We've been looking forward to a trip to California to visit our four granddaughters who live there with their parents (our Coast Guard son is stationed in Oakland). May and June looked to be a good time for us to "pull chocks" on the Journey and head west. Later this summer, more trips to New Jersey and Pennsylvania for some family reunions were planned .
Then things changed, my 95 year old dad suffered two heart attacks and two hospital stays in two months. He survived them both but has now needed some hands on care, my siblings in New Jersey (where they all live) took care of the immediate issues but now we have some long term responsibilities to take care of.
My dad has lost some cognitive abilities and developed short term memory issues as well as trouble walking even short distances. We thought it best to bring him here to our home base in South Carolina to allow him to rest and recuperate at least for a month or two (or more) to see how much he bounces back. Things may go well and he will be able to return to his house in NJ or need to move in with us. We built the home base for just that eventuality.
For the foreseeable future we are holding up any travel plans while he is with us, it is best for us to have him here because we can give him the around the clock attention as he may need because we're both retired, all my brothers and sister in NJ are still working. We all talked it over and decided this is the best thing for now.
So for now we're holding our breath and seeing how it goes day by day. My dad is happy, resting, eating and enjoying great love stories on the Hallmark Channel. At 95 years of age, it is amazing that he can do what he can do. If we can just convince him that he isn't 18 anymore... ;c)
Thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment.
Plans are written with chalk as we well know the last 3 years for us have been eventful. Hope things work there and you do what you have to do. Good Luck !
ReplyDeleteWe understand your situation completely. We still make plans, but know that they are all written in pencil. My mother is still having issues as well.
ReplyDeleteSo we are there with you taking life, one day at time. Your Dad is so very fortunate to have the two of you! BTW, you will never convince him he isn't 18 anymore...ask me how I know:o))
Take care of Dad, but don't forget to take care of yourselves... yeah, ask me how I know;o))
Yes, we totally understand. We've been stationary due to my having to see the Oncologist every 3months and Mike doing PT trying to stay out of the OR. Life happens!!
ReplyDeleteWishing your dad the very best!! Praying he is able to recuperate and return to his home....that's where he will be happiest.
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You and Marti are wonderful caring children. I have loved reading about your dad and his sports car. I look forward to hearing about how much he is enjoying being there with you. I understand exactly how hard it is to remember you aren't as young as you think you must still be.
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to hear that your Dad had some medical issues. He is so full of life, I'm sure this setback isn't fun for him. Good that you guys have a home now to be able to take him in and care for him!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your dad. Joe's mom traveled with us until it became to difficult for me to do what I had to do to care for her in the motorhome. So we quit traveling in 08 and took care of her in our home until she died in 13. Then we were able to go South for another couple of years before Joe died. It was the right thing for us to do. Joe always said she took care of him now it was his turn to care for her. I'm glad you and your siblings are all on the same page.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your Dad. I know how difficult it can be and how fast things can change. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your Dad but it is better to Enjoy his company now then regret not having done so.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget you are only as old as you think you are and sometimes thinking you are a Teenager isn't such a bad thing.
Be Safe!
It's about time.
Your dad is lucky you are able to help. Every good day is a blessing for everyone, at 95 it is a special gift:)
ReplyDeleteYour Dad is blessed to have you two! Mike's Dad will be 95 in May and lives in his home with a full time caretaker--perfect situation, she needed a place to live (retired nurse) and he needed a little assistance. This season while we have been in AZ his vision has worsened to the point he is almost completely blind so we will have some decisions to make also.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you are in a position to be flexible enough to help
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you have a home base now. You two are good people!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm catching up on my blog reading, today it was yours. First of all, l'm so sorry to hear your father is having problems. I'm sure it's a comfort to him living with you and Marti. It sounds like you had a wonderful time at Disney world, despite the ding. Although if that's the worst you've done in ten years, I'd be happy. BTW, every RVer wishes he was retired military when visiting Key West. And I loved your Christmas story.
ReplyDeleteHope your dad is bouncing back like you said and things are working out. Glad you have the flexibility to do that.
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