My sister and I are dealing with our aging father. She is staying with him (and our step-mom who has Alzheimer’s) right now. I’m SO thankful she can do that. However, I feel guilty when I’m not there, I feel very emotional and inadequate when I am there, and I worry about him ALL the time. I’m having trouble sleeping, and I’m having trouble concentrating.
When I come home from being up there, I am emotionally and physically exhausted—nothing like my sister I’m sure. I find myself playing “mindless” card games on my iPad (just to take my mind off things) rather than working on my MANY in-progress creative endeavors.
It is REALLY hard to see a man who has always been SO vibrant, active, strong, and proud deteriorate before my eyes. Here are a few pictures of Dad and Helen with my grandchildren from better days.
Dad and Helen with June Beth.
Dad and Helen with Cade.
Dad with Asa Gene (his latest namesake).
I love you Dad.
7 comments:
This is a difficult time of life. Prayers for you and your family especially your sister who is with them daily. Life can be so cruel from time to time.
I think we all deal with the interruption of 'normal' in different ways. I am like you... unable to move past the pressing problem or concentrate on creativity.... However... I like to think that I can use that time wisely and CLEAN... equally as mindless as the endless games on my tablet.
It's so good that you go to spend time with them when you're able. What he and she are going throuh is another part of the process of life. It is heartbreaking. Do the best you can. Be gentle with yourself. I make a list of three things to do each day. Then I prioritize the list and hope to get all three done, but tell myself I'm good with the most important.
So sorry for this terrible time in your life as in your family's life. Thank goodness your sister can carry the load but you will and do fill in when possible Just keep letting her know you are there for her. That's all she needs to know too. And someday our children will be taking care of us. Prayers coming your way.....
I understand the attempt to relieve stress playing games instead of being productive. I've been doing that since my dad's passing. It is so hard to see them lose who they were. I did spend time with tears in my eyes hand and machine stitching. Time for me to go turn off candy crush and pick up the project instead. Love and strength vibes coming your way....
I'm so very sorry you and your sister are dealing with these life issues. I've already dealt with the passing of both parents and two siblings. It's just another part of living. I wish I had some words of advise or wisdom at this time but there really aren't any. We all deal with things in our own way and time. Prayers to you all.
Such a hard thing to go through. You go up to give your sister respite? I hope she has other people coming in to help, such as visiting nurses and spiritual advisors. It can be so helpful to have even 30 minutes when you aren't responsible! Prayers for you and your sister, and your families. So difficult for everyone.
Post a Comment