Several readers have asked for an update on my parents. So here's the update: There isn't much to report.
Seriously, that's a good thing ... I guess. My mom is doing well in the long-term care facility. My dad visits her twice a day and feeds her lunch and dinner. He often stays with her in the evening until visiting hours are over. He's actually making friends with others in the nursing home and enjoys the companionship, and just sharing time with Mom.
I'm beyond grateful Mom is getting the care she needs. Dad is adjusting to being alone in the house, and has a "smart watch"-type gizmo that can alert help if, say, he slips in the bathroom or something. My youngest brother, who lives about an hour away, keeps in daily contact with him. (Literally. My dad calls my brother every morning when he wakes up, just to report he's fine. It's something they both agreed to do on a daily basis. My brother is a saint.)
Two of my brothers and sisters-in-law are taking my dad to Las Vegas in July for his 90th birthday. Frankly that sounds like the vacation from hell to me, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I didn't actually have to drive in that blasted city. At any rate, Dad admits it's been a long time since he's been able to travel anywhere, and is looking forward to the trip.
I thank everyone for their concern and ongoing prayers for my parents in this new phase of their lives.
That is indeed good news. May God continue to keep your family under his loving care.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear of the blessing of an uneventful update and that your dad is adjusting and making new friends. I hope he thoroughly enjoys his trip with your siblings!
ReplyDeleteThank you for updating us about your wonderful parents. I worked in elder care and loved every minute! The hours were terrible and my husband couldn't stand coming home to an empty house at the end of his work day or the lonely weekends and holidays. After a few years I had a day shift for a couple of more years, but God made it plain to me He had new plans for me. It was very hard for me to end that chapter. I loved those people, they became family to me.
ReplyDeleteI got very attached to your Mom and Dad as you have told us about your visits. I wanted to be there with your loving family. I wanted to help and give comfort and encouragement. I know it is difficult for you to see your Mom and Dad declining. Caregivers with loving hearts will show them love, dignity, respect, and companionship as if they were their own parents and meet them where they are in their current abilities. Caregivers never saw their residents in their youth so they cheer on every independent action they can still do for themselves and don't grieve loss as you probably do. This new adventure is something your parents have probably foreseen in their future and they may be enjoying the help and new activities. I'm thankful your Dad is making friends and fitting in, this is like a second family for him and they will ease him through the tough moments. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May the Lord fill them with comfort, peace, and joy every day.🙏
You clearly have a gift for service. Not everyone does, but the world is a much better place because of the giftings the Lord gives His people.
DeleteThis is so very familiar. My father in law visited his wife in the nursing home three times a day. We worried about him and had him call us first thing in the morning and also in the evening when he got home. That gave us peace of mind that he was OK. It was social for him also as those were pretty much the only other people he saw. We were thankful for the staff and other people who made the situation much better than it could have been.
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