V.S. Quinnell

This year my dad would have turned 92. It’s been almost a year since he left us, but today I wanted to celebrate. So, I will visit him, go to lunch and share some stories of my dad.

When I think back to his last birthday, I have to say it was one of the rare occasions that he seemed so present. Since he was in the late stages of dementia. Little did I know 6 weeks later he would be gone.

But, on this day as he read the birthday cards from his children and grandchildren. He was present and smiling as he read the cards. Dementia had dimmed so many of his days, but this day it was like there was a bit of clarity, as my mom and I visited. While I recorded him with my phone capturing this visit. It was a pleasant surprise to see him clear and smiling.

Overall it was a nice visit especially since he was so present. Because dementia had slowly taken his memory, his essence, the man I knew was there but only sometimes and on this birthday he was there. 

Sometimes I would look at him and wonder where are you? As he looked back at me with a blank look. I knew he did not remember me anymore, but I still searched for him.

Funny is that he still remembered the BigDog in those last days and of course his wife, my mom. He never forgot her…never

So, I will continue to carry him with me, when I laugh out loud that’s my Dad. When I hear my kids laugh that’s my Dad, because if you didn’t know he had a laugh like a pirate. 

Love you Dad and Happy Birthday.