I went to college when I was 17 - leaving Pennsylvana and moving to go to school in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Later I would meet the lady of my dreams, Trudy and we would get married in Tulsa almost 27 years ago now.  Over those years I have been back “home” to Royersford, PA about once a year and I talk with my parents on the phone every week.  But you know what is really strange?  Although I haven’t lived with my parents - or even been in the same town for all of those years - I find that I have a lot of qualities of my parents in me - especially my dad.

As I write this blog this afternoon, my heart is a little concerned.  My dad - who is 84 years old - is in the hospital after nearly passing out yesterday evening.  My mom called 911 and they rushed him to the hospital.  His blood pressure is very low and he may have something wrong with one of the valves in his heart.  They are doing a heart catherization today. When my mom called last night, she told me that she thought dad was gone.

I have been thinking today how much of my dad is in me.   Although he still has a full head of hair, there are so many qualities that are in me because of him.  We weigh about the same, have the same (brilliant!) sense of humor, and are men who are always on the go.  When I see him, I see so many things about me.  I also see things about him that I wish I was more like.  My dad has always been a sacrificial giver. Even when his company was “on-strike” and we had no income, dad would give to the church and to others.  It brought him joy.  My dad is the ultimate handy-man.  He can fix anything.  Apparently, that ability skipped me because even the people at the home improvement stores can’t help!  If a small screw can be dropped during a repair and then lost, I can do it.   I still wear swim trunks when I do plumbing at home - just in case!   My dad also served during WW II and was shot while out scouting the enemy. He got a purple heart.  My dad sure was brave and I wonder to myself if that courage is in me - somewhere.   My dad is proud of me and I am proud of him.

My dad & the two-piece rubber-banded camera & flash he invented!

I will keep you updated on my dad. 

Love,
Tim

Update: Wednesday, April 29 4:15 PM.  I called my Dad last night at the hospital.  We talked about the Phillies, Arlen Specter and other stuff.  He seemed in good spirits.  It was good to hear his voice.  This morning, Mom called our house and said that Dad’s stent failed and they would do the heart cath again.  My brother, Scott,  texted me later this morning that procedure went well and that Dad’s report was good.  Thanks for your prayers.

Update Sunday, May 3  8:30 AM  My dad is back in the hospital.   I talked to him for a long time on the phone last night.  He said that when he lays on his left side, he has chest pain.  The doctors don’t know what is wrong, but they said that they will figure it out.  They are exploring several options.  Please keep praying for him.

Update Wednesday, May 10  11 AM.  It has been days of good news and not so good news.  Today good news.  Dad is finally leaving the hospital.  The doctors believe that they can treat him with medicine.  Surgery is too risky.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Update, Thursday May 28  2 PM.  Like Rocky getting off the mat, my dad has dramatically improved.  He had valvo-plasty - a procedure to unclog his valve.  It worked and he is doing much better.  He is currently in a nursing home due to some type of infection, but that location should be temporary.  We are expecting him home soon.

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