This is my Dad, Clifford Mathias. He was born in 1930 in Rollingstone, Minnesota. He and Mom were married in 1952 in Winona, Minnesota, and shortly thereafter joined the Mormon Church. My Mom passed away about 6 months ago and Dad has been alone.
Until recently he was living alone at home and we have been taking care of him. Because of Parkinson's Disease he has some difficulty walking, talking and balancing. We recently moved him to an apartment with assisted living. We wanted him to be taken care of and were not able to provide the level of support he needed, especially after he broke his left arm in early January.
The day we moved him in to the apartment we got him settled in and the staff helped him get ready for bed. I happened to be there and he told them they didn't need to put him to bed because I could do it. From that day forward I have been going every night to tuck him in. I get there between 9:00 and 9:30 at night and stay until he decides to go to bed, between 10:00 and 10:30. I sit up with him and watch TV, usually news.
One night last week as I was helping him to bed he looked up at me and said, "I used to tuck you in at night." I looked at him and just smiled and he smiled back.
Dad's arm is getting better now. He can probably get himself to bed now, or will be able to pretty soon. I have no plans to stop coming. Last night as I was tucking him in he smiled at me as if to show that he understood that I didn't have to do this anymore but was choosing to do it anyway. I smiled back to let him know I wasn't planning to stop.
Tom, that was so sweet. It makes tears come to my eyes. Thank you.
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