Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

Remember Lise Johnson? We told her story. She hid in a closet as a child of 9. It was Moving Day. Lise wanted to stay. Dad coaxed her out with a promise, “When you start high school, we’ll stop all these moves. I’ll quit my job, if I must. You can make friends. We’ll stay in one place.” Dad kept his word—just like he said. Fast-forward 30 years.

Lise’s mom, Joyce, and dad, Ralph.
They were married 48 years.

Lise takes it from here:

Mom became terminally ill. The road to the end was brutal and long. Dad stopped work and stayed home. Caring for Mom was his full-time job. His business folded. We lived off savings.

Mom loved it at home. Dad would have it no other way.

Friends and family helped, but Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

In the final two weeks, we moved Mom to Hospice. She needed professional care.  

Dad slept there. Ate there. Ensured Mom was warm. Held her hand while she slept. I’d urge Dad, “Go home. Take a break.” I had to kick him out just to go home to bathe.

When the final moment arrived, Dad knelt next to Mom’s bed. Her hand was cupped gently in his.

It hurt badly to see Mom go. But it helped to see the remarkable care she received from my dad. Others saw it, as well.

“Your dad’s devotion,” said one nurse wistfully. “Never in all my years,” a doctor shared.

Then one nurse approached me. I can still see her face clearly. “Lise,” she said, “I have something to share. I was engaged when I started your mom’s care.”

“No longer,” she continued. When I expressed sympathy, she interrupted,

“Don’t be sorry. I’m not. My man was no match for your dad, Ralph.

I didn’t know devotion like that existed in this world. I will find a man like your dad. I want a Ralph.”