My brother and I went to visit our parents for several days. It was really nice to get to spend time with Keith and Mom & Dad!!
We usually try to help Mom & Dad with some sort of project that needs doing. Keith did some work with the plumbing, & Mom & I shopped for fabrics to cover the couch and pillows in the family room.
Dad has always loved the freedom of going for a drive and exploring different places. Like his mother, he loved studying maps. He can describe the topography of the land, turns in the road, or hills that you go up and down to get somewhere. It's quite amazing!
Dad's driving skills are slipping to the point where we don't really feel it is safe for him to be driving. We have noticed he slows down as he looks at something, sometimes drifting out of his lane, then when he recognizes it he suddenly turns back in the lane without looking in his mirrors. He ran a stop sign in December, and had an accident. Fortunately, no one was hurt! While Keith was riding with him this week he almost ran a stoplight. He had difficulty understanding why he had to stop if no one was around. His reaction time has definitely slowed down.
Taking away Dad's license is such a hard thing to think about doing!!! I know Mom has been dreading that decision! She knows how much he likes his independence, and also realizes it means she will need to do all of the little errands that he enjoys being able to do. We talked about the situation several times while we were together. I know she doesn't want to face it, and I can't blame her--but it is something that need to be dealt with before its too late! You can't just stick your head in the sand and pretend there isn't a problem.
We are praying that Dad will be accepting of this change that needs to happen, and that he won't be frustrated or angry. I think the best thing to do would be to talk to his doctor and have him "be the bad guy" so that Mom doesn't have to be.
Keith and me
Since Keith is the oldest child, and only son, he has naturally stepped up and has been the leader in helping Mom and Dad. He has been making regular trips like the one we just had, to check on them, help with projects that need doing, and to monitor how things are going.
Laine, Lori, Karen and I have been very grateful for his leadership. Recently we learned that he has been called to serve as a Mission President with his wife Ada. They don't know where they will be serving yet, but it is a 3 year calling. I am very proud of Keith and Ada. I know they are prepared, and will do a wonderful job as they serve the Lord and lead the missionaries who are called to serve under them. I enjoyed getting to hear about the interviews they had with Elder Hale and President Uchtdorf. It was very interesting to look through the handbook for mission presidents and to see all of the things they need to do before they leave on July 1.
We usually try to help Mom & Dad with some sort of project that needs doing. Keith did some work with the plumbing, & Mom & I shopped for fabrics to cover the couch and pillows in the family room.
I just love this picture of my Dad! 
I saw my parents in June when we had our Wilson family reunion, then they came to Georgia for Bently & Bonnie's wedding in September. Sadly, I noticed quite a difference in my Dad each time I saw him. His Alzheimer's is progressing noticeably. He is having difficulties remembering names. Mom has done a wonderful job putting together a photo album with pictures of our family, friends from church, & neighbors. When we were talking about our children we would would frequently get the album to show him who we were referring to.
I saw my parents in June when we had our Wilson family reunion, then they came to Georgia for Bently & Bonnie's wedding in September. Sadly, I noticed quite a difference in my Dad each time I saw him. His Alzheimer's is progressing noticeably. He is having difficulties remembering names. Mom has done a wonderful job putting together a photo album with pictures of our family, friends from church, & neighbors. When we were talking about our children we would would frequently get the album to show him who we were referring to.Dad's driving skills are slipping to the point where we don't really feel it is safe for him to be driving. We have noticed he slows down as he looks at something, sometimes drifting out of his lane, then when he recognizes it he suddenly turns back in the lane without looking in his mirrors. He ran a stop sign in December, and had an accident. Fortunately, no one was hurt! While Keith was riding with him this week he almost ran a stoplight. He had difficulty understanding why he had to stop if no one was around. His reaction time has definitely slowed down.
Keith and me
Laine, Lori, Karen and I have been very grateful for his leadership. Recently we learned that he has been called to serve as a Mission President with his wife Ada. They don't know where they will be serving yet, but it is a 3 year calling. I am very proud of Keith and Ada. I know they are prepared, and will do a wonderful job as they serve the Lord and lead the missionaries who are called to serve under them. I enjoyed getting to hear about the interviews they had with Elder Hale and President Uchtdorf. It was very interesting to look through the handbook for mission presidents and to see all of the things they need to do before they leave on July 1.
My initial reaction to learning of his call was that I was not surprised, and I was proud of him!! Then, a flood of emotions came over me as I realized that he would not be available physically to continue assisting with the care for Mom & Dad....my sisters and I would need to be the main ones who give the physical support for Mom & Dad. It is NOT that I mind that, or think that we aren't capable, I think it was just a comfort having Keith's wisdom to lean and leadership.
I know the Lord is fully aware of our family needs and situation, and that He will be there to guide us all during our challenges that lie ahead. I am so grateful to know that I can turn to HIM in prayer whenever I need his guidance and love.
Even though we are spread far apart by miles, the love we share makes us closely knit together!!
I know the Lord is fully aware of our family needs and situation, and that He will be there to guide us all during our challenges that lie ahead. I am so grateful to know that I can turn to HIM in prayer whenever I need his guidance and love.
2 comments:
Thanks for the cry. I think you speak for all of us about how we are feeling. Those are great pictures. Could you email them to me? Sure do love you.
Very nice post :)
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