Joy…It’s Always Somewhere.

My 92-year-old dad has had pretty challenging year. A broken hip upended his status quo. He was happy living in an assisted living setting where he enjoyed limited independence, walks to the dining room, and playing those sing along songs at the keyboard. And then he fell. His proverbial rug was pulled out from under him. Following his rehabilitation from hip surgery, he moved to a long-term health care facility. For the last six months, his new reality remains a struggle. Now his life is defined by a wheelchair, dependence on others to navigate his days, and episodes of dozing naps. One day melds into the next. It’s hard to generate conversation that elevates his mood. At times, I see resignation in his eyes and my heart breaks knowing he would rather be back in his old apartment.

The other day during our visit, we were talking about Christmas and the upcoming family gathering at my brother’s home. Usually my dad asks me to pick up a bottle of wine for him to bring, but this time my dad asked me to put together a basket of cheer. Thinking I didn’t hear him right, I replied, “A basket of cheer? What does that mean Dad?” 

“I don’t know,” he responds with a chuckle, “things that make you cheerful!” Our conversation turned to frivolous and fun banter trying to brainstorm about what actually constitutes cheer in a basket. We laughed about everything from packaging sunshine to meatloaf sandwiches with catsup and onion (my dad’s personal favorite). It felt really good to laugh with him.

I left our visit giggling to myself trying to define “cheer in a basket.” Little did he realize he gave me a tender gift. Despite his difficult transitions of the past year, my dad still has a place of joy in his heart where the desire to give lives. I plan on bringing that joy with me as I go in search of cheer. Merry Christmas everyone. Who knows, there may be an empty basket somewhere in your life awaiting a meatloaf sandwich.