MY PARENTS (Part II)

As referred to in my previous blog (MY PARENTS), my aging parents' physical deterioration brought me to decision-time once more.

My first decision, for safety reasons, was to separate Dad from his car; not an easy task. When that happened, Dad became depressed. "Might as well be dead," he said. The next decision was brought about by my mother's poor eyesight. She was still cooking meals and counting their daily pills (although they seldom took them regularly). I was afraid that she would forget to turn off the stove and cause much harm to themselves and their neighbors.

All of these concerns disappeared when they agreed to enter a near-by nursing home. It was a clean, well-run organization and offered programs that they could enjoy.

On one of my visits to the home, Dad confided in that "This place is run by the Mafia - these guys walk around in dark suits and keep checking on things." I think I convinced him that they were probably state health inspectors.

I knew that their days were numbered. Even so, I wasn't prepared for the call I received in April of '87, while with dear son's family (he was traveling), that Mother had died. I can still see my dear daughter-in-law and granddaughter Kelly giving me consolation hugs; that was so helpful.

Dad died in early December. I felt these losses very much.

More, later.