Candace McLean

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Remembering Dad

With 3 flicks of the wrist, it was gone. I admit, I was taken in, incredulously once again. The worn copper penny my Dad had shown me only moments earlier now apparently lay lodged in his forearm. You could see the lump protruding from beneath his skin like a rock under a fresh blanket of new fallen snow. Of course, I was fascinated. How many children could say their Dad was magic? Dad entertained countless friends and family members with this sleight of hand and other well-crafted tricks. I remember begging him relentlessly to share the secret of his magic with me, but to no avail. He simply laughed, enjoying every moment. I’m not sure how he dodged my persistent questions. No small feat, I’m sure… Today, my own children have an astronomical rate of success when it comes to wearing me down.