Suitcases and Sincerity
Friday, November 5, 2010 at 1:34PM 
RPOTD...No Truer Friend Exists
I intended to write only about my trip to Canada to visit my Dad, but there is more to share. I will say that I made a very quick trip north. I left Tampa last Tuesday and spent all day getting myself to Buffalo. The "all day" included a long layover in Atlanta. I finally touched ground on the American side of the border at 5:45PM. By the time we stopped for chili cheese dogs and onion rings at Ted's, drove across the Lewiston Queenston Bridge and passed through customs, it was closing in on nine PM. Five minutes later we were home. I was in bed by 9:30 and so was Dad.
My dad is 84 now, widowed, not in great health and very lonely. I really can't say much about it or I will sob. The weather was cold (for this Florida girl). About six months ago he got a dog. His friend Butch has raised Golden Retrievers for forty years. Butch offered Dad a seven year old retired breeding bitch, Bear, to keep him company. It was love at first sight. The day before I arrived, Bear was diagnosed with inoperable, untreatable breast cancer. Dad is devastated. He says he'll see Bear through to the end. It is so sad.
We did little. We walked Bear. The leaves have pretty much fallen from the trees. My timing was off for seeing the autumnal splendor of the Niagara Peninsula. It was damp. I made a big pot of chili for Dad. We talked and watched CNN. We discussed the upcoming elections. I barely left the house Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Saturday morning I was back at the airport in Buffalo. It was another long day with a three hour layover in Atlanta. John picked me up in Tampa at 8:30PM. I was depressed and exhausted. I have spent my time since being home just recouping mentally and physically.
The good news is that on Monday we leave for a five night cruise to Hondouras and Mexico. Sunday we will go to our other house to spend the night. I dragged the suitcases out today to begin packing. When I returned to the bedroom with laundry, I found the dogs asleep in the big suitcase. I love those dogs so much. All they want to do is be with us and have no wish to be left behind. Aren't they adorable? I really hate to leave them. They are so sincere in their love of us.
Reader Comments (6)
Oh, my...I had a feeling I should have asked more about your trip--what a harrowing time for your father; I understand the tendency to sob about all of his pain. I know one thing: your being there must have brightened a bit this time of loss for him. I hope the cruise offers you time to spend recouping your balance. What a year you have endured, with the bright spots seeming to be overshadowed by loss and challenge.
That picture is adorable--so glad you have them in your life.
You're really talented.Words beautiful, fluent!I like it very much!vintage carrera sunglasses
Are you ok? Is your dad any better? I plan to call after the holiday but will be here if you want to call us -- thinking of you.
Saying hi--I am wondering where my friend disappeared to. Maybe give us a call?
Hey Dana,
Don't have a good email address for you... please email me at dianesteinbach@yahoo.com... Going to be moving to Tampa area soon and have some questions that maybe you can help with...
Thanks!
Diane