Hanging out with my dad during a recent hospitalization with Acute pancreatitis.
This post is not about Rick or I!
It's not about self-admiration or pats on the back...
Rick and his mom, a visit at the nursing home.
...It's about coming to terms with the fact that our parents are getting old(er)
and more dependent on us kids.
We have the time to give and want to be with them, helping in whatever capacity we can.
It may take some planning and sharing in their needs as we all still work, and have families to care for as well. Our parents are worth it and deserve our attention and care,
just as we once depended on them.
In the last year we have had two parents have stokes, one now in the nursing home.
Two with Alzheimers/Dementia. One with liver cancer, and all 4 involved with multiple tests,
ER visits and clinic visits and I cant go on without mentioning the many
invasive procedures with hospital stays.
Luckily on both sides all of us kids take active parts in being there!
I won't lie.... it can be tiring, overwhelming, inconvenient and scary!
I'm thankful Rick and I are here in the same town as our parents.
I cant imagine growing old without the support of family.
Not many little ones still have their great-grandparent around.
The kids visit when they can, and the great -grandparents love it.
(My dad with one of his 8 "greats", Scarlett)
As it is now, all 4 parents are doing pretty well after a rough couple of months.
We continue to support them, be with them, call them and
Love them in whatever ways we can.
Alright, Jackie, this one made me cry. Beautiful, just beautiful. Words and photography.
ReplyDeleteDidn't mean to make you cry sweet friend.... I know you get it!
DeleteI’m sitting with Beth as she begins her third treatment. Her anxiety level is high and tears are flowing. This is the season of our lives. The season where we are the caregivers for cancer, dementia, strokes, diabetes. So much of what you’ve said mirrors the past several years for me. It is an honor to help those we love, even if it’s just to sit while they go through chemo or hold them as they pass to a new life. Thank you, Jackie....for sharing and, yes...a few tears.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you often Liz, and praying for Beth! I cant imagine going through this with a child. Sending hugs and prayers! <3
DeleteAll so well said. With our parents far away, it was difficult to be there for all the dr. visits and hospital stays. We were there to usher K's folks to Heaven, and feel blessed to have been there. These days are tough, and sweet. Good for all of you "kids" for pitching in! Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheri, I was glad to have met K's mom and dad...sweet sweet folks!
ReplyDeleteForming sweet memories in challenging times......members of these relationships are fragile and tenuous, at these later times in their lives and serve to remind us how truly fleeting our earthly journey is. Hugs.......
ReplyDeleteThanks Doreen, these memories I will probably cherish the most.
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