The Call

I called my Dad today.

My youngest sister Lori with Dad

For many sons or daughters this is not an unusual occurrence, something that happens as often as several times a day, to as infrequently as major holidays or birthdays. 

For me this was a little less frequent than a birthday call – in fact it has been over eight years since I have actually talked to my Dad. 
No, there was nothing wrong.
No deep seated Freudian secret that burst its seams, no latent or displaced, unresolved, emotional issues to be resolved, it was just in my mind I had nothing to say.  

We found things to chat about, from my work, to our sons, from his health to Elke’s health and left the call on a cheery note. No commitments for a follow-up call, just a call.

So what prompted this unusual event?
I am not really sure but there has been a confluence of events over the last two months that may have influenced my looking up the phone number, taking a deep breath and dialing.

One Elder we know fell and broke his arm. Within 60 days he died in hospital when they found undiagnosed fourth stage cancer. Another Elder moved to Kamloops to be closer to his sons at an Elder’s home. Both of these gentlemen were tenants in our apartment block and were very close to my Dad’s age, albeit, both younger.

A good friend’s father made the news in Winnipeg because he kicked out of a local Mall just as he was sitting down to lunch because he had been there ‘too long’. This Elder is not only a veteran of the armed forces, but a retired veteran of the Criminal Justice Service, ensuring the worst of the worst of societies criminals were kept away from law abiding citizens. Service far and near, to and for Canadians being disrespected because he is a First Nations Elder.

Elders are not being treated with enough respect in society, but respect begins at home. If our elderly citizens are not treated well in society, they need to know that they will be accepted and respected at home.
Not contacting one’s own living parents is the antithesis of acceptance and respect.

Will I call again? Probably, but it will not be another eight years before I do.