u/Fermentique — reddlx

It's not my bad back, it's not my diverticulitis flare ups. It's not even these damn arthritic fingers that make it so hard to open a pack of fruit snacks... It's watching the strongest man I ever knew turn into a feeble old man.

In the past 5 years, it's been prostate cancer, Parkinsons, Squamos cell carcinoma and this weekend I find out he's been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The cancers have been mild, the Parkinsons only mildly debilitating. I assume none of this will be what does him in. Most likely stress from dealing with my mother.

He's 82. Retired just after his 81st birthday. Cant really drive, can't really walk. He never talked much in the first place but you can tell he is just so tired he doesn't want to say much at all. Every Saturday my brother and I get breakfast with my old man. Watching him order one egg and dry wheat toast crushed me. All he's ever done is work to support himself and the family and now he can barely enjoy it.

The strongest man I've ever known is fading away in front of me and at best, all I can do is be present.

Moms good though. She seems to not realize she's 82 herself.

Anyway, here's my lunch banana because I'm having a minor DV flare up.