m sure she was — in spirit.
an everyday life 
Glad you had such a wonderful visit. I’ll be peeking in at my own favorite movie, A Christmas Story, although it’s going to be a bit more complicated this year with no tv! It’s the first time since I gave it up I’ve felt a twinge of regret – down to Mom’s I’ll go.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Linda,
Merry Christmas to you. It feels good to be reconnected with the world. But the gorgeous snow that lays outside my window was worth the inconvenience.
It also felt good to reconnect with Daddy. My sister saw Dad two days before and her visit was like most of our recent ones — we come to find no one at home.
I need to get back and re-visit your recent post about Christmas coming. I loved the song and I found balm in your message.
Janell
Merry Christmas my dear. I totally understand about your dad’s teeth. Mom’s went MIA twice in the hospital and nursing home stays. I guess it’s common, but to be without teeth seems a terrible load to bear. I also love that movie. I think watching it was part of my formation. It’s a Wonderful Life also has teary moments although I’ve memorized the story.
Hope you’re staying warm in this blizzard.~~Dee
Dee,
Merry Christmas to you.
Oh, the teeth. Yes, the nursing home confirms that it’s quite common for dentures to find their way to the trash can. And their acceptance of the problem didn’t exactly make me feel better about it.
We lost internet service for almost 24 hours; so while the snow preempted plans, I’m enjoying it nevertheless. I’m back from my impromptu Christmas Eve retreat.
Janell