It would be easy to get sucked into despair about my parents' condition. It's heartbreaking to see my handsome, galant, capable father unable to communicate and increasingly less able to move and care for his own bodily functions. It's heartbreaking to see my mother in pain and so worn out from trying to tend to Dad's every need. It's intimidating to have to learn to bathe them, dress them, and make sure Dad get's to the bathroom in time.
Yet, we are so blessed that they are able to live in a wonderful senior community where they have made friends who invite them to dinner and who offer to help. They have a beautiful caregiver who helps them with anything and everything three days a week. And the beauty of their surroundings (especially as spring comes to Atlanta) is breathtaking. Last night I did about six laps of the pond (probably about 1.5 miles) just after sunset. The path is smooth and well lighted. I could hear the frogs and ducks under the bridge. And the sound of the fountains reminded me of the waves at the ocean. I said my "gratitude prayer" as I circled the pond.
And I don't think I've mentioned that I'm living in an apartment with a 90-year-old friend who lives directly upstairs from my parents. Although she's lost most of her vision, she's an incredibly active, on-the-go lady, who is great fun to talk to when I'm "off-duty."
As long as I focus on these and other blessings, I can't feel depressed.
Sue
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Hi Sue:
You have lots on your plate, but if you are so inclined it sounds like there may be some haiku around your pond!
I’m taking a haiku class and reading lots of haiku – finding out that many haiku writers, particularly those in the West, are writing outside of the 5-7-5 format these days. Here are three haiku I’ve enjoyed lately:
candlelit church
all the shadows
mine
--Petar Tchouhov
Passport check:
my shadow waits
across the border.
--George Swede
moment of birth new shadow
--Ruby Spriggs
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