My Mom and Dad

My Mom, Cleo Staton, and my Dad, James Staton are both blessings in my life. Mom is 86 years young and Dad is 90 years young. I know that I am so blessed that they are still so much a part of my earthly life. They are both so alert, live independently in their own home in Trinity, NC. Mom is a feisty little woman who stays so busy! She still drives to church, to the store, to get her hair washed and fixed every Wednesday morning and she drives to High Point Regional Hospital every Wednesday at noon, working until 4:30 pm. Then she returns on Fridays to work from 8-12:30, again on Saturdays, working from 8-2:00, and most Sundays, working from 8-4:30. She has done this for 20 years, adding up lots of volunteer hours. Mom loves working in her yard, but does that now during limited time periods. She's such a sweet and giving woman. All of her nieces, nephews and cousins love her dearly. So do I!

Dad amazes me with his memory of many years ago. There's a lot to remember during 90 years! And can Dad tell a joke! How he remembers all the ones that he knows is amazing also. Dad struggles to be patient sometimes, but he has greatly improved in controlling his anger. But Dad also has a huge heart and cares about others. I know that if I needed help, Dad would give what he could, his last dime to me. Dad has been completely blind now for 15+ years. He is completely dependent upon others to help him. Although, he can still take care of his personal needs. Mom is his caretaker and does a great job in providing his food and other needs.

Mom and Dad have health issues that they have dealt with for numerous years. Mom has to take numerous medicines and Dad has some of his own. There are episodes when neither Mom nor Dad are healthy. But through the love of God, they usually recover. At this time, Mom is feeling pretty good. Dad is dealing with COPD problems and a cancerous lung tumor. He has completed 20 radiation treatments, probably all that he could withstand. Surgery and chemotherapy were ruled out as treatment possibilities due to his age. Dad's doctor stated that we are striving to keep the tumor from growing, hoping that the radiation treatments might reduce its size. Dad's COPD problems cause him more discomfort than this tumor. He is very fatigued from the radiation. He was a weak, fragile man before the treatments. We know that it will be months before he will regain his strength. But we are there to love him and take care of him, doing whatever it takes. The same goes for Mom. I go with her to doctor appointments so that we know what is going on with her health.

Thank you God for Mom and Dad, or as their grandchildren call them, Mamaw and Papaw. We all love you both very much!