Sometimes life throws you a loop.. an unexpected loop so to speak..
.I recently had to leave town unexpectedly to stay with my parents in the Bay Area for a couple days, my father was scheduled for surgery and I needed to be there to help and support my mother..Of course it happened at the worse possible time...when all these things were going on here at home that needed urgent attention...but of course things were set aside and off I went!
I ended staying there 4 days..sleeping on a lumpy sofa bed ( who invented sofa beds anyway?)
and the rest of the time was spent sitting in the hospital waiting or driving my mother doing errands..I was able to get alot done while there and help them organize some of their financial paperwork..(first time they let me) and even do some housework..( My mother is very territorial about her house she knows how to clean best) Both my parents are getting older...and slowing down due to poor health...
It is very hard when roles start reversing and they still feel like they should be taking care of you. I watched them this weekend...and wondered what is in store for me when I am their age??? How will I be with my daughter...will I not know when I need help..or will I gladly accept it...? will I want to drive until someone takes my license by force? OR will I know when its time to hand over my keys... You can't help but wonder ...Which brings me to my " Mid-Week Seaside therapy" These pictures were during my walk...Nothing puts things in perspective like the Ocean.. the fresh salty air.. the birds.. and the sounds of the water and your breathing as you hike the trails...I felt better instantly and I found my answers! I wish for you all some quiet time to yourself..to find your answers! Enjoy!
8 comments:
I hope your father is recovering well. It is hard when are parents become the patients and we become the caretakers, isn't it? Hopefully you and I have many, many more years before we have to think about our own twilight years.
My parents are aging rapidly and it breaks my heart to see them unable to go about what was once everyday activities. I guess that is the circle of life....
Take it day by day.....and sometimes, moment by moment in assessing what needs to be done, Marlene. If you consistently look at the big picture or where you are going, it becomes too overwhelming, less productive, and it helps no one. No one knows the length of this journey..., but it is important for you to stay healthy and strong! My heart is with you always.
Marlene...
Ooooh! girl you gave me peace today! Just seeing your ocean is peaceful.
The whole parent thing I am there with you girl, parents are set in there ways and that whole fear of age does come over us with a real dose of I am getting older.
The ocean will give you peace and the long walks will inspire a full awareness in your life!
xx
Dore
Love your last sign idea to me!
oh, girl, what absolutely fabulous images - and were i to enlarge any one of them, i'm sure i would find myself wandering right out of my chair and into the beautiful water awaiting me through my computer monitor - best wishes for your father - and for your mom - and when things get too this or too that, there's always that walk along those magnificent waters!!!
All good questions, Marlene. I've been wondering the same things lately. I am terrified I'll lose my faculties and not know when I need help, or worse, fight it! My mother-in-law is 97 and widowed about a year ago. She is finally letting us know that she really needs us at times. Otherwise she lives in a retirement home and seems happy enough.
I couldn't agree more about the ocean - it puts everything right for me.
Best wishes for your dad. It's sad when your parents begin to decline. But what a beautiful you've found to find some peace.
I hope your Dad is recovering well. It is difficult when our parents age, and the worries we face watching them change. They are also blessed to have a daughter that could come and help (not many families do this anymore.)
Your ocean photos are amazing. There is something about water that helps heal our souls...I recently moved back where the water can be seen daily from my home...and it is something my soul was missing. Now I know...I must always be near it! Have a good Monday! :)
Gave me chills thinking all the same thoughts as you during this time......I am lucky to have a wonderful mother with wonderful genes......but you still know it will come for all of us.....my only consolation is the fact my daughter has promised she will dress me "cute"....
gotta see the humor in it all or it is just too sad.
xojana
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