Driving back from Mexico with my Dad, I realized that he wouldn’t go back to live with my oldest sister. It wasn’t because she didn’t love our father or wanted him to live with her, but she desperately needed some time for herself. She had cared for him since mom passed away 7 years ago and mentally, she was exhausted. There were things she needed to get in order in her home to make it safer for my dad to live as well. How long that was going to take was anyone’s guess. I’m not sure it would ever happen to be honest. It was long past time though for me to bring Dad to the city to live with me, regardless of his disdain for city life and his desire to remain with my sister.
My father is 91, and his memory is fading fast. He’s been with me for three days, and I’m starting to see some of the difficulties my sister dealt with daily. He has to remind himself where he is every morning, and we discuss the same things repeatedly throughout the day. He constantly asks for my sister, even if we have just spoken to her on the cell phone. He talks in circles because his hearing isn’t what it used to be. He constantly jokes with my wife, daughter, son, and Mother-in-Law without letting up to the point of it being somewhat annoying. I think he does that to masquerade his inability to hear properly. It certainly has been an eye-opening few days and I have my doubts on my ability to care for him the way I need to. I am committed to him, though and to ensure I do whatever is needed to make his life as comfortable as possible. I will need patience, strength, and a great support system. Luckily, the latter comes in spades. Stay tuned…