My 90-Year-Old Best Friend

He was born in 1927 on this day. Calvin Coolidge was president. Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris the day before. Wonder Bread was founded. Babe Ruth set his home run record, Coca-Cola cost 5 cents, the first talking picture was released (Al Jolson), and the 15 millionth Model T rolled out of the factory. While a memorable year, for me what counts is my dad, my best friend, was born. And despite macular degeneration, COPD, type 2 diabetes, an irregular heart beat, hearing loss, and having beat both lung cancer and throat cancer, plus a strange throat condition called dysphagia which makes swallowing difficult and painful, my dad is so much fun to be with that I neglect my work for fear we won’t be able to spend the time together that won’t last much longer. He still wakes me up with the sound of his cherished chain saw chopping up downed tree limbs. For those who might wonder about Dad’s secret for longevity against all odds, I think his ritual 5 p.m. shot of Wild Turkey 101 over ice in a tall glass with just a splash of water might be a clue. Yesterday morning we went to Lowes and got a cartload of parts I never heard of (which irritates him) to spend the rest of the day fixing his lawn irrigation system. We also seeded some bald patches in the yard and celebrated when two inches of rain descended upon us an hour later. The day before some of my college friends swarmed the house to wish him a happy birthday because in a few ways he and my mom, who we lost t...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news