CARETAKER PLEASURES

INVINCIBLE:  incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued <a seemingly invincible army>

My Dad is 87 years old and my Mom is 86.  They are an Army of two.  I've always thought they were invincible and would live forever!  They have had multiple medical issues of late and so I decided to move in with them in November 2011 to help with their care.

Mommy and Daddy

My decision was not made quickly but living with my parents is where I am supposed to be--I know that.  They took such good care of me (and still do sometimes) and now they deserve the same respect.  The house I grew up in is very old and a tad small but we, along with SO MUCH help from my sisters, are making it work.  My husband still lives in our house that is only about 6 miles away and comes over all the time to help out as well.  He has become the "grocery" boy!

Being able to express myself in words has become very therapeutic for me.  I started writing down all my thoughts, the things that go on in the house and with my parents.  This writing could either be a book or a short story one day but for now it is therapy!  It is very surprising that most of the things I write are quite funny.  I don't know how to describe my parents but they are not typical to me.  Maybe if I experienced taking care of other senior citizens with health problems I would see similarities.  Here is an excerpt of my story!

STORY NOT YET TITLED

"Before the dementia, I was pretty certain that nothing bad or harmful would ever happen to my Dad.  Not once had I ever thought about him getting old, using a walker, or losing his memory.  I had put an imaginary shield on my Dad, much like a super hero would have.  I completely ignored the first time he forgot something or called me another name.  I ignored his asking me the names of my kids.  I didn't want to think his mind was failing in the least bit.  I didn't want to think the body of this tough, strong man would ever experience weakness.  You see, I'm not just the one with a weak stomach--I also have a very weak heart when it comes to my Mom and Dad!  I remember seeing Dad's walker for the first time.  I asked my Mom, "what is that for?"  When she said it was Daddy's, I felt angry.  There was no way I was going to stick around and watch my Dad use a walker!  And then as he came walking down the hallway the reality started chipping away at that weakness in my heart--my Dad was skinny, he walked with a shuffle and hunched over, he didn't know my name--my Dad had lost his shield."

So when Mom asks Dad what day it is and he says, "7:30" I will laugh.  I intend on thinking of my caretaker duties as a pleasure--even if it is hard.  And I will try harder to enjoy living with Mom and Dad.  I will remember to laugh every chance I get.  I can say though that there is no way on this earth I could do everything I do without the help of my sisters.