23 years ago to this day my life forever changed. I don't remember it because I was so young, but the story I have heard is forever cemented into my brain.
My family was down in St. George for the Norris family reunion. My dad had taken us swimming at the hotel pool and we were put down to bed. After we had all been asleep dad went into the bathroom to do his business. Well when he came out he grabbed his head and said "Ooh my head" and than fell to the floor. My mom called over my family and she and my dad went to the hospital. They were later lifeflighted up here to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. My grandparents brought us up the next day.
For a full comprehensive story my mom will have to write it down but for as much as I know a few days had passes and he stroked which now left him without a short term memory. One little thing changed the course of my family. Because of the nature of all of this my dad couldn't hold a jov anymore. He has no orientation to place, date, time or anything that would require the use of a memory. He does still have his long term memory but he carries around a little date pad that he writes down what he needs like numbers, appointments and such.
My mom had to go to work full time and for most of my childhood my sister would take care of my bro and me and my dad till we were able to do it for ourselves. It was a very different childhood. Most of my friends dads would work and their moms would be home, but mine was just the opposite. Some times I felt shafted but now looking back I feel blessed. I have a great relationship with my dad. He was able to do so much for me and be there for me when others dads weren't there for them. I did miss my mom being their but I always knew it was something she had to do.
My moms parents were vital to our family. My mom would call them and tell them when life was getting rough than they would call and ask my dad if he could come up and help them on the farm for a week. That week was a lifesaver for us and especially my mom. They were there through all that my mom had to go through with my dad. They were there when they arrived at the hospital from St. George and they have been an anchor in my mom and dads life. I will forever be greatful for the love.
Looking back my life could've been so different than it has been. There are times I wish it was, but I have had a great life thus far and I'm sure there are more great times to come. I love my dad and my mom, they are such an inspiration to me. They are my rock in hard times. I know that I can get through anything cause I know my mom went through the worse.
