Things I learned from my old man

[JPPaverage]

My dad is in a nursing home, he has dementia, probably early onset of Alzheimer's. Consensus around the family is that it's unlikely that he will make through this year(2019). He is confined to a wheel chair and for a guy like him, who has been active his whole life that is killing him, so to speak.
Anyway, I have been thinking about things he taught his kids throughout our lives and it's simple. Be kind, be respectful towards ALLpeople, have morals and values, be honest at all times. Work hard but take time to have some fun, and use common sense even while following your heart. Just things that normal people do every day. Did I mention that he's a life long Democrat? Yep, that's another thing he taught us. Dems are best. Republicans are bad. He disliked Nixon and absolutely abhors trump. His mind isn't completely gone yet.
He practices what he preaches. He used to go to the prison in Anamosa almost every Saturday to visit a guy who used to play in his band and made a HUGE mistake. Not many would do that. Anyway, thank you for indulging me. If anyone reads this, I hope you weren't too bored. Peace.

[PJMcK]

1. Good post, JPP

Your thoughts weren't boring at all.

Sounds like your dad is a good man who has lived a good life. Your respect for him speaks volumes.

Peace.

[malaise]

2. Everyone should read this

You have a great dad - get thee to the greatest page

[Ohiogal]

3. Your post was not boring at all

Your dad sounds like a pretty amazing guy. I can tell from your words how you love him and respect his example. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

I see very little of what your Dad stands for in our current political atmosphere, among the right wing.

[handmade34]

4. give your dad a hug

from all of us...

same story with my dad last year... WWII vet, physically active and healthy... then dementia... couldn't handle the loss of all the things he enjoyed in life... he chose to go on his terms... quit eating for a few weeks and then stopped drinking... we celebrate the life well lived

[MLAA]

5. Excellent post, thank you for sharing.

[panader0]

6. Nice post--not hard to tell how much you love your dad.

Was the guy in jail the drummer?

[JPPaverage]

7. Bluegrass band

So no electricity or drums. The guy in prison was the bass player and sometimes played guitar.

[spanone]

8. K&R...

[Scarsdale]

9. The respect you have

for your father shines through the post. Good man, great values. Thanks for posting, and stay strong.

[samnsara]

10. what a beautiful post...my father is well on his way to the same situation :(

[Dem_4_Life]

11. Your Dad sounds like a great man!

Hugs to him! I too learned a lot from my Grandpa in his time and when he saw Trump get elected it literally killed him and he actually went to the hospital on Inauguration Day and it was all down hill from there. I am somewhat relieved that he isn't around now to see how much damage Trump has done to this country that he fought for.

Enjoy your time with your Dad even though his mind is going your love will help keep that flame alive internally.