Sunday, June 1, 2008

Official Porch Sitter

By Kimberly Jensen

I first heard of the "Official Porch Sitters Club" during the end of a newscast one evening. You know, the last story of the nightly news that is full of fluff and good feelings to help you sleep at night after watching previous stories of dread and fear. I haven't officially joined the club on paper but I consider myself a member of this club because everytime my father comes to visit, that is what we do. We sit on the porch. My dad stays with us about once a month for a few nights so that my mom can get a few things done and get a much deserved break from being a full time caregiver to my dad who has Parkinson's. One of my dad's favorite things to do is just sit on our front porch and watch the woods for deer. He sees them often, but they don't always come into his view. But still we sit and visit. Sometimes there are long conversations about his childhood growing up in Pleasant Grove and memories of family vacations. But those long conversations are few and far between and most of the time we just sit in the presence of each other and breathe. I've found peace in those moments of just breathing and sitting beside the man who struggles for nearly every breathe he takes. He is thankful for each one and I am thankful that I am there to witness his gratitude, strength and endurance. Because of my father I have a greater appreciation and understanding of one of the famous "Be's," that being "Be Still."

2 comments:

Unknown said...

A very nice thought, Kimberly. Toward the end of my father's life, we couldn't sit on the porch, but we would sit on the side of his bed and look out his bedroom window at the beautiful cherry tree blossoming outside. My father died March 8th, I was so grateful that spring came early to southern Colorado last year. I have many peaceful memories to hold close to my heart. Your post brought them to the forefront of my mind.

Marcia Mickelson said...

That's marvelous. I've always wanted a porch. I think I would be a part of your group too.