Nobody Cooks Anymore
I was driving by some restaurants when I heard my father’s voice, “Nobody Cooks Anymore,” that was one of his favorite sayings when we would go to a restaurant for a meal and a visit. For the last few years of his life our routine was to take Dad out for Sunday breakfast, we’d talk about the week or plan a trip to the doctor at the Veteran’s Hospital. Dad lived with my youngest sister and her family and they kept him pretty engaged in their busy social life but he loved to visit and get out of the house.
My father loved to comment on anything going on in the twin cities, he’d bring his favorite Pioneer Press newspaper and point out any article that related to our neighborhood or the companies we worked for. Dad would often comment on the local politics and colorful politicians stating his opinion about local happenings. He’d ask if we watched the news or read the paper and was always surprised and appropriately horrified if I said I didn’t watch the news the night before. I can picture him smiling and shaking his head as he’d proceed to fill us in on the latest story, he’d pass over the page from the newspaper to me and remind me to read the story.
The weather is nice and in the afternoon if I have some free time I remember the times I’d call him at the last minute and say “Dad, what are you doing — can you get away, let’s go out.” I miss being able to call him and run out for a late lunch or early dinner and a chance to catch up but I have lots of wonderful memories now that he’s gone. When I miss my father I take the opportunity to make those calls to other family members and friends to create new memories. Last night I made dinner for a friend, cooking outside on the grill smiling to myself as I thought of my Dad and noting that yes Dad some of us do still cook at home but any meal is tastier shared with family and friends.
Who do you know that would appreciate a call or visit?
Mary
May 26, 2010
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Mary · 
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Tags: aging parents, family, friends · Posted in: Life Lessons
Mary Chapa, RN is a multi-talented woman with a background in nursing leadership, quality management and business development in both health care and private industry. Mary is also a writer and passionate holistic health practitioner living in Minnesota.
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