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Rich with love
By juliezavala in My Turn
August 20, 2011

Image Daddy's treasure

One day I found my Dad, who had Alzheimer's, sitting in the recliner in his bedroom with a bunch of change spread out on his dinner tray. He liked to pour all the coins from a little four-drawer chest I had given to him and then he would carefully put it all back into the drawers. I asked him, Daddy, do you want to put the quarters in one drawer and the nickels in another drawer to keep them separated? He asked, "Who's doin' this, Lady? Me or You?" He must have realized that he sounded rude because he kind of smiled at me as if to say he was sorry.

As he was dropping the coins into the drawers he gestured toward the change and told me that one day all of this would be mine. It was only about eight dollars, but I know that to him it looked like a lot. I hugged him and said something like, well Daddio, I hope it's a long time before I get your treasure!

After Dad put all the change back into the drawers he placed the box in the back, top shelf of his closet and put some things in front of it so no one else would know it was there. You can never be too careful, he cautioned.

Dad passed away in April this year.

Last week I got a check in the mail from my brother, Jody, who is the executor of my parent's estate. After the sale of Mom and Dad's home in Jasper, Texas Jody had divided the money between the six of us kids and mailed my portion to me.

I felt such a rush of gratitude toward my parents. Even in death they are still giving to their children. I felt their loving presence as I sat figuring out the bills and deciding which ones I would pay off thanks to their generous gift.

I think of my parents often and I miss them every day. My funny, witty Mom who was so quick with the puns, hugs and fresh coffee -- sweet, funny Daddio who I took for granted for most of my life. I didn't really get a chance to know him until he was sick and my husband and I cared for him for seven short months. But the wealth of wonderful memories of my parents that I carry with me today are a source comfort and consolation. I am rich with their love.

I still have Daddy's little treasure box of change. I add money to it and sometimes I take out change for the coke machine at work. I smile when I remember how proud he was to let me know he was leaving all this treasure for me. What a sweetheart.