slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

About 25 years ago, I had my last visit with my Dad prior to his dying some time later. I ran across this poem and was reminded of the poignancy of that last visit. It was eerily similar to this story. It was my most significant moment as a caregiver...however brief. I was forty, and he was recovering from quadruple by-pass heart surgery.

This poem is my Father's Day sharing of that time, and...to honor the caregivers among us.

'Ablution'---By Amy Fleury

Because one must be naked to get clean,
my Dad shrugs out of his pajama shirt,
steps from his boxers and into the tub
as I brace him...whose long illness
has made him shed modesty, too.

Seated on the plastic bench, he holds
the soap like a caught fish in his lap,
waiting for me to test the water's heat
on my wrist before turning the nozzle
toward his pale skin. He leans over
to be doused, then hands me the soap
so I might scrub his shoulders and neck,
suds sluicing from spine to buttock cleft.

Like a child, he wants a washcloth
to cover his eyes while I lather
a palmful of pearlescent shampoo
into his craniotomy-scarred scalp
and then rinse clear wh**ever soft hair
is left. Our voices echo in the spray
and steam of this room where once,
long ago, he knelt at the tub's edge
to pour cups of bathwater over my head.

He reminds me to wash behind his ears,
and when he judges himelf to be clean,
I turn off the tap. He grips the safety bar,
steadies himelf, and stands. Turning to me,
his body is dripping and frail and pink.

And, although I am nearly forty,
he has this one last thing to teach me.
I hold open the towel to receive him.

A final footnote: It is my wish that each and every Dad out there is Blessed and cherished this Father's Day. :thumbup:

JimMe

HOPEFULLY YOU ALL CAN ENJOY YOUR FATHER ON HIS DAY...

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Bless you. I iknow what you went through. My story is a little different but watching your father die while doing your best by him is no easy task.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thank you, Tom.

I felt there would be some who have lived this experience. I miss my Dad, and cling to memories of him. Father's Day inevitably brings these memories to the forefront of my thoughts.

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

My Dads name was Jim

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

My Dad, Luthor Donald Slatten, went with 'Don'.

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Hey have a great fathers day tommorrow. Weather you are dad daddy, pops or papa. You are loved.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

You have permission to leave your cell for Father's Day. :-D :-P

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Why thank you AuntiE I wish Uncle E a happy fathers day

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

Aunti has to prepare two major meals tomorrow. It is UncleE's Father's Day and ProgenyE's birthday. Swiss steak with mashed potatoes and ham seasoned green beans for UncleE. Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread and salad for Progeny.

I may be forced to move into your cell after preparing all of the mentioned food! :idea: :idea: :!: :!: :|

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

I'll be haveing mexican but I shall leave the cell prior. It is quite comfy most relaxing.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I will be having filet mignon with long grain & wild rice with herbs and, perhaps, turnip greens with pearl onions thrown in for good measure. Oh yeah...sweet iced tea, wheat rolls, and sugar-free banana pudding finish the menu! :thumbup:

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Sounds Awesome . I wanted a porterhouse but mrs. Fom and grandson Anthony already planned the menu. T Bone with Taters and asparagus monday night. Love my sweet tea.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

:hunf: :mrgreen: :twisted: :hunf: :mrgreen: :evil:

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

I have a father & son story.