"Simmer Down"

For the last few years, Dad and I had grown accustomed to my morning visits ~ just before my work, to see that he was out of bed and had a good start to his day.  As I bustled around the kitchen, fixing coffee, his latest diet orders, fussing about just about everything ~ the weather, my clients, the next deal, the last deal, the current deal, the cost of gas, the lack of time, you name it ~ his response was, "simmer down".

Simmer down.    How does one "simmer down" ??   ~ there is so much to do, so much to see, so much to accomplish, so many needs to fill, so many obligations ~ real or imagined ~ they are all very real to me. 

He would watch my whirlwind, not wanting to scold, but just wanting me to sit.  Which I would ~ after a fashion.   Then we would chat, provided I wasn´t too busy ~ times I cherished at the time  ~ and even more so in retrospect.   As the years have passed I have learned a few things about myself, my needs,  other´s needs, and life.   I found the time to be "less busy" and enjoyed more time with him.  I really didn´t have less to do, I was just less crazed.  I had picked my poison ~ and chose my obligations as best I could.  He would still watch my frenetic activity with a grin, but now give me his advice ~  on negotiations, human nature, common sense, how to live ~ 

and he still implored ~ "simmer down". 

But conceded, "your mother was the same way" with a smile.

Let me clarify one thing ~ Simmer Down,  never means ~ "give in".   I think simmering down has  more to do with using your head instead of your emotions to get you where you need to be.   To live life intelligently, prudently and with compassion, but to always live up to your beliefs.    Take a deep breath.

Simmer Down.  Having lived on adrenaline for the last month or two  ~ "simmer down" seems only a dream to aspire to.   I envied Dad´s ability to be phenomenally patient, as content with his physical limitations as possible, and glad for his good days.  He was determined to be as independent as possible for as long as possible.  He did not want to be a burden.  He surrendered to his circumstance with dignity and perseverance; always more concerned with his caregiver´s well-being than his own.  (Ask Monk, Harry or Annie  about the Johnny Chair Story).  

Patience, Compassion, Perseverance, Tenacity, Grace, Dignity, Intelligence, Bravery, Honor and ~  

Simmer Down.