Dad has been excited about deer hunting season for a couple of months. It's opening weekend here in Texas and Dad has just returned home from another hospital trip. This morning when I first went to check on him, he was fighting for air again. He asked me to make him breakfast, a bacon and egg sandwich. So I got busy in the kitchen and in a few minutes returned to tell him that his breakfast was ready. He needed help to walk to the kitchen. (about 50 feet) He was shaky and unsure of his footing, clinging to my arm like a toddler learning to walk. When we made it to the table he immediately grabbed his nebulizer. At that point, I realized that Dad's hunting days are probably over.
The last few years it's been great to be able to make his yearly hunting trips happen. He loves waking up before daylight, patiently watching and waiting to spot a big buck. He gets a big kick out of the little yearlings playing on the hillside right outside the window of the cabin. The cabin has one obstacle that always causes him problems, a spiral staircase. I'm unable to help him up and down those stairs because they are steep and so close together. It's a shame that his motor skills are beginning to fail him. If he could climb those stairs, I think we would be hunting right now.
I can't imagine struggling every day to make it to the next with nothing to look forward to doing. Aging is a cruel reality that cannot be escaped. I've enjoyed these years spending time with Dad, helping and caring for him. I haven't given up on him and I try daily to make things easier for him. He still enjoys challenging himself to do as much as he's capable of doing. Although he struggles sometimes, he always knows he can depend on me to help if he isn't able to accomplish a task.
Watching your hero slowly succumb to health issues is the most intense challenge I've ever faced. I refuse to sit idly by and simply let it happen. We're in this fight together and Dad is no quitter. My respect, admiration and love for that old man is immeasurable. Those who don't understand why I would dedicate the last 10 years to his care just don't my family ties. It's made me a better person to learn my fathers approach toward others and how to look at the good in everyone. I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to get to know Tom Tinner the way his friends see him. I sure hope he improves and is able to go hunting again this year. Good times!