So my dad was admitted to the hospital late last night. So far tests today have been inconclusive, but based on what they’ve observed, the doctors say my father probably suffered a mild stroke. Odd, that my mother also suffered a mild stroke last spring. I remember sitting with her in the emergency room then, much like sitting with my father last night, waiting for the doctors on call to determine a course of treatment. By God’s grace, my mom has recovered remarkably well. She has some difficulty walking and her memory has gaps, but she’s still there. My dad is unable to talk now and we’re watching and waiting to see just how much of him is still there.
Thinking about all of this and I’m feeling a little fragile right now. My mother is 86, my father will turn 91 on Monday, Lord willing. Those numbers don’t register with me, though. That’s my mom. That’s my dad. They’ve been around all my life. I’ve known them all my life.
Feeling somewhat nostalgic while I was listening to the radio earlier. Heard Rod Stewart singing “Maggie Mae” and Strawberry Alarm Clock singing “Incense and Peppermints.” Golden Oldies. Then I heard Sting singing “Fortress Around Your Heart.” That was it! I’ve said it before, I love Sting’s music. I feel no shame in saying it. But “Fortress” wasn’t what I wanted to share tonight. It’s a bit too… hard. I needed something softer, something to ease some of this grief, soothe this sadness.
Then I remembered this song and found this video.
All Things Elda 