November 15, 2012 - Ties

Ties

I went into my dad's closet to get some toilet paper. It's a huge closet, so they store overstocks of paper goods in there. While I was in there I stopped to look around. Not in a nosy way, but more like reminiscing. 
I saw suits. Sport coats, T shirts from ALCOA from when he worked there. T shirts and sweat shirts from his Alma mater, Auburn. Shorts. Shoes. And, of course, ties. Wide ties. Narrow ties. Bright colors. Muted colors. Stripes. Solids. Paisleys. Blues. Greens. Reds. Golds. Browns. Blacks.
There are different kinds of ties and not all are made of fabric and worn around your neck. Ties are bonds that form between people. These ties form between co-workers, classmates, neighbors, close friends, and family. Ties can be broken, but the important ties can be mended, but it takes effort and desire from both people. Family ties are often stretched and stressed when a family member falls ill. The ties of friends and family form a close knit fabric that surrounds the family and holds them together with strength and encouragement. This is happening to our family right now.
Dad was glad to see us today. He didn't see mom yesterday and hadn't seen Bill since Saturday, so he was beaming when he saw both of them today. We all wore our masks since we don't want dad to catch whatever we might have. The staff got used to seeing us in them yesterday, so today was no surprise. We have learned, however, that when you have a cold and need to wear a mask, chew mint flavored gum or pop a cough drop in your mouth ... It helps open up your sinuses!
Dad was poked, monitored, listened to, talked to, and smiled at a lot today. The doctors and nurses all say he's doing great. The nurses fight over daddy. One young nurse came up to me today and said, "I have to tell you, your daddy is one of the sweetest men I have ever met. I just love him!"
I must say ... I agree.