A Slow Day
It has been a very slow day today, Saturday, at the Windy Knoll. Early this morning Daddy and I made a dog food run to Walmart in Boaz and stopped by the Crossville First Methodist Church to pick up our Boston butts, cooked and ready to eat! When we got home Mike stopped by and asked Dad to help him get his truck back home. It was in the repair shop and Mike needed a ride. Off they went. I went to get my hair done at Regina’s and while I was gone some beautiful cookbooks were delivered from the 75th anniversary of the Geraldine First Baptist Church, where Mother was a charter member…the last to pass.
Since I got home at about 12:30 – NOTHING.. Not a…
The telephone has not rung, and no one has darkened the door.
Daddy has for the largest part, gotten along very well on his on. He can cook, but often goes to the senior center to eat lunch and then, as was the habit when Mother was alive, just nibble for supper. He can do laundry. He had learned as a child, but in recent years, as Mother became less able to carry and walk at the same time, did it more and more. He vacuums, sweeps, and can do it all.
Loneliness…that is my fear. 
Where are the church friends? Where are the people who think about him? For those of you who know him, you know my daddy is a people person. He loves to talk, joke and generally carry on!
Perhaps I think too highly of my fellow man. Perhaps I am too critical. I wish someone would take the job of calling Daddy everyday or getting up a phone tree to phone or visit everyday.
Yes, it has been a slow, and would have been a lonely day, but I have Daddy and he has me here today.. but what of Monday and Tuesday and…..
Is loneliness to be a part of my father’s brand of country living?
I hope by now that your Dad has received telephone calls and personal visits from friends and neighbors there in and around Geraldine. Your Mother and Dad did a short program on quilting for the Albertville Museum last year and I met them as I am one of the docents there. Yes, your Dad certainly enjoys other people; there is no reason for loneliness to be a part of his everyday life. Maybe he can visit others occasionally there in his neighborhood; sometimes people hesitate to visit a person who has recently lost a loved one–they are uncomfortable as to what to say.
My dear sweet cousin, I have thought about calling uncle John so many times, but I am ashamed to say I have not followed through. I remember when my daddy lost his wife the one person who was there for him was his big brother. I will be making a point to call on your daddy. With love , Marcia(crumly) Pineda