Dad needs a hobby

[RobertN]

Out sailing. This was before we built our Dad's boat; he is sailing my smaller boat. The larger turqouis kinda color boat is my brothers. It is an older Marblehead, and is 50" long. That boat has been popular for decades(1930's), partly because it was the biggest that would easily fit in a car.

 

[troutsqueezer]

Since he likes machines he can get into building model engines with a small miil and lathe. Here's an internal combustion Hit and Miss I just finished.

 

[Ridgewalker]

This may sound hokey but have you considered puzzles?

My FIL and step Dad both loved working puzzles when they were
chair bound. Plus the kids and grand-kids could all sit around and help.

 

[lhfarm]

I think he is reaching a turning point, and I am trying to ensure that it is a good one. I talk to him every day, and he keeps telling me all the things he isn't going to do - but nothing positive. I want to give him something to keep him busy while he recuperates from surgery. If I asked him what he really wants to do, I think the answer would be to drink beer and chase beautiful women. I kinda think mom wouldn't care much for that idea....

My dad and I weren't close growing up. It wasn't until he retired and I was old enough to understand that relationships are two-way affairs that we started communicating. We never talked growing up, but the last 15 years of his life we emailed each other every day. Even when he lost most of his vision, I still consulted him on all my projects and he found pleasure working through me.

It sounds like you have that going for both of you. Keep talking to him everyday and help him see the positive. If building models is something you would do if you had the time or if there is some other hobby or activity the two of you could be involved in, he might enjoy that more rather than just filling his days.

Your dad is lucky to have a son like you. I'm sure you both will get through this.

 

[Army grunt]

Modeling is great.Its cant be forced on anyone. The net is great way for him to interact with others, an "stuff"
It may be in his better interest to have a social worker talk to him about keeping his mine active.It always sounds better coming from someone that does it for a living just my thoughts.
Army Grunt

 

[thatguy]

This may sound hokey but have you considered puzzles?

My FIL and step Dad both loved working puzzles when they were
chair bound. Plus the kids and grand-kids could all sit around and help.

Or suduko, solitaire, or other games.. My dad (just turned 80) loves to play games on the computer when he is not playing handy man for the neighbors fixxing stuff.

b

 

[rmully]

I think the best "medicine" for him is to be there for him....I did not become friends with my father until I was 50 and now he is gone ...life is short and caring for hime means more than all the actives you can present him with. Love heals all wounds.!!!

 

[bearhawk]

Since he likes machines he can get into building model engines with a small miil and lathe. Here's an internal combustion Hit and Miss I just finished.

Now that's a cool idea...

 

[300UGUY]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I like the boat and the engine. He is a retired toolmaker, maybe I will get both. I am going to visit him in a week or so. Merry Christmas everyone!!

 

[jinman]

Why don't you get him a soldering iron and soldering gun along with several different guages of copper wire and maybe some flat copper sheets. Also get some electrical components in various sizes and shapes. Salvage houses are a great source for this. Then set him up with a table and few pictures of tractors and let him design and build wire-frame replicas. Stranded copper wire can be stripped and spread out to even look like hair. If he has a bit of imagination and enough stuff to get him going, he might make some real rustic art that you'll have to keep and remember for a long time. If he gets good at it, you can move up to different solders and types of materials. He can even go to a small torch. Start simple with a minimum investment so there isn't a big loss if he decides he doesn't like the idea.