09-08-2019, 03:45 PM
GeneL wrote:
because whatever I am saying, it's not what he wants to hear.
That seems to run in the family Gene. Many of us have been making suggestions and clues about how to move forward, but the only thing you want to hear is how to move back to where you were...back with Mavis, back to the swap meet life...back to your comfortable place. Unfortunately, we all have to keep moving forward. Most of us have been going through the aging parent thing, and we know this is true.
I've been in northern San Diego county a couple of times in the last couple of weeks supporting my own father, who just turned 84. He suffers from Type 2 Diabetes, mid-stage dementia, neuropathy, and most recently atrial fibrillation. He dearly wants to get back to his old life of technical writing, driving wherever he wants to go, eating hot dogs at Padre games and traveling the world. It's all he talks about. It's just not possible though. As caregivers and supporters, the best we can do is help people peacefully move forward and enjoy the life that they have, right at that moment, the best they can.
Move forward Gene. Stop looking backward. Enjoy that you CAN get out of a nursing facility, because many can't. Enjoy that you have a ride to dialysis, even if it is late, because the alternative of no dialysis is so much worse.
That signature quote that I have been rocking here for about 5 years is tattooed right on my right calf. Move forward positively Gene.