Las Vegas and My 91 Year-Old Father
@DeborahDiane (40320)
Laguna Woods, California
October 17, 2019 6:29pm CST
My husband and I, along with one of our daughters, just got back from a trip to Las Vegas. My 91 year-old father had wanted to take "one last trip" to Las Vegas. Since he lives with my sister and her husband in St. Louis, they brought him to Vegas, where we all met up for a fun family reunion.
The above photo was taken at a restaurant in the Tropicana Hotel. We also went to the "M" hotel one day. Although my husband and I, as well as my sister and her husband, usually go to a number of different casinos on the Las Vegas strip, my father was not up to doing much moving around. He fell two days before the trip, cracked a vertebrae and was in a wheelchair.
Despite all that, we had a great family reunion, my father had fun playing the slot machines, my husband and I came home with about $20 more in gambling money than we left with, and the trip was a big success.
We also went to the "Legends in Concert" show, and my Dad was actually singing along to the songs of Freddie Mercury and Elvis. I got a kick out that! LOL
Photo: On the left you can see my husband, my daughter and myself, standing by my father, who was seated at the head of the table. On the right, you can see my sister, her husband, and a close friend of my sister, who also came to Las Vegas.
For those of you who know how ill my husband has been, I am happy to report that he also enjoyed our stay in Las Vegas, although he is now walking pretty slowly and using a cane, and had to take a nap every afternoon. He was glad we went, though, and I'm glad he was able to.
25 people like this
22 responses
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
18 Oct 19
I love to read stories about old people. Unfortunately the other day we went to the wake of a friend's mother who was still strong at 93 but suffered aneurysm (ruptured vein).
4 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@Alexandoy - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's mother, but I'm glad she was still strong at age 93. That part is wonderful!
3 people like this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
18 Oct 19
Maybe I have to post the story of my great uncle.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@Alexandoy - I am sure everyone would enjoy learning about your great-uncle!
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472074)
• Switzerland
23 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane 
Your husband has not lost his sense of humor. My husband does not look sick, but he is so thin. When we went to the dentist for his teeth cleaning the doctors asked him "do you eat enough?", of course he does, I cannot understand why he is so thin.
Your husband has not lost his sense of humor. My husband does not look sick, but he is so thin. When we went to the dentist for his teeth cleaning the doctors asked him "do you eat enough?", of course he does, I cannot understand why he is so thin.1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472074)
• Switzerland
24 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane I lost several pounds during summer but I followed a diet because I wanted to go back to my usual weight. If I eat more I gain weight, he does not.
I lost several pounds during summer but I followed a diet because I wanted to go back to my usual weight. If I eat more I gain weight, he does not.1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Oct 19
@LadyDuck - Yes, my husband still has a good sense of humor about his health. That makes it much easier to deal with. In the case of your husband, some people are just naturally thin. Also, I have heard that some people do not digest all their food as they age, so they get thinner. Since I am a bit heavier than I would like to be, I keep waiting for that to kick in for me! I would love it if all my food was not digested!
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
18 Oct 19
what a lovely family! yer dad 'tis too cute :) 'tis a shame that he'd fallen'n 'twas confined to a wheelchair. seems not a huge rain'n his parade's he got to spend time 't a place he loves, surrounded by folks he loves.
glad yer hubs 'twas able to make the trip. most sad he's feelin' the 'ffects 'f such. sendin' healin' hugs to both fella's!
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
20 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane yer welcome. so very true, hon. jest delighted y'all were able to get together. folks'n my family 're not that willin' to do such these days. a myriad 'f 'xcuses...
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@crazyhorseladycx - Thanks for the healing hugs. Despite my father's injuries, we all had a great time. I'm glad Dad was able to go. My husband enjoyed the trip, too. Who knows how many more trips either of them will be able to take? This may be the last time all of us are together, so we made the best of it.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Oct 19
@crazyhorseladycx - Yes, it can be hard to get families together. We have been lucky the past few years. Things may change after my father passes on.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41747)
• United States
18 Oct 19
I'm so glad you all made such wonderful memories! Prayers for your dad and your husband.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@1creekgirl - Thank you for the prayers. While they both have health challenges, I am glad they both enjoy life as much as they can. I'm so glad we were all able to get together!
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (104150)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
18 Oct 19
I am happy to learn that you and loved one enjoyed a family reunion in Las Vegas.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@Deepizzaguy - Thank you! We had a wonderful time together!
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (104150)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
18 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane Family reunions are wonderful.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (117140)
• Anniston, Alabama
18 Oct 19
This discussion makes me happy!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@andriaperry - I'm glad it made you happy. I certainly enjoyed seeing my father! He said we would have to do it again in 20 years, which made me giggle!
