March 1, 2012
I am a lucky person.... Both of my parents are still alive and reasonably well... However a few events have happened in the last couple of months that made it necessary to move Mom and Dad to an apartment for independent living and assisted living... (mom mostly independent and dad a little assisted) We just did the move yesterday and today. Most things are done... there are some decorating things need to be done... but the big stuff is done... and a tv is set up and going.... The place seems to be a wonderful placed for them to be---I will write more about that later.
Now, I want to look back at some of the events, as I remember them, of my parents lives.
One thing that really comes to mind about my parents, is that they were always very hard working people. Dad was an agri teacher at the high school for over 30 years and in the Navy reserve for a long time also. When he wasn't at a "job," he was working around the house or "the farm" doing projects.
Mom was a "working" mom before it became the "norm". Even though we didn't have a lot of extra money, there was always good food on the table and a little extra for things that came up in our lives... such as formal dress for rainbows/formal dances/or prom/ or in my sisters case.... cloths for being a homecoming maid.
They also figured out a way to send us to college and live on campus even though the UofA is only 30 miles down the road.
Which brings me to another quality that is important... Their belief that education is important. In my case, I did not naturally get good grades... and sometimes in high school, I made some bad grades. Dad, in his wisdom, would say... if you are doing your best, it is ok. Well, I knew it was not my best and finally sometime in high school, I started working hard and making better grades. It was important to both parents that they find a way to send their children to college. It was never "if" we went to college, it was "when and where" we would go to college. (All 4 of the daughters are teachers and granddaughter #1 works in the school system)
Both parents love the church... They have been members of the same church for over 60 years. (the church where they got married) Growing up, we did not have a choice, we went to Sunday school and church. Even when were on vacation, they would find a church so we could at least go to Sunday school. They both have worked varied jobs within the church.. and until just recently went to church most Sundays. As they have gotten older, they do not get out so much to go to church, but stay in and watch on TV... Now there is a afternoon service at the Meadows they can attend if they want to.
As I write this, I have mixed feelings... It was time to move them, I know that. But a part of me feels sad that it came to that. I still want them to be active and to be the parents instead of sisters and I being the "parents." That is a weighty job.. being the ones to tell parents what is the right thing to do, even if they don't want to do it, especially at first.
So here we are, entering a new phase in our lives... all of us. I know it is necessary and the place so far is really good.... so we will do the best we can and go on.....
December 13, 2012
This has been a busy last three weeks since Thanksgiving. Dad took another fall the Monday after Thanksgiving which landed him in the hospital for three days. He had a very bad UTI and had to be treated for that. We choose to have someone with him in the hospital 24/7 since he gets really confussed as to where he is. I spent the first 2 night with him sitting/laying down in a recliner in the hospital room. I can tell you that hospitals are not quiet places so dealing with that and fact that Dad did not sleep well, I did not get much rest. I also spent a lot of the day time there... only going home to rest for a few hours at a time. Doctor wanted him to go to rehab to help with mobility so that is here he is now. Again we choose to have a family member with him 24/7. So Mary, Anita, and I have been taking turns staying nights and days. We have had some help from Jane who came and stayed a week, and Jim, who has been coming on the weekends. We have been learning correct transfer techniques as Dad will be coming home on Saturday, Dec 15 one day after He turns 92!
