A friend’s father passed away.

She was overwhelmed with regret.

Could have called or visited more often.

Should have, could have or would have.

I sat in silence.

I asked myself, “do I have any regrets?”

There still is time.

To turn regrets into memories.

I am grateful to have no regrets with my father.

I look back at the years and I am filled with wonderful moments with him.

We all love in different ways.

No one loves better than the other.

Every waking moment reminds me that time is what I make of it.

Do I have any regrets?

No regrets.

Just keep on loving every day, every moment and deeply.

Every day is love.

A thought, a prayer, well wishes.

This for me is love with no regrets.

What a joy it is for me to hear my father say, “thank you Rina.”

It’s affirmation that he still recognizes my voice.

Touch and sound of one’s voice keeps him company.

Barry Manilow’s music is playing as he sways gently tapping his hand on mine.

A gentle massage on his forehead and scratching his back bring him comfort.

Dialysis makes his skin itch.

He sits on his wheelchair facing the sun and the glorious morning view outside.

Unfortunately, his eyes remain shut.

I remind him that it’s Sunday morning and he is home.

Knowing that he is home brings him a sense of familiarity and safety.

Barry Manilow’s repertoire comes to an end.

It’s time for me to say goodbye.

“Gotta go dad, I’ll be back soon.”

“Thank you, Rina.”

Three words I will carry with me until my next visit to him.

Surprisingly, even with Dementia, dad still has moments of lucidness.

I am lucky and grateful to be able to catch these moments.

Most of the time he is asleep.

No more than a few minutes does he wake to the present moment.

When he does, it’s always one for the books.

Today was a confusing but tender moment with dad.

His vision may be impaired but the rest of his senses remain intact.

Sitting by his side in silence, I held his hand and combed his hair.

As I bade him farewell, I stroked my fingers gently across his chest to his shoulder.

My intention was to tidy up his shirt.

He must have felt the touch in a funny way.

Immediately he brushed off his chest with his hand getting rid of whatever he felt was crawling.

Lo and behold! He spoke out and said, “get rid of that cockroach!”

I held my laughter and chuckled in silence!

What he imagined as a cockroach crawling on his chest was actually a tender moment for me.

“I love you Dad, sleep well.”

So they say…

Love is not just a word.

It comes in many shapes, forms and sizes.

Love is not about being with someone.

It can also be about not being with someone.

As they say, love yourself.

Love is blind.

For some, but not for all.

If love were blind then I’d be staring at the wall.

Love is never having to say you’re sorry.

That was the famous line of the movie, Love Story.

For me, Love is saying you’re sorry.

Love thy neighbor.

It depends on what kind of neighbors one has.

Even if you didn’t love them, doesn’t mean you hate them.

All you need is Love.

Famous line in a song!

Feel good indeed when singing along.

Not everyone can sing in tune.

Regardless, even the most off-beat individuals find love.

Love is in the air.

Yes!  Every waking moment breathe in and breathe out.