March 23, 2023

Today is my dad’s 85^th Birthday and I’m honored that God chose him to be Nicky and I’s dad and Mom’s husband.  My dad means so much to so many of you and you’ve all been so amazing reaching out to our family and provide your comfort, prayers, support and guidance as my family transitions to this new part of our lives.  Despite the many challenges that we’ve had in our lives, this is one area that is totally new to all of us. 

Let me provide a quick update on how dad is doing in his new home.  He has adjusted well, or as well as can be expected.  He has said to Mom and Nicky a couple of times when they’ve visited that he doesn’t understand why he’s there and why he can’t go home.  They’ve kindly responded that his doctor has placed him there so he can get stronger and better.  He has accepted that and often in the next couple of minutes his mind flips and he starts talking about some situation that may have happened when they owned the business (LAT Construction) or like yesterday he was wondering when he was going to get his military orders and when they were going to send him to his next post.  God bless his heart.  He hasn’t been in the military since the 1950’s but yesterday he thought he was there.

For the most part, dad has adjusted well.  The facility staff say that they enjoy spending time with him.  He seems to be interacting with others, which for anyone that knows my dad, this is a big, BIG, deal.  There have been a few times mom has been able to observe him interacting with others, playing some games, listening to music, etc. and to me this feels HUGE.  The facility takes them out a few times a week for some rides in the van and some quick visits to places close and he’s gone with them on these and they really enjoy him.  This is probably the most engaged he’s been in a long time and I think that is so good for him. 

Like many of you, our heart hurts knowing that he’s not home.  Knowing that he is no longer in his environment with his family and in his space.  However, I’m pleased to hear that he is not angry or unmanageable where he’s at.  I’m pleased to hear that he’s at least at peace.

Mom and I have talked a lot about what we pray about for him and that is for him to feel comfort and to be at peace and so far, I believe that God has answered our prayers.  God is so good! 

For anyone who has gone through this, you all know that this illness is so much harder (SO MUCH HARDER) on the family than it is the person who is living it.  The family knows that their person has  been moved, displaced.  The family is the one that feels the loneliness, the gap in their lives where their mother, father, sister, brother, was.  It’s so hard to visit, to have the same conversations over, and over again.  It’s hard when you leave knowing that you are “going home” without them.  To know that dad is currently at peace and not agitated when the family is not visiting is truly, TRULY, an answer to prayer.

Many of our family and friends have reached out and asked about visiting and our family would like you to know that you are welcome and encouraged to go visit and spend some time with dad if you have the time and capacity to do so.  We have no restrictions on visitors.  All you need to do is show up and tell them that you are there to visit Larry Thompson and they will allow you in to visit and help you find him.  You don’t need to arrange with Mom, Nicky, or me to go visit dad – just go! 

As I stated in my last post, the only thing that you should be aware of is that he may not remember who you are, or who you were in his life, but YOU know who he is and that’s all you need to know.  Dad usually remembers a lot of things from his past, obviously, he thought he was back into the military in the 1950’s.  Trust me when I say if you choose to go visit, you will be so happy that you did.  Dad struggles with words and putting sentences together but his disposition is the same.  He will appreciate the time, but I promise you, you will appreciate it so much more.

In closing, I want to say a couple of things.  To all our families and friends, thank you, thank you, thank you.  We are so blessed to have been surrounded with such love and prayers.  We are blessed beyond any words that I could ever write.  You are our village and we are so blessed that God has provided us with such a wonderful support system. 

More importantly, I want to say, “Happy Birthday, Daddy.”  I know that you will never read these words and that’s okay.  I know that you struggle to remember me, because I look so different than I did for years, but at the same time, I know that you know that I am someone safe to you and someone who loves you so very much.  I’ll be home soon to visit and give you a big Texas sized birthday hug.  Until then, I will continue to pray that you will be comfortable and at peace for as long as you are here with us.  I love you more than words can say.

For those who want to visit my dad, please reach out to Mom, Nicky or myself and we will share his address with you.  If you do go visit, we’d love to know how the visit went.  Feel free to send us a text, a call, or a quick email note.  You can always reach out to us through Facebook, or this blog site.  Whatever it easiest for you.  Again, thank you for all the outpouring of love and support that you have shown us.

Xo,

Tracy