Reminds me of my dad who passed away at 93, two days after Christmas, 1999. The preceeding summer was the last time I saw him alive and he told me he had recently memorized a full chapter from the Book of Psalms. I got out my camcorder and turned it on while he recited it, sitting in his big easy chair with his eyes closed. The man didn't miss a lick. He told me when he closed his eyes it was as though the pages appeared before him like reading a book. I still have the tape but not the camcorder so will have to get it restored to digital some day.
By watching him, he taught me how to care for your life's partner. In his case, he out lived two wives...the first in 1948 died of cancer(was my adoptive mother), dad remarried and the second died of a stroke on Easter morning. She had experienced a number of smaller strokes previously and was quite helpless, but dad kept her at home until he could no longer function himself, at which time he put her in a nursing home. He was a good teacher in that respect and I put it to good use with my Rita for her last 5-6 yrs. Dad told me as long as he was able to care for them, he wouldn't put them in a nursing home. He kept that promise to them to the end of their days. I did likewise.
You should restore that video ASAP, John, it sounds like a keeper and heirloom. I'm surprised it's weathered the years the color and video quality deteriorates every (day, week) year.
I also watched my dad's love and commitment to mom when he became her 24-7 caretaker as she bravely fought and then succumbed to the ravages of ALS. It was the same deal, he just couldn't see a nursing home taking such loving care of her. It was a huge challenge and it took an immeasurable toll on him, but he wouldn't have had it any other way. He was my hero.
Hang tough Dan.
