There are a few updates for those of you who have been following my chaotic life recently. Last weekend my dad had a stroke. My brother drove out from NY to help us assess the situation, how we are going to manage.
Life changes for all, I’m suspecting.
Dad can walk, he is pretty clear in his mind, too. He had physical therapy for another condition, so those sessions just became more vital to getting him back to a new normal. Someone needs to be with him at all times, so the strain is on my mom and the rest of us to work out our schedules to fill in all the hours.
The real goal is to keep Dad home. Period.
He has been such a good and generous dad, a quiet man, but with keen humor and intellect. He loves his home here among the swamps of Minnesota. (There are more swamps than lakes in this state). We want so badly to allow him his wish of being quiet.
He prays for us, he cares about us, he is concerned for all of his children and grandchildren. His heart breaks when we are hurt or suffering.
There isn’t a town, or road in this state he doesn’t know. If you have ever met him he remembers you. (I, sadly, did not inherit that gene.)
He loves his family, his brothers and sisters, all passed now, and all of his nieces and nephews. He remembers his youth during the depression vividly.
I will be substitute teaching less, as I must be next door with Dad.
I know that he has been looking for the Rapture of the church his entire life, (94 years) and I wonder if he will get to experience it! I know I expect to, and Dad did too. What a blessed hope for us as life passes.
Maybe I’ll use the time to do more music. Dad loves to hear the piano, and Ed goes next door frequently to give a concert. Mom and I also give concerts to Dad regularly. Perhaps I will get to do more art. I have let that slide with the weight of “business matters” I’ve been handling since Brian died. One can only do so much.
I’m glad I’m “relatively” young and strong so I can actually lift Dad if needed. I try to get to the pool to keep fit, but my hotel job (folding laundry) is a great work-out too. Imagine folding hundreds of sheets and towels!
Maybe I’ll have more time to “blog.”
I’ll miss the kids at school. I’ve gotten to know them all, and I have a special place in my heart for each one. Perhaps a day will free up for me to see them again sometime.
Changes.
If you want to come and be with Dad, visit, so Mom and I can have an hour free, we’d welcome you! He is really an interesting person to talk to. He knows so much history! (That was his major in college.) Mostly he needs someone there to make sure he doesn’t accidentally fall if he gets up. He is learning to do things by himself and getting stronger each day.
Let us know. We’d love it.