Then and Now

Every so often, I’ll be doomscrolling through either Facebook or Instagram and a feature called “Then and Now” will pop up. It is usually a photo selected by the social media gods from a specific day a few years back. It contains a blank “now” photo offering you the chance to upload a now photo of yourselves. 

My “then” photo from September 28, 2021 was of me and my Dad in his Rehab center. I slipped one of my Spartan “finisher” shirts on him and created a post about how Daddy, like a Spartan never gives up regardless of the obstacles he comes across on the course or race. 

Daddy had no idea of what the shirt meant at the time. Honestly at that point he did not know who I was anymore. I crafted that post for me to show people that you can’t give up at any point in life. You need to keep pushing until the end. When you get to the finish line they give you a medal and a shirt. Oh and a banana. Can’t forget the banana. 

I glanced again at the prompt to update the picture with a “now” photo and just froze. 

I can’t update this. Not now. Not ever. 

Daddy crossed his finish line nearly two years ago. Dementia and a boatload of strokes ran with him those last few years. I do know that God was waiting for him with a medal to reward him for a full life and a great race. 

Wishing there was a now photo Daddy. How I wish we could smile for the camera just one more time and say cheese. Until we can , I’ll continue to remember my gazillion “then” photos with you and recall who you were and how you taught me never to give up. 

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Author: KikiFikar

Kiki Fikar is a native New Yorker who is passionate about taking the day to day life we all experience and sharing it in her tales from Suburbia. She will often be found at the gym, writing snippets each day for future story lines, listening to her two children create their lives, and building the perfect beachfront home and writing retreat in her mind.

17 thoughts on “Then and Now”

  1. ❤ that's a beautiful photo with Dad. I can understand the shock of the moment. I avoid those social media picture compilations nowadays, not because I don't like it but because I'm 46 and I'm not guaranteed years anymore the way I was in my 20's and early 30's. Mike

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Thank you! It really can be gut wrenching because tomorrow is not guaranteed. I’m not yet able to publish it yet but I had a bad wreck two years ago. I’m still here. It wasn’t my time. Since then I’m realizing I’m on borrowed time. So glad we are all here blogging and sharing together!

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  5. As someone who spent two years as a dementia unit nurse manager, your words about this cruel disease resonate deeply with me. Thank you for sharing such a personal and beautiful tribute to your dad. I’m so sorry for your loss

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  13. Your words touched me profoundly, my friend.
    The way you wove memory, love, and resilience into your story of “then and now” is simply superb.
    I could feel the strength of your father’s spirit and the tenderness of your bond in every line.
    This is not just a blog—it is a living tribute, a reminder that even in loss, love continues to guide us forward.
    Fantastic writing, heartfelt and unforgettable.

    I would be honored if you could also visit my blog and share your thoughts there.
    Your perspective would mean so much, and it would be wonderful to continue this exchange of inspiration together.

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  15. My dear friend, your words truly mean the world to me.
    Knowing that you never miss a post fills me with gratitude and joy.
    It inspires me to keep writing with even more heart and dedication.
    Thank you for walking alongside me on this journey—your presence makes it all worthwhile!

    Liked by 1 person

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