Vacation #5 – Going back to Cali

I finally made it California to visit my father and meet his wife Brenda, and her son David. Mommy dearest came along with me, but her main reason for going was to see California, because she had never been to the West Coast before. However, she did go with me to visit my father and meet Brenda, but her visit was brief.

The last time I was in California was 18 years ago, and the last time I saw my dad was 13 years ago, only because he was at my brother’s wedding. As a child I had placed my father on a pedestal and thought he was the greatest man ever, but then I grew up and 18 years ago his true colors were revealed and he fell from my grace

For the past 18 years my father and I had been estranged from one another, until about a year ago, when he finally apologized. The irony is he doesn’t remember exactly what he did wrong, but he has a general concept. I on the other hand remember exactly what he did, but since he has finally apologized I have decided to forgive him and stop holding my grudge.

My father has been very sick for the past few years, and has suffered several strokes and heart attacks, has dementia, and other health issues. When I graduated this year from college, he was disappointed he wouldn’t be able to make it to the East Coast, but I told him I would try to come down and visit him. I kept my promise and I’m glad I had the time to see and visit with him. During my first two visits with my dad he wasn’t doing very well and after sitting up and talking with me for about an hour, he would need to go and rest for about four hours. It was weird seeing my dad like this, but I admired the fight he still had to keep going. By the third visit, my dad was doing much better and reminded me of the man I used to know. On one hand he was the one I didn’t like very much, but he was also the strong, confident man I used to like, who showed no sign of being sick or weak.

Although my main reason for visiting California was to see my dad, I also had the chance to take in some of the sights with mommy dearest. We went to Santa Monica Pier, took a tour bus of the many sights of L.A. and met up with Maynard, a family friend who took the time out to take us out to eat a twice and on a private tour of the many other beaches and landmarks of L.A.

I don’t know if I will ever make it back to California, but I thank to God I had the chance to see my dad one more time. I am also thankful my dad has his wife and stepson in his life because they both seem to love him very much, take wonderful care of each other, and this seems like a relationship that good for all of them.

Photo 1 - Mommy Dearest, Maynard and Lisa
Photo 2 - My dad and me
Photo 3 - Me looking Fabulous