Besides the usual busyness of work/farm/work/farm, recently we (the sisters) have had our hands rather fullish keeping an eye on our parents. We have been very, very lucky up to this point - both of our parents are in their early 90s, live on their own, and have maintained a happy, healthy, autonomous existence. My dad, who just achieved 93, has rather suddenly started to fail. It's like he is winding down, both physically and mentally. This has meant that we need to keep our eye on him at all times. This also has coincided with my sister's (their main caregiver) two-week vacation. We put our heads together and managed to piece together a schedule that will have either someone there 24 hours every day or at least be able to cast an eye upon them once a day. My mother is under strict orders to let us know if she needs an assist. She tends to not want to bother us. Sigh.
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| Here they are, the cuties, a day before Dad's 93rd birthday |
Speaking of oldsters, I wouldn't mind being able to cast my eye on this guy 24 hours a day. He spends his days either sleeping, staring at me (willing crunchy treats to appear in mid-air), bouncing (when his food dish is making its way to his eating station), barking (on sight only, not sound), and gnawing on his marrow bones.
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| Lawsy, I love this guy. |
On a more upbeat note, the evening sky was quite beautiful a couple of nights ago. So beautiful that I even was inspired to grab my phone and take a picture. You can just make out the half-moon behind those rosy fingers if you bigify it.
24 comments:
What lovely parents you have!!! 93!! That's an incredible age - good thing he has his family close to keep a good watch. Sometimes I just sit and stare at my brood as well - be it canine or feline. I love watching them. That's a mighty fine sunset!
I know it is weighing heavy on your heart – your parents and Scrappy. My mom isn't even that old, and I find myself wondering how I will go on without her when she's gone.
Peter Pan may have had a good idea . . . to never grow up. Or more precisely, never grow old. Your parents are, indeed, cutie-patooties. Hooray that they're both upright and smiling. Just look at that handsome smile on your dad's face!
Your handsome pup sounds (and looks) like he knows how to enjoy life. Good for him. He probably has more sense than I do. I was so tired while making dinner that I thought a little glass of wine would be good. It just about knocked me on my keister. Even after eating I'm still feeling like I should put my jammies on. Okay, I will. And thanks for a sweet post.
I love this post....we can see why you are the strong person you are.....your parents influence!
As to Scrappy. ..he does look so happy. Bless you and all around you!
Your Dad has such a beautiful smile. It seems he may go gentle into that good night, I hope so.
93? Wow and they are adorable! Scrappy looks content and relaxed...you can almost hear him saying "life is good here....". ;-)
Your parents look the picture of TRUE happiness. It's never easy to come to this stage in life....someone eventually ends up alone. But, I think your parents have some pretty darn wonderful kids that will make sure this time goes as smoothly as possible.
My family recently went through a version of what you're experiencing with your dad. Might you and your sister know of any local person who could stop by daily to fix lunch, do some heavier cleaning - and check on both your parents- for a small fee? We found such an angel and she was good company and great help to my father and provided a lot of peace of mind for my sister and me. I feel for you, and wish the best for both your parents. They are clearly lovely people.
What a nice photo of your parents, and pooch too.
your parents are so cute! the only upside of having dead parents at an early age is that i never had to worry about them in old age.
So cute, my grandparents were married for 67 years, your picture reminds me of a photo I have of the two of them.
Mrs DM - We are watching him extra-closely these days. He is winding down. I was late for work this morning because I was mesmerized by my chickens....
Michelle - I do try to focus on all the wonderful things about them. It really does help ease the burden.
Mama Pea - And he could fly, too! I do wish I could sleep as soundly (and often) as any one of my dogs or cats. Unhappily, I cannot.
Fiona - You're a dear. I don't know that I'm strong, but the odds are in my favor that I will be an old, old lady!
Susan - Oh, I hope so, too.
1st Man - I sometimes wish that I could come back as my own dog. But, then, again, that is not possible, is it? Or....... :)
Sue - Yes, we call them the bookends. They are a close pair - two peas in a pod. We love them to pieces.
Joy - Once my sister is back from vacation (probably sooner than she planned), we are covered. She and my BIL bought a house two doors down from my parents. It is a true blessing in every way. Thank you so much for your kind wishes.
Thank you, Kristina. They are all three cutie-pies!
Jaz - That's true. There is definitely a downside to having parents that live this long. Of course, if I live that long, I will become a cantankerous old lady and a huge burden on my sisters. I better start treating them better...
TL - So good to hear from you! That is an incredibly long time to live with the same person. I can't image.
Amazing to have your parents still in your life. Mine died in their 50's. Your dog has the same life mine do - total comfort and ease. :o)
Susan,
I love this picture of your parents! Enjoy them while they're here :-)
Your parents are in their 90's.....how wonderful. I recently lost mom, she was 73...and dad passed 1 1/2 years ago at the same age. They had a total of 53 years together. I would love to know your parents secret for living a beautiful life.
Give Lawsy a scratch behind his ears.
Hugs,
Sandy
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