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Feb 21
@JWMILLER - Yes, my dad has a great sense of humor!
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
25 Oct 19
Love the photo and slot machines can be such fun sometimes too.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
26 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane
All that is much better than sitting at home and watching television.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
25 Oct 19
Yes, the slot machines seem to keep my father's mind active and he enjoys the noise and music. It is probably better than just sitting at home, watching television.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
26 Oct 19
@lovinangelsinstead21 - Yes, it is always better to get out and enjoy our lives.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 Nov 20
@marlina - Yes, we enjoyed seeing our family in Las Vegas. It was a great trip!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@just4him - Thank you! I was so glad my Dad was able to make the trip. He joked that we would all have to meet back there again in 20 years! I think it was great for him!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Oct 19
@just4him - I am lucky, because my father always had a good sense of humor. I think he has enjoyed his life, and he is still enjoying himself. He never complains about being in pain, although I am sure his back was hurting after his fall. He has a good attitude about life. He has been a good example to me.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317241)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
19 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane That is wonderful he has a good sense of humor and looks at the positive side of life.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Nov 19
@paigea - I think your husband and I are in a relatively small group of people who are 70 and still have a living parent. I really appreciate my Dad and he has such a great sense of humor.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Nov 19
@paigea - Thank you. Yes, it is important to spend time with our families whenever we can. Time is precious and there is no way to know how much longer my 91 year-old fire will be alive. I am blessed to have had him in my life this long, since I am 70. Not many 70 year-olds have a living parent.
1 person likes this
@paigea (36315)
• Canada
1 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane it is lovely to have that. My husband still had his mother when he was 70.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
22 Oct 19
So glad your dad was able to go and enjoy Vegas- what a great little family get together although a bummer your dad fell. Vegas is always a fun destination!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
29 Oct 19
@MarymargII - I spoke on the phone with my Dad yesterday. He said he is feeling better and can now walk a few steps on his own. Still, at age 91, a bad fall can cause people to become less mobile and often leads to pneumonia or other problems. I live in a retirement community, and I know how serious it can be to fall when you are elderly. I hope that, with a little physical therapy, he will improve even more.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
22 Oct 19
@Marymargll - Thank you! I'm so glad my Dad made it, despite the fall. I think he was happy to have one more trip to Las Vegas.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
29 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane And sorry he had to fall on this trip but did he recover okay?
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
18 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane
I went into your discussions and found the post you made about your visit. Why not visit casinoes when you are there and just have fun. I am sorry about your father. So glad your father had fun too. So glad you got to go to a concert too. Glad your father enjoyed it too. Your husband looks great knowing he is very ill. I am so glad you were able to all go on the trip.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@Hannihar - Thank you! It was fun to see my family members, especially my Dad. We all had a great time, and I'm glad my Dad was able to make the trip.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
20 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane
I am so glad you could all get together and you are so welcome.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
18 Oct 19
That is wonderful and such a great picture. I am so glad to hear that your Dad had such a wonderful time.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@Happy2BeMe - Thank you! I'm glad my Dad was able to go. Who knows how many more times he will be able to travel? This could have been his last trip. I'm glad we were able to see him.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Oct 19
@Happy2BeMe - Thanks! I loved seeing my Dad.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
19 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane yes for sure. You are blessed to get to enjoy those special times with him. He looks great for his age.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@CarolDM - Thank you. We had a wonderful time together.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (182175)
• United States
18 Oct 19
I bet it was great to take a trip all together. You will have some great memories to look back on.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@snowy22315 - Thank you! We all had a wonderful time together.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16788)
• China
18 Oct 19
What a happy family gathering ! Your father is still hale and hearty ,though he is 91.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
Yes, my father is doing well for his age. I'm glad he was able to make the trip.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
22 Oct 19
@sol_cee - Ha ha! I think my Dad had a great time, even with his adult children and grandchildren there to keep an eye on him! He couldn't get too wild.
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@JudyEv - It was a nice family get-together, and it was fun to see my Dad enjoying himself so much.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
@thelme55 - Thank you! We had a wonderful time. It was great to see everyone!
1 person likes this
@Behindtheguitarbar (2831)
• Guangdong, China
18 Oct 19
wow, such a great family reunion. That't awesome.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40320)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 19
Thank you! I'm so glad our family was able to do this for my Dad. He really seemed to enjoy it.
@Behindtheguitarbar (2831)
• Guangdong, China
18 Oct 19
@DeborahDiane of course he did, I think. My dad would be so happy when we get back home.
1 person likes this
