January 6, 2017
Keeping Your Word
Dr. Laura:
I have two sisters and one brother who called my father on holidays and visited maybe once a year, even though they didn't live that far away. They complained to me that our father got grumpy and mad because they didn't visit enough. I didn't blame my father - he was 88 years old at the time, and had just lost his second wife. At her funeral, I told him I would be there for him, and he responded "I'm going to need a lot of help."
After that time, we did a lot of things together, but then his vision deteriorated and he had to stop driving, which devastated him. Then his health took a turn for the worse. He got very miserable and it was difficult to visit him, but I went anyway because I was the only one willing to help him, and he needed a lot of help.
I listened to your show, and recalled your saying that if you make a promise to someone, even though things can get tough, that you stick with your promise. I stuck with my dad until he died this past September, and I thank you every day for that advice to stick with my promise. I have no regrets, and I am very glad to have been able to be there for him. Thank you, Dr. Laura for getting me through a very difficult time in my life.
Karyn
Posted by Staff at 10:59 AM