Even though we could barely afford it at the time - with three little boys to take care of - we made the journey back to my home state to spend time with my parents and to give my children a chance to feel their grandparents' love.
But my father had created his own life, surrounded by horses and wide-open spaces. The fact that the only time he had ever visited me was for my wedding - something I told him he was obligated to do - was incredibly telling for where he'd want to spend his remaining years.
Later, I'd marry that music man. Together, we weathered the vicissitudes of life through the challenges of working and paying for college, moving multiple times, and going through career changes.
After my mom died, the worry about my father's health and welfare grew. How would he endure, all alone without my mom? What was my responsibility in all of this, living several states away and raising my own family?
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