And, in Conclusion...?

by Goldie, written August 6, 2019

It’s been 8 months since Dad died. A lot has happened since then and, though I still feel guilty at times for running away, I’ve realized this really has been the best thing for us and for my relationship with my mom. Having 2000 miles between us seems to have had a positive effect because we’ve had only pleasant conversations over the phone since we left.

Mom is having a hard time. She is anxious and lonely without Dad. My youngest brother still calls her twice a day. The rest of us call at least once a week. Youngest brother will let us know if Mom needs more calls, more encouragement on a particular day. I know, though, that she would be having just as hard a time if we had stayed there. Because we moved, the staff at the facility has been checking on her more and friends in Denver are checking on her. She is well cared for.

And life for us is good! It’s still hard for me to plan ahead, but I’ve been more relaxed than I’ve felt for years. We won the lottery when it comes to next door neighbors. We are quickly becoming good friends. I’ve found a nice knitting group and am meeting a lot of people. We chose this house partly because there is enough room for family to come and stay. Our son and his fiance will arrive on Friday – to stay! They are joining us here and will live with us until they are settled.

It’s a little odd to not be constantly thinking about what Mom and Dad need and when should I go over to clean the apartment and what should we do with Mom’s stuff. Instead, we went to an asparagus festival, picked our own blueberries, and bought ice cream at a dairy farm where you can meet the cows that gave the milk for the ice cream.

I’m not a caregiver anymore! Life is a lot easier.

rrrrring

“Hi Terri,this is Jodie from The Gardens at St. Elizabeth’s. I hate to bother you, but some issues have come up with your mom.”

Sigh. Okay, mostly not a caregiver anymore.