I am in Texas this week to see my dad. He will be 85 this year in October. He is moving pretty slowly these days. He worked hard all of his life and all that physical work has finally caught up with him. He says he is not in pain, so that’s a good thing. However, because of glaucoma, he is nearly blind. That is something I don’t think I would be able to handle. It is the reason he says he moves slow. Later this week, he did admit he was having some hip pain.
The other reason I am in Texas is that one of my close cousins passed away this past Friday. he had a stroke last year. It was a pretty bad one. His passing last week was probably a result of the stroke last year.
We had a great family gathering. The day began with a memorial service. His children chose to have him cremated. I think it was a first for our family. Typically, we have gone the burial route. Over the years that option has become very expensive. I like the cremation option. It seemed easier for the family to deal with the death by not having the casket and body front and center.
Instead, there was a preacher giving the ulogy, and video running in the background showing photos from my cousin’s family life. The service was a reflection of happier times. It’s what I would want. I don’t want to cause my family pain and sadness because of my death. I know they will be sad, but I’d like to make it easier for them if I can.
Later, the whole family met at another relatives home and had lots food, drinks, and laughs remembering better days. It was an impromptu family reunion.
We also took my dad. He had a great time. He couldn’t see very well, but he did recognize lots of voices. He especially enjoyed the food. We all did. So many people contributed some great dished. And yes, I was off my diet, but that wasn’t the only day.
Diet is one of the hardest things in life to change. Diet is something that most people have solidified at a very young age according to how their family eats. To try to change it later in life can be very difficult. I have been trying for years now. However, I am doing better. Every now and then, a craving from my old way of eating will surface. Sometimes I give in early to avoid the struggle. That way I can get back to doing things the right way the next day. When I go off the rails, it is usually a sugar binge.
Being out of town at my dad’s has not been terribly difficult. There are no planned meals like when I still lived here. So I can make a meal of my choosing whenever I need to. There are some temptations. When my sister comes home from work, she could be eating anything from any restaurant. The good thing is it is only food for her. Temptation over. However, some days she has brought foods I could not resist, like Pistachio Almond ice cream. I did not resist.
I didn’t see any of my old friends this time. I have been content to sit here in the house with my dad. He needs constant help operationg his television. Because of his eye sight, the remote is very difficult for him. Also, with the death of my cousing, I was not in a mood for visiting.
Soon, I’ll be home and back on track. Hopefully, I won’t have a difficult time getting back on track. I was doing so well.
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