By way of some background, I live in Minneapolis, MN and my elderly parents live in a small town 6 hours away in Nebraska. I have three sisters who live within 30 miles of my parents' home so I am the odd one out. Mom and Dad are struggling these days with a variety of age and health related issues. The primary factor in their story now is that Dad has Alzhiemers and is at a stage where he still knows all of us but he is unable to carry out any tasks and requires much assistance with all things day to day. My mother is his primary caregiver but has health issues of her own that are slowly wearing her down.
I'm sure many of you recognize the bones of this story - aging parents who need help from their grown children who have busy lives, jobs, kids and grandkids of their own, separated by distance - all the things that pull at families at this time in life.
Well, this week Mom had a bout of stomach issues, a bug perhaps that left her dizzy, weak, unable to eat or drink much - but still needing to care for Dad. I know she was scared, what would she do to feed him, keep him safe and take care of herself. My youngest sister filled me in and when I called I could hear the fear in her voice. And this is the week that Minnesota weather decided to kick into winter. Forecast of blowing snow, 4 to 6 inches, not something you can safely drive in across the wide open southwest corner of the state to go to Nebraska for the weekend.
My sisters all took over and took turns being with the folks. They called the doctor, cajoled Mom into eating and drinking as she could. They cooked, cleaned, and spent the night with them. But I felt helpless and useless and nervous here. The distance between my house and theirs feels very far at times like this. I know everything is being done that can be done but I still wish to be there just to see for myself, to talk to them face to face and to hug and be hugged.
I hope tomorrow will be a bit better. I will talk to Mom, I hope she will sound stronger. I know she will feel comforted by my sisters' attention. And I will tell her how much I love them both.
Nice to see you're blogging. I need to write again. I was having fun doing it and then just stopped for some reason. Back to you. I'm sorry to hear this about your parents. It's so hard to watch your loved ones decline. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anna. I know we all have to pass through these stages, but knowing it is inevitable and accepting that our own loved ones are at this stage is still difficult. Your words are ever so helpful. And yes, you should write. Love to you.
DeleteThinking of you and your entire family. I love them all so much! Wish I could be there to help. Much love to all of you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, LaDawn. I know you certainly understand the distance issue, yours is much more difficult than mine. But it is frustrating how helpless weather can leave you. Know that your words help - love to you all.
Delete