Saturday, May 3, 2008

Update on Dad

Probably about 10 years ago one of my cousins got married in St. Louis and my sister came in from Rome for the wedding.  I love this picture of us around Dad - he is cuddling with my sister in law and sister (SIL is blond with white teeth and about a size 0) - Stef is on the other side of Dad.  My mom, brother and I are in the back, but see the affectionate hand I have on DH?    It was a great, very elegant wedding, and a wonderful weekend.  

So here we are, 10 years later - still a loving family but everyone has alot more to deal with these days.  Dad and Mom have had a week of getting used to having someone in the house all the time, and Mom is getting a little bit less frantic.  Practically every day this week they've had someone new come in, and she has to show them where things are, and what he likes to eat etc, etc.  I've never heard her so frantic!  Dad seemed to take it more in stride, letting people help him with showering and all of the other little things that a 94 year old can use help with.   I'm hoping that this week sees some more consistency with the help in the house, and that mom can finally start to relax...and that they get back into their little groove. 

God love 'em both, they're still keeping going, and finally are starting to listen to our suggestions (which makes it easier for us kids).    I hope we all have a chance to be together again, with additional grandchildren and great grandchildren!  

Oy vey - it's all I can really say after this week! 

8 comments:

switch said...

Giantgantic hug to you, Mim.

studio lolo said...

What a gorgeous family and fond memory. And look at your dad's beautiful white hair! I'm glad to hear things are working out :)
XX Lolo

Debra Kay said...

I was thinking about you lots this week, and your lovely family. These stage of life I don't feel very prepared for so I'm just winging it like I've done all the rest.

Daddy did let me order a wheelchair for the airport transfer in Phoenix and I was glad of it-he couldn't have made it and I can't carry him.

It is doubly scary for your Mom-to see her rock that she's depended on weaken and know it's too late to change anything....Just reassure her that you will always be there for her. She knows it, but they seem to take a lot of comfort from hearing it.

Last time I told Mom, she said "fine, you are forbidden to die before I do...."

Sarah said...

Glad things are working out for your folks - and you. lovely photo

sukipoet said...

Well great that you have this set up for your dad. Yes, hope the homecare workers get stabilized. I used to do homecare for awhile and I kept with my clients for months and months but maybe things are different now. You can talk to the agency about consistency too if it doesnt straighten out. Be well, Suki

Lynn Cohen said...

What a handsome family you are and have! 94 oh my goodness. I send lots of good wishes for mom and dad and all the kids too. Oy Vey yes, sometimes it is all that is left to say!

Kerstin Klein said...

You´ve a got a lovely family and the pic is lovely. I´m afraid of the time when my mom needs help. She´s alone and I´m not sure how to handle that. But then we are also a big family and get along very well, so it will be done somehow.

Michele said...

Beautiful picture. You guys all look so happy. Hopefully things will settle down soon at your parent's house and they'll get into a routine.