I’ve gotten a bunch of new followers in the last few months, so I wanted to apprise each of you about my situation. I retired early in 2016 to come home and help my folks. My wife is still in Arizona, teaching special education. My Dad has dementia, and he continues to slip, regardless of the work the doctors do with medication. There just isn’t a cure for this stuff.
Since 2018, we decided he couldn’t travel anymore. We went to my niece’s wedding and Dad had an episode during the trip. These episodes are like a panic attack to the 10th power. His system shuts down, his blood pressure drops, and he passes out. After this last one, Dad took almost a month to recover.
Since that time, Dad can’t be left home alone anymore. So if Mom leaves, I have to stay with him. If I leave, Mom has to stay with him or take him with her when she runs errands. It’s tough all around. That being said, I consider it a privilege to be home and spend time with them in their senior years. I realize few people have this opportunity, and I do my best to enjoy every moment of it. Yeah, every family has it’s internal spats, but for the most part, we have a good time.
Dad loves television, YouTube (believe it or not), and reading. Mom is more active and gets antsy when she can’t do anything, especially now that she’s sick with a cold and runs out of energy and has to just chill out on the couch with her iPad. Mom is the kind of person that always has to be doing something. She just can’t sit still. If she’s not working on a home project, she’s working on the family books, reading, running errands, doing laundry, or cooking. When it’s nice outside, Mom is in her garden or greenhouse.
It’s nice to be here with Mom and Dad and just be with them. I’m glad circumstances arose to allow me this opportunity to do that. I’m lucky I know. I read about so many horror stories about dysfunctional families on social media, articles, and even in the news. I just can’t imagine living in a home like that and grateful that my childhood and time with Mom and Dad has been a real treat.
So today, I’m thankful for my Mom and Dad.
Until next time…
Dave
Daily Ramblings... 
So sorry to hear about your dad, Dave. It sounds like your family is doing the best it can in the situation and spending lots of quality time together. Like you said, not everyone gets that, and I’m sure you’ll treasure it in the years to come.
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Thank you, Kate. He’s still Dad and we believe he has many years ahead. Yeah, it’s a real privilege. Thanks so much for responding. I’m glad I revisited this again, so newer readers would know. Always a pleasure to hear from you! ~Dave
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Kate. I just reviewed on Goodreads, Facebook, and posted a book review on my blog. Send me a note or notify me via your blog when your final copy is up! I’ll buy it. Great work!
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Thanks, Dave. I saw the review on Goodreads earlier today 😊. The ebook is up now, the paperback will be up next week.
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Kate, disregard my request for publish date. I just bought it on Amazon and followed your author page.
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😊
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You are a star and it is so good you can care for your dad . Nothing like family
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Thank you! It is more of a pleasure than a sacrifice.
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Very few like you now
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So nice of you to say. Thank you. ~Dave
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