Thursday, January 7, 2010

Brand New

Dad has been coughing a lot lately and after a tough night of continued coughing, he was drowsy this morning...UNTIL the doorbell rang!
We have been expecting a furniture delivery that dad has helped to plot and plan, for our sitting room. When the doorbell rang at 9:30 this morning dad went from closed eyes, sleeping and completely covered, to eyes wide with excitement, shouting my mom's name with two fists pumping in air. THIS is the dad I know so well :-) I ran into the bedroom to find his utter excitment as I helped him out of bed. Three young men were already moving furniture into our house as he was sure to greet each one of them. No matter his state, his welcomes are always so warm. As they moved and manuvered the furniture he stood in the kitchen expressing his excitement with each new piece that came through the door.
After it was all arranged he sat at our new table plotting and planning new ideas for different arrangements and set ups. He is a BIG ideas person and never fails to come up with ideas that rock the boat just a little :-)
Finally satisfied with the furniture, he laid down on our couch. From the other room I heard him turn to Lyndsay and tell her, "I feel brand new". What a statement for someone whose speech is impeded and who just had a long night.
He is simply unconquerable.

8 comments:

  1. The fist pumps into the air say it all!

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  2. Great idea Lauren. Larry, I love the life you have and the life I see in your daughter! Blessings on tomorrow.

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  3. This gave me goosebumps. Thanks for letting us peek into your spirited family...and for the inspiration. The world is hungry for more! :)

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  4. wow Lauren...what a great story. Can't wait to see you on Saturday:)

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  5. love it...so wish i could have been there to see him :) his hospitality is also unfallible, and your mother's. its not everyone who takes in some strangers to stay when they are in the middle of a journey like this one. they made us feel so welcome and we loved seeing larry's cross collection and seeing him interact with his family. his body may be weak but his spirit is strong and it shines through in his silliness and smiles.

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  6. Hi Larry J. What a grand idea to have a blog. You'll so enjoy comments from friends and maybe a few relatives who are at least a little techno-savvy!!! I've been going through old pictures of the Sparks family and of course, there is little Larry J looking so cute. I remember many things about family gatherings at the farm. One of my favorite things to do was play with your Lincoln Logs. And you either had plastic army men or cowboys and Indians.--I don't remember which now. I loved your collie dogs as well.

    Lauren, your dad has always exhibited such a zest for life.--Probably came from Grandma Sparks. It was good to see that same zest when he and your mom visited Hinton last month.

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  7. Cousin Pam! Thanks for the comment! Dad loved remembering the Lincoln Logs and hearing your sweet words.

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  8. It was great visiting with you today Larry. As always you are an inspiration to all that know you. I look forward to our next visit.

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