When we traveled to Oregon a year ago this week, Fabulous Husband and I
dropped in at the local clinic to visit with my dad. He was in a room with
other chemotherapy patients receiving treatment.
It had been five years since we last saw each other. He did
not like that I had adopted a child. He did not like that I had met a man
online who was coming from Pennsylvania to Oregon to meet the rest of my
family.
He disowned me as a family member and did not want my mother to have
any contact with me.
As we entered the room, I didn't recognize my father at
first. I saw a man with a hat similar to the one he used to wear and thought
that was him. Fabulous Husband pointed to another man. How did he know that was
my dad when he had never met the man before is beyond me. I did not expect
seeing my father again would bring up so many past experiences and emotions. It
was hard to believe this person actually had power to make me feel inept,
unwanted and unaccepted for who I was and the choices I had made for my life.
It took him a moment to recognize me. Fabulous husband stood
beside me. Have I mentioned how wise my husband is? We had discussed the moment
I would be seeing this particular person and my hesitation to go visit.
Fabulous Husband kindly stated, "This time it will be different. You have
me now."
There was comfort in knowing that we were not alone in the
room. There were other patients with family and friends lounging and visiting.
Dad was always on his best behavior when out in public.
I introduced him to Fabulous Husband. It didn't take long
before Dad asked me, "Are you hearing better these days?"
"What?" I asked, unsure if I saw his question
correctly.
He did actually ask that in front of a roomful of people.
Twice.
"No. I'm deaf now."
He looked at Fabulous Husband and asked, "How do you
put up with that?"
I looked at Fabulous Husband, who did not say a word, but
turned and looked at me with compassion, gentleness and love.
My husband loves me.
Patiently. Kindly. Truly. Sincerely.
What Fabulous Husband said before we traveled to Oregon was
true. It WAS different. It was different simply because of his love.
I saw this posted on FaceBook recently. It speaks volumes to
me. It simply says:
"Forgiveness
does not always lead to a healed relationship. Some people just aren't capable
of love and can be toxic to our lives. Sometimes we have to set up boundaries
to protect ourselves. Wish them well, pray for them, and take care of
yourself."
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This speakerphone gives "one-touch" access to dialing, answering, and memory scanning functions from up to 40 feet away. Phone can be dialed by using the one touch number, the wireless pendant, or a connected switch. Headphones may be added to the pendant for privacy. Additional accessories may be added-call program for information.
