[mind thread] Dad passed away three years ago tomorrow, and so forgive me for waxing a bit philosophical on the eve of the occasion's anniversary. Here is the original tribute I wrote at the time https://twitter.com/lhamtil/status/748247712349327360

Since posting that, I received a lot of notes from others who experienced much the same as I had being a caretaker. Many of you will also experience the trials of caring for your parents and others who grow old and whose faculties decay at an alarming rate.

If I have any wisdom to impart it is that the sooner you realize that helping others is not an obligation but a privilege, the more fulfilling your life will become.

Kierkegaard wrote that, “The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” The same is true of practicing patience: you are not being merciful to others so much as you are mastering yourself.

Tocqueville said that Napoleon was, "as great as a man can be w/o virtue, & as wise as a man can be without modesty." I am certain that if my father wished to be remembered for anything, it would simply be the resignation & patience with which he suffered a crushing disease.