Back Home
I made the journey back to the town, and the home, I grew up in this week. We had a few beautiful reasons to celebrate: my dad turned 94 on Tuesday, and Lori and I marked our 18th anniversary on Monday. But the real reason for the visit was simple: to spend quality time with my parents.
At 91 and 94, I’m acutely aware that every extra day, week, month, and year with them is a gift. And as we all know, no one makes it into their 90s untouched health wise. Not in this world, not with how our food and household products are so often compromised.
My parents have truly earned these overtime years, and it’s our responsibility as their kids to make sure they feel cared for, supported, and deeply loved. The scary medical stuff comes with the territory.
Yesterday, my dad had to spend half the day at the hospital to have the battery in his pacemaker replaced. They told us it would be a routine procedure, but at 94, hospitals always carry a weight, so I wanted to be there with him. Thankfully, everything went smoothly.
While we waited to be released by the nurse, Dad shared a story from his time in the Navy, stationed on ships off the coast of Japan over 60 years ago. Something about his day, reminded him of being on a naval ship. He said it was his job to “keep the spacing.” I asked, “On the ship?” He smiled and replied, “No — between all the ships.”
I can only begin to imagine one-tenth of the life he’s lived. This new pacemaker battery? It has a shelf life of ten years. That sounds good to me.
But honestly, the true highlight of this trip was the time I spent with my mom. She’s an early riser — and I mean early. Every morning around 5 a.m., I’d get up and take her to her favorite coffee spot at 6 am. Her go to spot is The Coffee Bar in Menlo Park, CA.
She’s a legend there. As soon as we walk in, she’s greeted by name. No matter who’s behind the counter, they always ask, “The usual, Gini?” And as we sit, other regulars come over just to say hello.
This morning, while my Mom stepped away to the restroom, one of the baristas came over to me quietly and said,
“I just want you to know…we are all so sorry to hear about the ailment your Mom is battling, cause we all love your Mom. Just know that we’re going to keep an eye out for her while you’re away.”
That one sentence broke me a little.
As I get ready to head to Europe for a few months, I leave with a full heart, grateful for this moment, this day, this week, and this life I’ve been lucky enough to share with two truly incredible parents.
