103 years old, #laryngectomy, #laryngectomee

My dad turns 103 years old today! I wish I could say he is doing great but he is not. I'm writing this early and hoping he makes it til August 4. My dad had wisdom far beyond the classroom. He only went to 8th grade. At the time, kids got jobs early and helped support the family. He has the brilliant mind of an engineer. He helped design and build construction equipment. He gained much of his knowledge early on by reading encyclopedias and dictionaries. Who does that? 

He still might have a brilliant mind and is very frustrated laying in bed, not participating in life much. It's hard to know since he doesn't talk to us much. He has told so many amazing life experience stories throughout the years. Some when he was just a kid, many as a teenager and, of course, many more from the navy (Construction Battalion [Sea Bees]) and his construction experience. My dad helped build man-made lakes, highways, turnpikes. 

My dad was a perfectionist and it was hard to live up to that, but when he goes I will be crushed. He helped me become the person I am. Him being a perfectionist gave me the work ethic that I have, and that has been passed on to my kids. 

He is mostly bed-ridden and mostly blind. My sister cares for him with the help of a few aids that come in occasionally. He gets out of bed mainly to eat. He hasn't told many stories lately but when he does he mostly goes back to his life as a kid. Some terrifying, some sad, but he has always been a great storyteller. 

Because of my laryngectomy, I can't communicate with him much verbally. Sometimes he understands me, but not often. I communicate with him by touch. I run my hand over his hair. Hold his hand. Sometimes a cool washcloth on his face and head. But always a hug. He used to know me by my hug but I'm not sure he knows me at all anymore. But he's my daddy and I love him so much.

Happy Birthday, dad!

Blessings,

Mary