In August 2006 I wrote my first blog post and since then close to 1300 have followed. They have been about various topics – some serious and some not serious. Today’s post will be one of the more difficult and challenging to write and focus on. As many of you know my dad is my hero. Someone who has taught me so much and who has, without question, my total respect. In a lot of ways he lived his life the right way! He has been an amazing father, husband, grandfather, and friend to many.
Unfortunately, my dad’s health has been declining over the past few years. His short term memory is pretty much gone and his walking is not just slow – but hard to watch sometimes. In essence he isn’t doing very well. My mom, his loving wife, has a great approach to life and has been a champ. Rarely does she have anything but a positive attitude and believes it is her responsibility to take care of my dad. No one else’s but hers. She resists getting any type of help in the house. Recently she has agreed to take my dad to a sort of adult day care so he can chat (we hope) we some people who have similar challenges.
I call my parents every day. For years I have been concerned about my dad. Recently my thoughts have changed. My dad is healthy other than his memory and walking. My mom on the other hand sounds tired, doesn’t complain at all but I believe it is getting to her. Thankfully I have a GREAT relationship with my sisters and brothers-in-law. We are all on the same page and have a rotation so one of us is with them every month.
I am sure many of you have gone thru this or are right now.
