March 01, 2007
Dad
Got back from court yesterday afternoon to find the message light glowing on my office phone; it was Dad: "Give me a call, son."
He answered his cell phone after about six rings -- longer than usual for him -- and there was a lot of noise in the background. I figured he was at Costco, calling for advice on the purchase of some sort of electronics.
"Son, I'm okay, but I wanted you to hear it from me: I'm in the hospital."
Dad has a twenty-year history of not wanting to burden me with his ailments; in college, he didn't tell me until weeks after the fact that he'd nearly bled to death after surgery, because he didn't want to worry me during finals.
Anyhow, Dad had been in the hospital since yesterday morning, but waited until the day was nearly done to let me know.
I told him we'd be driving down to Los Angeles to see him, and he responded -- as I knew he would -- that it wasn't necessary.
"Dad, yes it is," I said, "trust me, it's non-negotiable."
When we arrived, he was in sitting up in bed, I.V. lines in both arms, glasses perched on top of his head, oxygen blowing gently up his nose, surrounded by his newspapers, a book laying on his legs, TV on.
His face lit up when he saw me, but of course he had to start by telling me that I didn't have to make the drive.
Sigh.
We visited for about an hour, as nurses constantly came by to check on him, fussing with his I.V.s, checking his stats, poking and prodding, before he told me to hit the road.
I kissed him and told him I loved him.
"I love you too, Son."
Dad's undergoing more testing today, so if you have the time, I'd appreciate all good thoughts and prayers for him.
Posted by Mike Lief at March 1, 2007 07:31 AM
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Comments
Your dad will be in my prayers. It reminds me of the times when my dad was ill, he would say the same things. Funny how fathers are like that.
Posted by: sonarman at March 1, 2007 05:47 PM
Thanks, Sean. You're right; it seems the best fathers have that in common.
Posted by: Mike Lief at March 1, 2007 07:47 PM
You're in our prayers, Mr. Lief!
Posted by: Thin Ice, Sr. at March 2, 2007 06:32 AM
What is it about dads? Mine is the exact same way. We'll be keeping you and yours in our thoughts.
Posted by: bothenook at March 2, 2007 09:48 AM
Prayers for your dad -- and you. I'm familiar with your position. Hope you get good news.
Posted by: Susan at March 2, 2007 07:37 PM