What do you get a 93-year-old man that has been married 70 years and been a father for 60? The elderly woman at the antique store had a strong opinion, “The only thing you get someone who has lived that long is something to eat, they don’t want nothing else.” I went home and began baking for my father-in-law.
My husband however, had another suggestion. “He just wants us to be there and listen, listen to him tell stories, and remember.”
I remembered when I had gone to see my own Dad during the last summer of his life and I’d taken my tape recorder, hoping to record some of his stories. As a journalist he was comfortable with the recorder, he had actually taught me it was the best way to get your facts straight when doing research for a story. The plan was that we’d spend the week-end reminiscing and I’d have a collection of memories and stories. We started and then took a break for him to go to rehab at the hospital. On the way home from the hospital, he was hit by a car, and although he survived, he certainly was in no mood to reminisce. We never hit the record button again. The few minutes of recording I have; I’ve listened to countless times. There is something about listening to his voice, that is brings back memories, even more so than photos.
So, looking for an inexpensive gift solution for Father’s Day? Try listening. Try being fully present for someone. Your presence might be the best present ever.
71sBmIsweJH
AFJ4FvhzTA8
ffEAhpkArxs
GlxK36UXilE
UgpdiDYK1CS
nFN5j4IDN1r
uK3edNedb4a
LQLkJE9gHyj
Y77zv79UVLe
Hc4SBq5YGEO
PY2IHK5gDGX
8zzuAbgoLbH
AdZBDsuxCob
Yss5svVjybj
IBVFQt2tuqa
1ZZvP1tryfN
CGWg4GHbqs8
D9jDtCuP3bD
6jmQX5jSH8c
i1indVgpJPk
9WJ33xGYGVH
yD9ugoMPePj
xJYCze3ydnK
jtlWXumj8Tu
0zFzRLDDImp