Okay Dad, I Promise I Won’t Forget

 

Do you want a drink son? No thanks dad, I’m fine for now. Okay, but if you get thirsty, be sure to let me know. I will dad. Hey dad, do you think the lake is beautiful? I sure do son, the green water with the reflection of the sunset reminds me of the Northern Lights and the how uniquely beautiful they are. I’m glad you brought me here, I just wish I would have known about this spot before, so I could have brought you here as a kid. Actually dad, this is your favorite spot and you did bring me here as a kid all the time. I only come here if I am with you. Oh, I’m sorry son, you know how my memory is nowadays. I really wish I could remember things, but I have so much trouble. Anyways, enough about me, do you want a drink son? No thanks dad. Okay, but if you want something let me know. I will dad. This evening has been one of the best evenings I can remember, and I’m glad you brought me here son. No problem dad, you know I always enjoy our time together. I’m just in awe seeing how beautiful this lake is son, and even in my old age, I feel like I have no pain or sorrow at this very moment. What comes to your mind when you see this lake son? Actually, this may sound kind of lame dad, but the reflection of the sun on the lake reminds me of the Northern Lights. That’s beautiful son, I didn’t think about that, but now that you mention it, it really does and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Do you want something to drink son? No thanks dad, I’m fine for now. Okay, I may be old, but I’m never too old to grab my son a drink, so let me know if you get thirsty. I will for sure let you know dad. I miss your mother so much son. Although it seems like I can’t remember what I ate this morning, all of her memories are still in my head like it all happened seconds ago. Very few memories of others remain in my head, but hers are strong and I’m very thankful for that. If I had a chance, I wouldn’t change a thing about my old age just to make sure her memories remained. I miss her too dad. You both were so happy together and I still can’t explain how much she meant to me and how much you mean to me. You’re making me tear up son, but it really is nice to remember her. By the way, did you want something to drink? Sure dad, you’ve read my mind. Okay, I’ll get you a soda from the cooler son. Sorry I didn’t ask earlier, but I guess we got carried away talking about your mother. It’s okay dad, I wasn’t thirsty until now. Well son, the sun is almost setting so I guess we should probably get inside so I can get some rest. Okay dad, that sounds good. Well, I’m heading to bed now son, so I will see you in the morning. I love you son. I love you too dad.

***

Okay, my pajamas are on so I’m going to sleep now. Good night son, I love you. I love you too dad.

***

I almost forgot to tell you good night. I love you son. I love you too dad.

***

Three times that night my father told me that he loved me. He never wanted me to forget that. This was by far my favorite memory with him. As I’m getting older and my son is grown up with his family, I can only hope I can be half the man he was. Although it was a little tough getting used to his gradual memory loss as the years went by, getting told I love you by your dad multiple times and hearing him say it like it was the only time is something few people get to experience and enjoy. It definitely makes everything we were going through together worth it. Although he will be greatly missed, I’m glad my memories of him remain fresh in my mind.

**

That was a good speech, dad, I know grandpa would have been really proud to hear you say those kind words. Thank you son. Well dad, I pulled the car up in front of the church so you don’t have to walk too far, and we can be on our way home. Thank you son. Before we leave, can I go say bye to my dad one last time? Sure dad, take your time.

**

Okay son, I’m done and you can take me home now. I love you very much and I don’t want you to ever forget that. Okay dad, I promise I won’t forget. Dad, the car is this way! Okay son, but before we leave, can I go say bye to my dad one last time?