In line at the post office, I talked to a man.
He told me he went down south to pick up his dad
who, suffering from dementia, was in a bad place.
The man told me his dad has fits of rage, falls down,
gets hurt, wanders off, police has to be called.
I asked the man if he could take care of himself
in the midst of all this.
He said, “I always thought it weak to take pills,
now I take a Valium every morning
just to make it through the day”
He told me his mom raised her kids by herself.
“What about your dad?” I asked
“I was terrified of my dad,” he said
“and glad when he left.
He beat my mom and us children too.
I was very scared of him then.”
“And now you’re taking care of him?”
The man said, simply, “he’s my dad...”
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteSuch a poignant anecdote...
Glad to see comments back. Couldn't tell you on the other one how I enjoyed the voice of your dog! YAM xx
It is extraordinary how duty overcomes all else sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI hope that man finds a solution that gives him peace.
ReplyDeletehe is a better person than I am, there are many sad stories like this and I am thinking he was just so happy to find someone who would listen and care... I enjoy talking to strangers in lines too
ReplyDeletePowerful.
ReplyDeleteThere is something about that, caring for the one who hurt you. It creates forgiveness and forgiveness sets us free.
Forgive is one of the most important things we can do in life. It does indeed set us free.
DeleteOh my goodness Inger, so nice of you to check him out. So wonderful to take care of his dad - and I think he must of forgave him too. I agree forgiveness sets us free.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad and brave story! Love your last photo!!!
ReplyDeleteYou never know what other's are going through and it helps us to realize there are good people doing what they need to do. I know God will bless him!
ReplyDeleteThere are good and decent people in the world. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Inger.
ReplyDeleteThank you too for the lovely photographs.
All the best Jan
That is a sad story. He must be a special person to take care of his Dad.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful example to us all. This man is living the true meaning of grace. I hope that I would be able to do the same. Thankfully, I had wonderful parents and grandparents. Many are not so lucky.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful story of forgiveness. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDelete