Home for Father's Day

June 18

I have never appreciated Father’s day more than I have today. As Father’s day 2006 drew nearer I steeled myself with the realization that likely the day would pass as all the others with little significance – just another day hoping and wanting to see Marilyn push towards perhaps another step down the hall outside her hospital room door.

And then - an idea began to emerge in the back of Marilyn’s mind. A father’s day celebration had been planned to take place in our home. I thought I would go along with the idea and endure it for the sake of the family but Marilyn had another plan. She decided to make it her goal to also be in attendance. When she expressed her idea to me it seemed impossible to me that she would be able to pull it off and I’m afraid I dashed her hopes.

In the end however, Marilyn’s determination won out and plans were made for her to attend. Right up to the time of departure I half expected things to fizzle out but with some strong help and encouragement from Karen (one of Carewest’s wonderful nurses), Marilyn got completely dressed (for the fist time in 3 months), and boarded a Calgary Handi Bus bound for our house.

I was hoping the trip would be an enjoyable ride watching the hustle and bustle of the summer holiday pass by the windows, but the expressions on Marilyn’s face told me otherwise. Every turn and bump seemed to send fiery darts of pain shooting through her thigh. I prayed we hadn’t bitten off more than we could handle. It proved to all be worth it for when we reached our destination the tide turned. I watched as Marilyn, despite her pain, thoroughly seemed to enjoy the entire visit.

We decided to forgo the idea of a return trip via Handi bus and with some trepidation I called and cancelled the return trip hoping Marilyn would be able to negotiate a regular car ride instead. This turned out to be more successful than I could even hope for. Not a perfect ride back but truly a better solution than the Handi Bus. As Marilyn settled back into her hospital bed we reminisced the day/s events and looked forward with anticipation to our son’s upcoming wedding day. Finally we could look towards the future that includes some positive hopes. This was surely the best Father’s day ever for me.