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What's In My Father-in-Law's Closet - Tales and Tails

By
Real Estate Agent with Accessibility & The Power to Advise

     I am having the wonderful privilege of getting to know my father-in-law better.  We are taking care of my father-in-law because being in a nursing home was destroying his spirit.  Even though his body was deteriorating, his mind is as sharp as a tack.  He really would not have lasted long in that environment. 

    (I have to admit I am selfish, too.   I get enjoyment and satisfaction helping him.  I know, and many other people who care for their parents know it is work, but for me it is a labor of love.)

     We are moving his things from his apartment which has been his long time home. There is quite an eclectic  collection of items everywhere.   I decided to tackle a walk-in-closet of long forgotten things.  Mind you, as a child, the attic was my favorite place in the whole world, so digging around in the closet was like being a kid again. 

     As I plundered and packed, I would bring out items for Dad to look at.   Stained shirts brought back memories of parties, shoes, red, white and blue shoes were part of his Fourth of July ensemble.  I was tickled to have found the patriotic shirt, and matching socks.  Dad told the story how my mom-inlaw threw away the matching pants.  I guess he rescued them from the garbage, but has not seen them in years.  Sadly, I didn't find the 1776 pants in my excavating of the closet.   Note to self: go on eBay, and complete his outfit so he can wear it this July.

    I  found a couple of tuxedos.  One with tails!  I put on the tails, went into the living room and performed for my father-in-law Young Frankenstein's "Putting on the Ritz".

    I feel like I just discovered something exciting when my father-in-law tells me stories about his life.  I was amazed when I learned that he went to France and bought a ventriloquist puppet!  I asked my husband if he knew that, he said no.  See, I discovered something amazing!

    There is more to pack-up, so I guess the show continues:  "Bob Ruthman - This is Your Life", and it not over. 

  

Comments(9)

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

All I can say is there is so much wisdom and treasures to be found in our elderly.  Those that still have their parents and grandparents are so fortunate! Pick their brains and savor their stories!

Apr 04, 2009 10:24 AM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

It's great you consider taking care of your father-in-law a labor of love-think of all the things you will learn from him.

Apr 04, 2009 10:30 AM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

what a cool story - very sweet and moving! awhhh :-)

Apr 04, 2009 10:33 AM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

That is how you learn about people talking to them.  Long gone is the art in this age

Apr 04, 2009 10:41 AM
Ruthman Real Estate
Accessibility & The Power to Advise - Fairfield, CT

Vickie:  He has even told me stories that maybe he shouldn't have!  :)  There going to my grave, as well as his!

Pat:  I have learned!  He gently corrects my home-grown grammar without judging me.  OK, he does judge me a little!

Liz:  He doesn't know I am writing about him...uh oh! 

Russ: I am tickled to listen to him.  We have found out even though many years separate us, we are still kindred spirits.  

Thank you all for commenting! 

 

Apr 04, 2009 11:15 AM
Vanna Siackhasone
Real Estate Brokers of Alaska 907-720-4663 - Anchorage, AK
Anchorage Real Estate 907-720-4663

That is such a lovely & touching story. Thanks for reminding me the value of the my parents and grandparents.

 

Apr 04, 2009 12:03 PM
Ruthman Real Estate
Accessibility & The Power to Advise - Fairfield, CT

Vanna Siackhasone (Prudential Jack White Vista Real Estate): Thank you for reading and commenting, Vanna. 

Wow!  You are in Alaska...I have always wanted to see Alaska!!  You are so lucky! 

Apr 04, 2009 12:18 PM
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor
Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ
AzLadyInRed

I don't know your name, but I want to commend you for what you are doing. Not everyone can do what you are with the kind and sweet spirit you exude. You are the type of person that helps us all want to be better. ;-)

Apr 10, 2009 09:46 AM
Ruthman Real Estate
Accessibility & The Power to Advise - Fairfield, CT

Terri:

 Sorry I didn't get thank you sooner, holidays can be a little hectic.  Thank you very much for the kind remarks. 

Your face looks so familiar -  were you ever on television or in the movies?  (By the way, red is my favorite color!)

Best wishes, RK

 

Apr 13, 2009 04:43 AM