This week started just as it was supposed to, a great trip to DFW to see some of our favorite dealers. But, it quickly took an ugly turn on Tuesday evening. As I was sitting with my colleagues, Phil and Jace I received a phone call from Kyle.
“Hey man, just wanted to let you know your dad just called an ambulance. I’m on the way to the house. It sounds like he hasn’t really been eating or sleeping for days.”
Just like that, I was sitting in the room with Phil and Jace, wondering if I’m gonna have any parents left by the time I get home the following day.
Catastrophic thought? Sure. Realistic possibility? Yes.
Over the next hour, I must admit I was spinning and was very thankful to be in the gym with Jace and Phill.
Turns out that my dad had not been feeling well for days and ended up contracting influenza A and a nasty case of it at that.
Had I been talking to him twice a day? Yes. Was he telling me the truth about his health? No.
That’s definitely the thing that was most frustrating for me. I would do anything to have my dad just be honest with me, and while I realize it’s his decision to withhold information, I still want to do my absolute best to create an environment where he feels safe to say anything he wants.
Things changed that day.
I was certain I would need to visit home more often until he pulled the trigger on a different living situation.
Now it looks completely different. There isn’t a choice, and the timeline has shrunk. Most importantly, I have the opportunity to create the most ideal environment for my dad during his decision-making process.
Seems like it may very well be the toughest task I’ve encountered thus far.
I know exactly what to do thanks to a great sister and brother-in-law alongside me during this process, but that’s not the hard part.
I’ve got to help him see the light, and my patience historically is VERY short.
It comes down to preparation, so I can keep myself calm, cool, and collected if he doesn’t respond as well as desired. I don’t want to lose my cool. Gotta keep myself centered at all times.
It’s not the first time I’ve asked my dad to make this move, but this time, it’s the last time.
On to the next chapter, and a GREAT chapter it will be!
The setup my sister and brother-in-law have is absolutely perfect for him, and it gives me the ability to get to him in two hours. I’m a believer.
This week, I’m presenting the 2026 plan to Fountain Forward, along with taking time to get a lot of rest. I’m spending time with my family and preparing to go back and see my dad. I’m excited to get back to him, though I think he’ll be in rehab for another few days after I get back.
This week I’m at my family’s condo that my grandma got back in the 1980’s. It’s the first time I’ve been here without my mom and dad occupying the condo. Walking through the door the first time was weird to say the least.
Hopefully, Christmas 2026 will have my father and the rest of the family down in Florida once again. As I’m sitting here, I’m missing my mom “obsessing” about her food preparation. I was thinking she would be here making bacon and eggs for me, so I decided I’d better get off my ass and do it myself.
She would be proud.
Merry Christmas to all of you. Give your loved ones a big hug by the Christmas tree.
– SJ