My father, a widower in his 80s, lives alone on his farm. For decades, he and the DVs were friends. But then Mr. DV passed, leaving Mrs. DV a widow as well.
Apparently, my father asked Mrs. DV to move in with him—not as a couple, but as friends for companionship.
Mrs. DV declined the offer. My brother has a few speculations why; he thinks Mrs. DV, being very conservative, found living with a man out of wedlock unacceptable.
My brother has sworn me to secrecy on this. If my father learns that I know, he might not talk as freely with my brother.
I've always respected that my brother has a deeper relationship with my father than I do. My brother can get my dad to open up. My father will still have deep conversations with me, though they tend to be about practical matters like money, legal issues, and business management, since that's my area of expertise.
My main concern is for my father. How lonely is he? Is visiting a few more times a year truly enough?
2 comments:
I believe, just from my own experiences, that your father understands that once a person is singular his or her world becomes smaller, shrinks. Your father i believe is searching for companionship... Which I say go for it.. she can go back to her home anytime.. eating alone, not engaging for supper on what to cook, who to cook for, etc creates a whole different world.. Bravo to him for reaching out... .
My father remained single, but found companionship with a neighbor. They would only go out to eat, but the relationship meant a lot to him. He probably is having a hard time living alone. He hasn't had much experience at that. No one to take care of, but himself.
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