Family Visits with Dad - Then & Now

Yes, I know, another blog update. This one, however, features family visits with Dad (in-person or by phone) within the last 30 days. One set of photos were taken at his nursing home recently and the "older" photos are probably how Dad may see us in his mind.

Granddaughter Tabitha, her husband Kevin,
and great-granddaughter Venice

Kevin, Tabitha & Dad 2006 in San Antonio

Joeann holding phone with her Dad,
Joe, talking to his brother, my Dad

Uncle Joe - way back in the day

Dad with niece Joeann, husband Miguel,
and daughters Maya & Emma

Me talking with Dad

Tabitha, holding her daughter Venice,
speaking with Dad

Shelley, Tabitha & Me - 1977

Me holding phone so Joyce can hear Dad's voice

Joyce many, many, many years ago

Joeann holding phone with her sister
Brenda on the line in San Antonio

Joeann, Laura & Brenda

Everyone watching Dad talking to his brother Joe

Fading Memories

One of the benefits of aging is having collected a lifetime of wonderful memories that make us smile or laugh at the things we no longer do. However, as we age our memories begin to fade or they just don't come to mind as they once did. Fading memories accelerate when a loved one is in the grips of Alzheimer's. Witnessing a loved one's memories fade is tragic and sobering. We realize it could happen to us.

Here are some of my Dad's memories of times gone by:

My Dad with his parents walking in downtown San Antonio, Texas in the late 1930s.

Here is a photo of Dad taken in 1968 when he played for the San Antonians,
a softball team that toured New Zealand in February of that year. 

Dad and Joyce. Can you tell what year it is by the hairstyles and glasses?

Dad had this studio photo taken in the early 80s.

Here is Dad today. His memories are the "here and now" with "bits and pieces" of the past.