Today begins with a drive through the wintry mountains. I arrive in Roosevelt at about 11am, wash the truck and head to the Villa where Mom is doing rehab from hip replacement surgery. My sister and her husband, who have taken the weekend shift, arrive with Dad at the same time and we make a smooth handoff. I'm grateful for such wonderful siblings and their families.

Dad and I go out for a burger while Mom eats her nutritional but not very appetizing meal. After a short drive up to Cedar View and down through Hancock Cove, we return and continue our visit with Mom. My sister returns from the store with a few things Mom needs. As we leave, and several times before, Dad asks Mom when she's coming home. She reassures him that it will only be a few days. I see the disappointment in his eyes. He misses her but he clearly wants what is best for her and says okay.

We make the drive home. Once inside I read the Book of Mormon to Dad. I'm in Alma. He listens intently for several chapters. Moroni and Pahoran overcome the Kingmen and defend the freedom of their people. But soon the long shadows begin to appear in the windows, and Dad is eager to go check on things up at the corrals which now lay empty. The horses and cows he cared for his entire life are gone, sent to those who can better care for them now, but in his mind they are still there and need to be cared for.

We jump in the truck and drive up and around. Then we drive down the road. Every house is new. So many people have moved in. At least for Dad. It is better and more comforting for him to enter his world, seeing it as best I can imagine how he sees it. Everything that looks remotely new was not here the last time. It really doesn't matter that they've been there for years.

Upon our return we gaze out at the harvested field of corn as the resident herd of deer bound down off the red rock hills into the field to feast on the remains of the corn. We count fifteen then go in the house and Dad asks me if I live here. He is pleasantly surprised and seems to accept it when I tell him this is his house.
Soon after that my brother brings yummy chili which his youngest son has made. The three of us eat and enjoy the classic Jimmy Stewart movie It's a Wonderful Life.

Tomorrow is a new day or the same day.

And that's not just okay, it's wonderful, because it will be another day with my dad, exploring his world and visiting my mom as she heals and prepares to come home.

It is a wonderful life!