Having a Little Moment

Several people have done the whole "every day of November I am thankful for something" posts on FB.  Lately, I'm lucky to tell people Happy Birthday, much less what I'm thankful for! Ha!  I was under the misconception that when my kids moved away, I would have so much free time.  That was the case for a while, but then, LIFE happens, and it brings you back to reality.

My parents are 86, and up until recently were in pretty good health.  Daddy was quite spunky, still bowling, doing the grocery shopping, taking care of Mom (a full time job - LOL!), etc.  Then LIFE happened.  His kidneys got so bad, he had to go on dialysis.  His dr was so adamant that he would "feel better"  and that it would only take a few times for him to get back to doing his normal.  We have been at this for 6 months, and lives have been drastically changed, relationships have suffered with little dings, and NO, daddy doesn't feel normal!

A couple of people have told my sisters and I that we are selfish for wanting to prolong his life by "making" him do dialysis.  People, this was HIS choice, and trust me, the man is NOT doing this for us girls, but for Momma.  The love I see between these two is amazing, and one people don't see often enough any more.  

Dialysis and Old Age do not mix well.  It is very hard on Daddy, and he goes 3 days a week for 3 1/2 hours each time.  I would personally like to punch his dr, but that would get me thrown in jail, and as one of the major caregivers, that would be bad!  

We are at the point where we, the girls, do not feel comfortable leaving Momma and Daddy for any length of time by themselves.  With 3 of us out of state,  and 2 in state; 1 with children still at home, 1 with grandchildren to take care of, 1 with health issues that keep her from being able to help, and 2  with full time jobs, it is hard.  I know, most of you are saying Nursing Home, and for me that isn't an option.  That's all I have to say on that.

I'm not complaining, but I do want people to understand that a person may have an Empty Nest, but at some point, you may have to fly back home to your very first nest and help there. 

So, when you call and ask me to do something, and I tell you I can't, please understand that "me" is not really a priority right now - the creators of "me" are.

Love to all, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharon