My dad and I have a complicated relationship. I want the type of relationship where he gives me everything and I do absolutely nothing in return. Doesn’t everyone want that type of relationship? Unfortunately, that is not how our relationship works. Last month, I had to give up entire days and take my dad to the emergency room multiple times.
The third time, I flat out refused. I called 911 and let the ambulance drive him. Some would call it tough love, but it worked! He hasn’t been back in the hospital since! I’m not only an amazing parent, but I’m also an amazing daughter. My 93-year-old dad simultaneously had pneumonia (both lungs), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in his lungs), COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and a touch of asthma. His only complaint was that it was a little hard to breathe. You think all of that would kill him.
It didn’t.
He says “I saved his life,” and although that is kind, it’s not true. All I did was give him a ride two out of the three times and spend time with him in the hospital. The doctors saved his life. Well, actually Jonas Salk, the inventor of penicillin and his pulmonologist saved his life. My dad won’t see his pulmonologist, Dr. S. from Wellstar for another 6 weeks and the other Dr. S, Jonas Salk is dead. So, my dad thanks me. Is it a coincidence that both my names start with an S? We’re savers, lifesavers. I’m glad my dad is feeling better because my son really likes my dad picking him up from school every day and driving him home.
A GOOD ROLE MODEL?
Part of my ultimate goal of raising kids that aren’t jerks is being a good role model. Kids copy their parent’s actions. This is great for my husband, they’ll take care of him. I taught them to take care of their father. My husband, like my dad, is not a complainer. However, I complain enough for both of them. My kids will just put me in some assisted living place and pay for it with my own money. I’m not like my dad. I’m not going to wait until I have multiple fatal illnesses and then just make one little complaint.
My Dad is 100% better. He hasn’t complained in over a month, so I’ll keep him around. I guess I love my dad more than his inheritance.
MY KIDS LOVE THEIR DAD MORE THAN ME
I have proof that my daughter loves her dad more than me. This week is Spring Break. My daughter is currently on vacation with my husband. She gently asked me to NOT join them.
“Do you want to wakeboard,” She asked?
“No!” I violently shook my head.
“Do you want to waterski?”
“And get water up my nose? No thank you!” I screamed!
“Then why would you go on vacation with us?”
“Because” I quietly complained, “I have a fear of missing out.”
She has a point! My chances of drowning are pretty good. I have a house to run and I can’t mold my children into two perfect human beings, after drowning from some freak wakeboarding accident. I’m like the boy in the bubble, but a mom. I’m living in my own self made, very safe, watertight bubble.
I AM THANKFUL FOR BEING ALIVE
I’m terrified of water. It’s completely my parent’s fault. They taught me how to swim by pawning the task off on someone else. The guy would dunk me underwater and hold me there. Choking, breathing in water, I finally figured out how to hold my breath. Those first few lessons were the worst. My parents didn’t know about second-hand drowning Between that and being left in a hot car (it was allowed back then), I’m shocked I survived past age 7.
The swim instructor ended up being really good and taught me every stroke. By the end of the summer, I could dive into the deep end and swim, like a dolphin, underwater, to the opposite side. It was money well spent! 
The next summer arrived, I put on my swimsuit, stood at the edge of the shallow end and complained. I looked at the pool and the memories of practically drowning came flooding back. Since then, I’ve gotten a little less fearful. I put on goggles and a nose plug before swimming. I still remember all of my strokes.
PENNYBOARDING INTO HER HEART
My daughter is a better swimmer and overall better athlete. This morning, she asked for a penny board (a type of skateboard). Lately, we’ve been working on delayed gratification. But, her Daddy promised her that he would buy her one this afternoon. He is taking a nap, snoring his way through slumberland. I’m the one that is taking her Target to buy the Penny board. I’ll do all of the work and Daddy will get all of the credit, literally while he is sleeping. I’m not complaining. I’m just saying, parent/child relationships are complicated.
I ONLY COMPLAIN TO THE ONES I LOVE
If you want to hear more of my complaints, look to the right and read my twitter posts. If you think they are funny, click **HERE** and then click the blue oval FOLLOW button on my TF (Twitter Feed). I promise you’ll be the winner in our one-sided relationship.