Let’s talk about dad, his birthday and reflect.

This month many people were born. One of them is my beloved dad.

But first, fun facts about dad!

• Born in Brazil
• Almost pro soccer football player
• Speaks excellent immigrant English
• Everyone refers to him as Mr. Wilson
  It’s because of the movie, can you guess which one? Think volleyball, planes, and Tom Hanks.
• Born 1959, I’m pretty sure.
• Plays the lotto every day

Yep, that’s my dad!

Dad has worked for the same company for over twenty years. He has survived teachings us to drive and his daughters going out of state for college. He has played soccer football every Sunday. He has endured struggles only immigrants can relate to. He has lived longer in the US than in his home country.

His parents both had passed.

He has outlived some brothers and sister. He remembers the last hug he gave his mom and dad. Now he attempting to come to terms with aging. He refuses to replace his hug and his hip refuses to regain strength. His ankle ligaments play tug a war with each other. His hair has whitened, his teeth have yellowed, and let’s not even start with his driving.

His officially slowing down.

I’ve heard many talks about elders as sharp. Holding on to their strong minds, but their bodies losing strength. I never thought I would one day talk about my father in similar terms.

We’ve talked about writing a will. He's not a fan and neither am I. We’ve talked about life back in the motherland. He still likes to pretend it would be the same as it was four decades ago. He calls all his children’s his favorite.

I’m not ready for my dad to go to heaven. I am ready for his pain to cease. I am ready for his fear of surgery to be no more. I am ready for him to retire. I think he's ready for old age. Well, I think he's ready to stop working more so.

I just want my dad healthy

He wants to be healthy too. He also doesn't like it when the American or Brazilian doctors don't tell him what he knows is true. Granted most should seek another opinion, but when is the truth too hard to accept. How did you accept and deal with your parents aging? What were there last few years with your life?