Mom and Dad

This photo was taken during the first Christmas when Mom and Dad came to stay at the nursing home in Connecticut. It was a great Christmas for all of our family, but little did we know it would be Mom's last.

A Veterans Celebration

In 2007, the ARCC held a special Veteran's Day ceremony and luncheon to acknowledge their veterans. Dad was presented with a special medal of honor for his years of service in the army. He was so proud that day, and he even gave a full salute to the officer who pinned him with his medal.

Dad meets Diane

You have to know how wonderful Diane is. She's the "music lady" at the ARCC. Dad took to her right away, as you can see. And this was his first day at the center. Diane told us later that Dad reminded her so very much of her own Dad. She felt connected to him, too! Dad told Diane he loved her after she finished her program. We love you, too, Diane! (She's one in a million.)

Dad grabs the camera

This is a photo that Dad wanted to take of the 3 of us girls on his first day at the center. It's a little off, but he snapped it himself! That counts for something!

Dad at the Car Show

In the spring of 2006, I took Dad to a car show with antique cars that he really enjoyed checking out. This car was one of his favorites. We had so much fun that day. They played old tunes from the 50's and the street was closed to traffic. After, I took Dad for ice cream and he had a choice of 28 flavors. But Dad was always predictable - he liked to play it safe. He had vanilla.

Grampy and Amy

Here is one of my favorite photos of Dad with his granddaughter, Amy. Amy had made a beautiful scrapbook of all of her lifelong memories with her grandfather, and she had sent it to him when he came to Connecticut. It is an amazing book. In this photo, she is going through the album with Grampy. Amy is very special to her "Gramps" and they have always been very close. Amy sent many letters and cards to help him to remember the many cherished memories they had together.

Dad and his sister, Thelma

We were able to make arrangements to bring Dad's sister, Thelma to CT for a visit. This was such a special time for the two of them. Dad was still conversing at that time, and playing the piano whenever he could. We all enjoyed this time together.

Dad on the Piano

It was truly a gift to hear Dad play the piano for us. He really enjoyed an audience, too... checking over his shoulder from time to time to see if anyone was listening. If you got him on a good day, he'd play a request or two. But mostly he like to play hymns. His musical talent continued well into his disease - a miracle in the truest sense, and a gift we all were blessed to receive.

Me and My Dad

This picture speaks for itself.