Dad came through the first skin cancer removal in great shape. His patience makes him a good patient.

I was fortunate to be able to take him to the clinic in Murphysboro and to talk with the doctor. The area Dod thought would be worked on first is probably last. It's less serious than the area near his ear that was taken out. Most important, however, is that none is a melanoma.

I was also fortunate to get a chance to talk. Neither of us has good hearing -- though mine is better, so far. Conversations can be stilted as we listen carefully and try to adjust as we realize something wasn't heard. I had no problem hearing in the car and the message was an important one.

Before the family get-together for their 65th wedding anniversary, Dad had written an announcement and taken a picture of him and Mom to put in the local papers. After the party, his daughters decided to surprise him with a picture taken that day replacing the picture he had delivered. The fun of working with technology that is still new to me -- working with a digital image and getting it to newspapers --  took over, and the picture appeared. The surprise was not the one intended. Dad thought we hadn't approved of his choice. No. His choice was fine. His write- up was terrific. In trying to do a good thing, I'd hurt the person I wanted to honor.

This brings me back to the lessons of throwing a good party for parents: Listen to what they want. I didn't listen enough. 

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