Artist, writer and teacher.
In my childhood, my dad always seemed like a quiet enigma. As a result, I was always looking for insight about what he liked, found funny or interesting. A curiosity that stayed with me as I aged. I was happy when he took an interest in things I enjoyed. “Hey, how is that show so … More 13. A Collage
February was ushering in a new phase that we weren’t prepared for. We had gotten so used to our routine that we never considered it would all change. The collection of medications, treatments and general failing health were causing my dad to have unpredictable bowel movements. Months before he had been struggling with constipation but … More 12. Beginning of the End
By the end of January, I had begun to feel doubt that my dad was going to live to see May. He was no longer driving and could barely stand or walk. His appetite was somehow getting worse. His unspoken goals were: eating and not sleeping all day. One day I let him sleep in, … More 11. Violent Trajectory
My dad and I didn’t talk much at all and that didn’t bother us. That was the way we were. I would spend most of my young life struggling, straining to think of things to say to be funny or interesting. Failing mostly, and eventually coming to the conclusion that I didn’t want to do … More 10. Tales From A Shrimp
There were things that my dad said that made me wonder how much he knew he was going to die. Sometimes I can’t decide. How much can a person comprehend that they are going to die? How much hope can you coast on? Is there a default human instinct to deny the inevitable, in order … More 9. Doubts
My dad was fading with each day. His skin was terribly dry due to not having bathed more than twice in four or five months. Ashes of his skin, fallen from when he would scratch, were all over his chair. When he was in pain he sat leaning to one side of his recliner, his … More 8. Fill In the Blanks
For a brief time in January, we were in a state of denial. My dad was putting up a brave face, eating a lot, even appearing a bit cheerful at times. One day after chemo, we went to a sushi restaurant he knew I loved. He used his craving for fried fish, in the form … More 7. Other People
Life was different now. Things were complicated. I ran errands each day. There was always something unplanned. My dad struggled with eating, which along with malnutrition would spur desperate cravings that became more errands. The errands didn’t bother me though the social aspect was difficult. I felt actual physical pain in the entire situation we … More 6. The Recently Diseased
During the few weeks I had been back home, food was a constant problem, for everyone. I tried not to make things that would involve smells since my dad was prone to feeling ill. Early on, I tried to make an egg. Quickly I saw my dad’s eyes darting angrily at me, almost questioning how … More 5. Sin Feliz Año Nuevo
I wanted to spend my entire break at home but Jon could not get out of school at the same time as me. So instead I flew down to Houston the first moment I could. My sister’s friend offered to pick me up from Hobby airport. I remember the car ride back to my house, … More 4. Countdown
Shine A Light On Me 