What should me and my elderly father do together before he passes away?

My dad is in his 70’s. I’m in my 40’s. I’m feeling like many things we are doing are for the “last time.” We see each other about 6 times a year and talk on the phone 12 times a year. I’m male & 1 of 4 kids. My mom is alive. She doesn’t like to travel much and has always held dad back a little in this area. Things I like are: working out, stockmarket, my job, and the internet. Dad likes his work, the outdoors, and planning. Neither one of us is wild – no drinking, women on the side, etc. We do go bird hunting once a year. I keep doing that just b/c it gives me a chance to drive around and do nothing with him. We are both getting tired of being the “dogs” on the hunt to scare the birds up This is the only hunting we do. We used to fish when we were kids, but I get bored with that. (canada?) I feel like we should do something while he still his health. Money, within reason, would not be a problem. Keep my wife out of the plan. What should me and dad do together?

First, make more time to spend with your father. Possessions, jobs, money…can all be replaced, but your father can’t. I’ve lost both my parents and there are a million things I wish I’d said or done. Visit more, talk more, just be together. It’s not always necessary to be doing things. I have a feeling your father would be thrilled just having you in the house again for a while. Go shopping, go to a ball game, watch racing, rent a movie, play cards, go see one of the 7 wonders of the world…like Niagra Falls or the Grand Canyon, go to a museum dedicated to outdoors…the Smithsionian, go fishing even if you got bored with it…act enthusiatic about it now, plant flowers or shrubs with him. Tell him you want to suprise your wife with a new flower or veg. garden and get him to help you put it out. Heck, play games…there are some board games out now that work for any age or interest. But mostly importantly, be there as much as possible because once he’s gone…he’s gone and you can’t do anything about it. Best of luck to you. I know you’ll come up with something great.

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