How The Tides Turn

I find myself at a loss once again to find adequate words to describe the thoughts and feelings I have right now. 

While things are being held down on the Homefront by the hubster, I am doing what I can to help care for my ailing father, states away. 

Wasn't it just yesterday he was playing and laughing with my big kids, as they splashed in the hot tub, and slid down the hill on cookie sheets in the back yard.  He was always so stubborn and seemed so able. The stubbornness remains, but, able? 

There is the hard part. It's hard to watch and sad to know the tides turned so quickly. 

Years and years of fighting a disease that for most could be managed, has nearly crippled the most determined man I've ever known (aside from my husband). 

I am thankful for this time to spend with him, and for my littles to get an opportunity to know their grandpa a little. I know they won't remember this time with him right now, but they will remember through pictures, those sweet but all too short moments. 

For me though, I will be thankful for the time I am here to care for, and show my dad, I still remember who he was and still is, that remains in this body that as quickly as the tides turn, is failing him. 

It must be hard for him to have us seeing him this way. To go from being a father that once held and picked me up when I was young to reversing the roles and needing me to pick him up, when he is weak. 

I am grateful for this time, and no matter how hard the waves begin to crash against the shore, we will remain unshaken.