Sometimes life is funny and you do not realize it until it may be too late.
2006 has been a very strange year for me---losing my DAD back in March--- my own personal health problems which hit in the fall ( I did not make Jupiter with the team due to what they thought was a stroke but turned out to be a massive seizure complicated by diabetes).
Subsequent to my situation evolving I have been back and forth to Long Island regularly spending 4 or 5 days at a clip to be with Mom who at 88 years of age is perhaps days away from her final breath here on earth thanks to congestive heart failure .
To those who have sent emails or phoned the house inquiring to what was happening I express my utmost gratitude for your sincere concern.
Mom now has Hospice Care to go with our 24/7 in home caretaker so as to make her final hours/days as comfortable as she can be.
Talk about a topsy turvy year---fortunately we think we have my health situation under control--they have their finger on the pulse, so to speak.
My Mom is totally resolved and peaceful with what is happening to her. The Hospice people and I have spent many hours together talking and thanx to them I am at ease with the coming end for Mom.
I am not looking for sympathy. The reason I post this is to make others aware, especially the youngsters out there, that you should not take your parents for granted. Even in times of stress and duress you can realize how great life is --my Dad made it to 89 and was my "best bud'. Mom is 88 and in the past weeks she and I have spent hours holding hands and talking late into the night prior to both of us falling off to sleep. No, she is not suffering but is extremely tired and just waiting for her time to come.
At the age of 65 I have come to realize how fortunate I have been to have the parents that I have and have come to "know" them even better than ever this year, even with the circumstances being what they have been.
Folks, especially you teens, do not fail to everyday respect and love your parents.
I have a great life doing what I wanted to do ( baseball, construction business, music industry )and had my parents for more years than most and they supported me to the fullest in all my endeavors. I could not have done what I have done without Mom and Dad being as supportive as they were even if there were times they did not always agree with me.
I also want to give an immense "THANX" to my wife Lynne for her support and ordering me to "stay with MOM" the past weeks-- as she says "you only have one MOM" !!!!
At this special time of the year I say to all of you give thanx for what you have and cherish the moments. I am not the most sentimental guy, as those that know me can tell you, but this year has made a difference.
To all: have a great and healthy holiday season
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