My Dad is a Super Star

by | Mar 11, 2019 | Blog, Miscellaneous | 0 comments

My Dad is a Super Star

By Jane Malkoff MSN RN NP

I was going to say my dad is a superhero but that sounds like fiction.   My dad is a super star, for real!

Born in 1931 and nearing his 88th birthday I could carry on about him as many daughters might about their dads.  However, I am not carrying on about the typical sacrifices made, the love given, or the wonderful lessons he taught.  What I am doing is broadcasting his 88-year-old courageousness.

My mother, the love of his life for over half a century, died in 2016.  I won’t be carrying on about all the amazing care giving he provided to her for 10 years as she declined with Parkinson’s disease.  As I mentioned, I want to share the courage he exudes each day in his life now.  Maybe this broadcast can help others find courage or help illuminate the courage in others regardless of age or the struggles in life.

  1. He puts plans into place as age related changes occur. This means he is willing to consider he may need help or may need someone to think through situations with him to avoid an unnecessary crisis.  He does not deny his deficits or ignore them.
  2. He makes certain he has something to look forward to accomplishing each day.
    1. Reads new books as well as old favorites
    2. Plays guitar
    3. Paints several pictures per month
  3. He knows social isolation is not good for him and will do what it takes to avoid being alone too much. For example, he visits the senior center in his town to support it and to support himself.  Even if the food is not always good and he doesn’t necessarily enjoy every person there, he knows he must do something to balance the hours he spends alone in his home.
  4. He takes care of his environment to the best of his ability even though it is more difficult at 88 years of age.
    1. Washes curtains and rehangs
    2. Vacuums
    3. Finds helpers when he needs to delegate – mowing, snow removal
    4. Handwashes the dishes
  5. He makes laughter, silly jokes and puns a major part of each day

Simply stated, to be a super star like my dad; plan head to avoid really stressful things that undoubtedly will occur, look forward to tomorrow by knowing what is going to be accomplished, do not remain isolated, put care into your surroundings and find joy often.

Even more simply;

  1. Plan
  2. Hope
  3. Commune
  4. Care
  5. Laugh

My dad is a super star, for real!