Oh my. I feel for you. It''s so hard to watch them struggle with those routine things and imagine the anxiety when they know they can't do what used to be so easy for them.
I hear you, Kevin! Sending over some BIG empathy. I can't remember the exact year - perhaps 2008, my Dad had a small stroke, which led to impaired vision. He was turning 67 years of age. So, it was the ophthalmologist who declared him unfit to drive. Dad had small incremental downturns as he had several health conditions but he still soldiered on with stoicism. 2015 was the free-fall drop, that left little space for adjustment. He'd prepared himself and us for his passing but not for long-term need for care - this is true of the majority of us all I think. So we had to do a painful HARD pivot. I'll be sharing more of that in an article at some point.
Your article echoes the angst, frustration, and communication issues of many adult children caring for their parents or in-laws. It's further complicated by old family baggage, stories, dynamics repeating themselves. Misinterpretations or arguments have led to some big blow-outs and rifts in several families I've encountered in Carer forums online. Siblings and with the parents themselves.
I'll restack this post to help raise awareness of these issues.
Kevin. You are the best and I know how well you were. You must have had a cocktail when you were at your house. Take care and see you soon. Phil & Pearl
This post is bitter sweet for me. I remember the days not that very long ago when he, sometimes we, used to drive up and down California and to the desert. He was such a good driver and could cover the distance without the need to stop. Another thing I found fascinating was his memory and knowledge. These things I will remember. The struggle about getting old is real.
I was lucky. My dad Vincenzo voluntarily gave up driving and gave away his car before I came from Colorado to take hospice care of him in Mountain View. At 86 he was concerned that he not harm anyone
Kevin, this is both beautiful and heart-breaking. I am facing a similar situation with my dad in the near future. I am hoping some of your strength rubs off on me. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Kevin, Your post sure brought back memories. How did your Dad receive the news? My husband refused to hear it - no one was telling him what to do. He would sneak out and try anyway.
Oh my. I feel for you. It''s so hard to watch them struggle with those routine things and imagine the anxiety when they know they can't do what used to be so easy for them.
I hear you, Kevin! Sending over some BIG empathy. I can't remember the exact year - perhaps 2008, my Dad had a small stroke, which led to impaired vision. He was turning 67 years of age. So, it was the ophthalmologist who declared him unfit to drive. Dad had small incremental downturns as he had several health conditions but he still soldiered on with stoicism. 2015 was the free-fall drop, that left little space for adjustment. He'd prepared himself and us for his passing but not for long-term need for care - this is true of the majority of us all I think. So we had to do a painful HARD pivot. I'll be sharing more of that in an article at some point.
Your article echoes the angst, frustration, and communication issues of many adult children caring for their parents or in-laws. It's further complicated by old family baggage, stories, dynamics repeating themselves. Misinterpretations or arguments have led to some big blow-outs and rifts in several families I've encountered in Carer forums online. Siblings and with the parents themselves.
I'll restack this post to help raise awareness of these issues.
Kevin. You are the best and I know how well you were. You must have had a cocktail when you were at your house. Take care and see you soon. Phil & Pearl
This post is bitter sweet for me. I remember the days not that very long ago when he, sometimes we, used to drive up and down California and to the desert. He was such a good driver and could cover the distance without the need to stop. Another thing I found fascinating was his memory and knowledge. These things I will remember. The struggle about getting old is real.
I was lucky. My dad Vincenzo voluntarily gave up driving and gave away his car before I came from Colorado to take hospice care of him in Mountain View. At 86 he was concerned that he not harm anyone
Kevin, this is both beautiful and heart-breaking. I am facing a similar situation with my dad in the near future. I am hoping some of your strength rubs off on me. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Kevin, Your post sure brought back memories. How did your Dad receive the news? My husband refused to hear it - no one was telling him what to do. He would sneak out and try anyway.
Your post sure brought back memories. How did you tell him that he could no longer drive? My husband refused to hear that information.