My dad was a strong farmer and my mom a farmer's wife. She was a "stay at home" mom. She was a really good cook and my dad loved to eat. When my sister and I were gone from home "eating out" was their social time.

My mother and father both had high blood pressure. My father had high cholesterol also. My mother died of breast/brain cancer when she was 54. My father had a stroke 6 months after my mother died. He came to live with Bill and I for about 2 months. During this time he lost about 25 pounds. I tried to help him eat the right way thinking that by losing weight that would help his blood pressure, etc. I know it was hard for him after losing my mom to take care of himself.

He had 2 more major strokes and many TIAs throughout the rest of his life. He became more and more inactive and continued to gain weight. I saw my dad take lots and lots of pills throughout his life for this. He took high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood thinners, potassium, arthritis, and more. It was hard for me to watch his unhealthy habits. My dad died at age 82.

So what did I learn from watching my parents. I learned that I don't want to take a bunch of pills. In order to do this I need to remain active and eat well. I need to know if I have "control" over this or not. I know my boys are "watching" now too. What are they going to learn from me?

Blessings,

Laurie