Yeah, it has. But oh so slowly…

Parents are tricky no doubt — in life and death. And each of us has a unique experience of both. I always try to find parallels between my experience and that of others but often there isn’t one. You mention losing focus on memories of your father. That has been the case with my mother to some degree — probably because she’s been gone longer. But as the focus has diminished I have found a sense of both of them being with me. Strange.

From your comments and those of others the idea of a parent moving on after losing their spouse, or not moving on, is a curious thing. I’ve witnessed some who remarry or re-engage and I have to say in many cases that spouse has been seen in a negative light. As if they’re betraying the memory of their partner. Not sure what to make of that. Or that the one left behind never re-engages with another person is more noble. Not sure that’s the right term. The whole thing is odd. But again, each person marches to their own drummer. Maybe out responsibility is to just stay out of their way and let them live their life.

Anyway, I hope my post triggered some fond memories for you. And as we all move along that road toward the end we have time for good memories, friends and chances to pat a dog on the head…

Wow. That is a fine memory to have.

It’s odd to think about my mother and protective. BB guns and motorcycles would be on the bad list. But at 9 years old she would let me walk three miles to get a bus into Pittsburgh where I could spend the whole day wandering the city. It was a different world in 1963.

Can’t say I’ve noticed a lot of difference yet with the vitamin D but I’m still taking it. Maybe the fact that I’m finally responding to comments on the blog is a positive sign!

I would say you definitely had a unique mother if she was able to see through her discomfort to aid you in what has become a life long passion. Sounds like your father knew as well.

Sorry for your loss. I didn’t realize how big a space mine left until some time after they were gone. The grief and pain evaporated eventually and I was left with only fine memories. In that place I realized how large they were in my life.

I’ve spent my life in mental meandering of one sort or another. Sometimes it a fine journey. Other times not so much…

Thank you Floyd. So sorry for the long delay in responding to your comment. Daily life is hectic at the moment and it has been hard to wrap my head around much beyond my wife’s recent surgery. Finally finding some mental space to return here.

We’ve had more foggy, cold mornings since you posted your comment. Many of them I had to miss on the Vespa due to demands at home. But I’ve managed a few short, sweet rides. And like your friend’s mother wondering why you would want to ride across the desert, my own mother would wonder the same about the fog…