30 - APPLES FOR DAD

Not long after Mom and Dad bought their retirement home in Lincoln, Dad was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer—he was only 68. He had selflessly worked hard all of his life to protect and provide for his family—it should have been his time to play. I was heartbroken for him.

During my challenging single parenting days, Dad often dropped by to check on my son and me to make sure we were okay. He usually brought a big, shiny, red apple and often hid some cash near the apple for our groceries. It was obvious that he loved me, but I always felt a void because he never actually said the words, “I love you.”

I wanted to have loving closure with him before he passed. When he was first admitted to the hospital with his terminal cancer, I gave him an apple and told him that over the years, when he gave me a big, shiny, red apple; I knew he was really saying, “I love you.” He shyly blushed when I told him that I was “on to him.”

Of an apple. His eyes welled up with tears when he saw the apple. He pointed to it and lovingly squeezed my hand, forever sealing our unspoken bond. Three days later, I received a call to hurry to the hospital. When I entered his hospital room, Mom was standing next to his bed, holding his hand while tenderly looking at him. In a voice swollen with grief, she looked at me and said, “He’s gone.” Dad had waited for her so he could say his final goodbye to his devoted life companion.

Then she leaned over, gently kissed his forehead, and tenderly closed his eyelids forever. Even though I was overwhelmed with grief, the tender love and calm strength in Mom’s eyes taught me so much about the importance of loving farewells.

Memories of Dad’s strength inspire me to follow my dreams, to never fear failure, to become all he taught me to be. He wanted me to be independent and stand on my own. Even though he is gone, I know I will always have his devoted strength protecting me.

To Dad and all of the men who have selflessly protected and provided for their loved ones—

THESE APPLES ARE FOR YOU!!!