Today is my mother's 87th birthday. We are having Long John Silvers, pineapple upside down cake, ice cream, & root beer for lunch. She is addicted to sweet tasting foods, with the exception of chocolate cake, but does love chocolate covered candies. She wanted to go out to eat at Long John Silvers for her birthday lunch, but we are not going away from the nursing home to celebrate her birthday today because of her strong desire to see their old home. She hasn't forgotten. Maybe a year from now...on her 88th birthday... she will accept her new digs and then we can go see the old house, if it is still standing. I can only hope.
I can see role reversal at work but I am not yet comfortable in my role as mother to both she and dad. How can anyone get used to being the parent to your parents? They want what is not good for them now that they are aged and fragile. I am their reluctant protector. It was easier with my girls when they were but babes crawling on the floor and toddling around the home exploring their new world. Now, my parents want to live a life that would kill them if left to their own means and I tell them "no, no don't touch," in so many words. Life is truly a strange journey for folks with dementia and for those of us who care for them.
Happy Birthday to you Mom. Wow, 87yo, that is great. I can understand not wanting to leave the nursing home. When will they be in their own nursing home, and completely settled? I hope it is soon for them so they can get some normalcy in their lives. I can't even imagine being a parent to your parents, but you seem to be having a lot of strength through it. I'm sure it's the Lord. And I'm sure journaling about it online helps a lot. And you never know, what you journal about might help someone in the future. :)
JoAnn
Yes, maybe next year they will be more accepting. I pray for you to have strength, wisdom and grace to be their daughter/advocate. I cannot fathom trying to walk the slippery path you walk with them.
Love,
Jenn
Becoming the parent to your parents, not looking forward to that, but I know it is just around the corner. I can only hope and pray that the time I spent with my children, the patience I have developed, learning how to serve and not be served, will help me when that time comes.
I am not a home educator, but am very proud of my daughter, jenn4him, who homeschools my three precious grandchildren. I admire you all. Thank you for being my source of inspiration.
May God Bless You,
Mama Karen
