Dad Cook

Dad (Norm Cook) turned 92 in April.  We were able to be with him for his birthday.  I made him Japanese Sukiyaki, a family favorite.  He continues to live in his own home which is a good set-up for him because everything is on one level.  

Caregivers come in for approximately four hours daily. They help with light housework, see to his meals and provide some companionship.  Since Mom went to heaven, he has also had a housemate who slept there at night.  Jonathan is a young man Dad mentored as a student at Multnomah University.  We were sad for ourselves and Dad when, after two years of living at Dad’s, Jonathan headed to Chicago to begin a Master’s degree, but we are excited for this new chapter in Jonathan's life.  

That left us with a dilemma—who could we get to replace him?  Both we and my sister and brother-in-law (Milei and Scott Yardley) were challenged to trust God to provide another good solution.  And He DID!!  Milei and Scott’s older daughter, Timbre, has lived in Portland not far from her grandparents for the past 4 years or so.  Her lease was to be up the day before Jonathan was scheduled to leave for Chicago. Right after Timbre became engaged to be married, she and her fiancé asked if THEY could be housemates with Grandpa—or “Papa” as they call him!   Currently they are on opposites sides of Dad’s house until the wedding when they will move into what used to be the Folks’ guest room together.  We’ve noticed an enormous improvement in Dad’s alertness and zest for life since they’ve moved in.  He’s soaking up the hugs, working puzzles, playing games and their company at many meals!  We are so thankful and the kids are loving it too! 

Milei and I still Zoom seven days a week with Dad to read the scriptures together.  We are nearly 2/3rds of the way through our second reading of the Bible.  We each draw great joy in reading and praying together daily!