Hot Dog

Last Saturday was family day at the Veteran's Home and Papa was so excited to have us there. It was father's day weekend, so that made it even more important. There was a big tent set up in front to give shade, and tables and chairs so we could visit. You could smell the burgers and dogs on the grill, and the music was playing...Very festive. They had a giant wagon pulled by Missouri Mules, carnival games for the kids, face painting, and a bounce house that Greta was dreaming about the night before.

First of all, Greta had to jump. Derek took the kids over for some bouncing and I sat with the family and a few strangers that joined us for a loaf of banana nut bread I picked up at Whole Foods for Papa. There was a strong breeze blowing through that kept us cool, but frankly it was a really hot day.

I kept glancing over to the kids in the bounce house, and noticed a big kid in there with them. It was Derek! What a great dad, giving them big bounces, but being careful not to give them bloody noses! They were having too much fun. They worked up a good appetite, so we loaded up plates with hot dogs, and burgers and fruit salad, cookies and lemonade. Greta got her face painted, and we took a ride with the mules, and got balloon weiner dogs from Buttercup the clown. And then we decided we had enough of the sun beating down on us. We went inside for relief.

The day was nice, but there is a twist to the story that I have tell you about. Papa has been using his motorized wheel chair much more and it is especially helpful on a day like this where we want to get around a larger area quicker...or add some excitement. But, Papa hasn't been using this wheelchair long enough, yet, to be good at it. He is like a cartoon character gone berzerk...watch your toes is all I can say. And I mean it. A memory I will always have in my mind is my Dad flying backwards into the potted ferns, skimming Derek's toes and missing a few children. My mother was screaming, "Chuck, Whoah! WHOAH! WHOAH!" And, all the while, Papa laughed almost hysterically. Then, again, when we were meeting inside to sit in the lounge chairs and talk while a thunderstorm blew in. Mom screamed at Dad, "WHOAH, CHUCK!" Dad laughed and there was a definite internal soundtrack of cartoon music playing in my head as I lifted Jack out of harm's way and Derek whisked Greta to the side. I know it is dangerous, especially with innocent people standing by, but I feel the need to maintain a sense of humor where my Dad is concerned. He does, and that is what I love about him. As long as he is going forward he is great...and I like to think of him moving in that direction philosophically, too.

The thunderstorm blew in and ended the party early. The tents had to be taken down because of high winds and the bounce house deflated. The rain came and cooled us off and made Papa want to take a nap...and dream of NASCAR....