My Mom and Dad

People that know my dad often inquire as to what he possibly does now that he's retired. (He retired from the Seattle Fire Department as a Deputy Chief)

Well, let me tell you... as I see it.

The first few years he spent re-modeling the kitchen/living room at their house. An act that was "for" my mom, loving her in the only way that he knew, or cared to know, how.

And he tinkers, you know.. stays busy, doing odds and ends. He blows the leaves, mows the lawn, does his laundry (yes he does his own laundry) rides his bike, helps friends, serves at church (this he does with my mom) and he enjoys cooking too.

He's been retired for, I think, 4 years now and the past year has been spent in a very different way.

You see, last summer he changed. Last summer, he was forced to see things a different way. Last summer, it was him and God.

So today if you asked me what my dad does now that he's retired, I'd tell you, well... he goes on 4 day getaways with his beautiful bride, one way he learned to love her. Some Tuesdays you'll find him calling Bingo at the Senior Center with my mom, today he was at my house finishing up a project here and he told me, one more day and it will be done. I asked which day that might be and he said, I dunno, it depends on how your mom feels tomorrow. He thinks about her and not in a , ohh I better ask the wifey kind of way but in a respectful, loving way.(As he packed up his things to go teach 6th graders how to play trombone....he cracks me up! )

My mom, is the woman that waited 35 years for her knight in shining armor.(that strength, love and fortitude is an entirely different entry...) I don't know why God has the timing that he does and I can't speak for her but I am pretty sure she can't imagine being with anyone else but my dad...they really are pretty cute, living out their honeymoon as fifty somethings, in their motor home.

Sometimes I wonder why I'm going on 36 and still waiting for my knight but for now I just observe the wonders and miracles in the relationships around me and try (emphasis on try) not to question HIS timing.