Aging

My dad is 82 years old. He is one of the most optimistic, loving people I know.

This week, I realized, he is permanently in "old age land." Why it took me so long, I don't know. He's had bypass surgery and stents put in his arteries and bladder cancer treatments. His mobility has been increasingly limited.

Now he talks a lot about his health, his doctor's appointments, and his exercise routine.

What made me realize his dependence on my mom was her inability to visit me this past weekend because of my Dad's health-related issues. That has never happened before. I am sure it will happen on an increasing basis. My grandmother lived (with Parkinson's disease) until age 89. Most of that side of the family lives into their late 80s or early 90s. So, perhaps I will have a few more years with him. I hope so.