I don't think dad will ever forget the Wigwam

Dad spent some time with Mary Jo (the social worker) at Sutter Living Center the other day tellling her about the cottage at Red Park and drawing her directions to get there. Everything was correct including the address and telephone number. His love for the cottage where he spent many happy summers as a boy with his grandmother and brother-- then as a married man with his wife and children-and later just he and mom has never diminished.  Perhaps in the quiet of his mind he is often once again sailing and playing tennis at his beloved summer home.

 Dad loved the boat he and mom had in the 70's and early 80's.

 The Wigwam

Many happy memories by the fire--mom and dad spent their honeymoon right here. It was April 1st, cold and the water was not turned on. Dad carried water from the artesian well out back but they were where they wanted to be.
 I wish we could bring you back for a visit, Dad.
Maybe we will............

Sarah's Visit

 Sarah brought her dog, Sam

 Everybody really liked him--he should be a nursing home dog.

 Dad knew Sarah right away when he saw her!!!!

 We visited in the dining room and Dad had a non alcoholic beer

Mom had such a good time and was so happy that she was using many good sentences and responding correctly to questions---Yea, Mom!!!

Still a mom

Yesterday I went to a new hair stylist -- I had been upset about my hair and wanted a new cut..In fact I was feeling quite down about the whole thing. I was heading over to Sutter to see mom and dad afterwards and found them sitting, as usual, on the love seat in front of the television. They were glad to see me and asked me to sit down. Mom must have sensed from somewhere deep down inside herself that I needed her for just a few moments to be herself again. I said,"Well, I just got a new haircut--what do you think?"
Mom looked at me and smiled,"Oh, I like it." She gently touched my hair and made a few comments. Real SENTENCES!! I was very moved that she still could "be there" even if for just a few moments.
We had a good visit and I left feeling so much better and isn't that what a mother is best at--making others feel better.
Thanks Mom--I love you.

Sailing

Sailing was always such a big part of Dad's life. As a young man he sailed a wooden snipe with his brother, Bob, on Portage Lake in the summer. When we were young dad always had a snipe in the garage that he would work on in the winter--sanding, varnishing and getting it ready for the summer races. He would race out of Burnham Harbor in Chicago and also on Portage Lake. We did the sailing races circuit, too. Dad had 3 crews --John was for a heavy wind day, I was for a moderate wind day and Nancy was the light wind crew. In later years he also had Sarah and Bill crew for him. The competition was lots of fun and we got to meet many interesting people.
The Snipe had been a very popular boat but interest in it was waning..On Portage the small Sunfish became the sailboat to have and dad did his share of racing in the Sunfish races. In fact he still will ask if the Sunfish is all put away for the winter or sometimes he asks if it is safely buoyed on the lake.
Finally, mom and dad bought the big two masted boat seen in these photos. Even though mom was not a sailor, she bravely crewed with dad all over Lake Michigan. They would take their beloved dog, Lady, with them--Lady proved to be very sea worthy. Dad misses his life on the water. I wish we could go out once again with him. Dad at the helm with the wind caressing his face--I think he is often on the water these days in his mind. He will ask me sometimes when his walk is unsteady if we are on the boat. The best of memories, aren't they, Dad?