Caring for my mom makes me increasingly grateful for a clear mind. Here on the cusp of fifty years old, I am in some senses at the height of my powers. What I have lost in physical ability has been compensated for by patience. What I have lost in mental agility has been compensated for by judgment. Watching her decline, I understand that my mental clarity is today’s grace: it is not mine by right, and will not last forever.
Well, Dad, I tuned up our truck today. It’s the first time I’ve tried that in the twenty years since I inherited it from you. Replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs and wires, distributor cap and rotor. After I was done I drove it for a few miles through Oolitic and Bedford and thought about you. I decided this year to start working on the truck, now that I have the new job and can drive it more regularly.
I’ve been having fun researching a Civil War letter written by my great-great-great grandfather on my dad’s side. Also, in preparation for a possible road trip, I’ve been researching my mom’s family’s migration from Kentucky to Indiana. So expect some blog posts of interest to no one but me!