the dad

Well it's now March 2009 and i'm just getting around to my first post of the year! not that there hasn't been anything exciting going on that's been worth sharing.

so school. ya, i didn't quite finish the semester which i'm definitely bummed about. but at the same time i realized i unintentionally may have bitten off more than i could chew. as if starting a new (and intensely focused) job wasn't enough, i had the drama with Jonah and school as well as the decision to 're-locate' my dad again. i haven't beat myself up too badly about it though.

in November, i made a communal decision to discharge my dad from the convalescent home. so he is back at Ben's house. it was for his own good, he was just way too high functioning to be expected to live amongst aging adults who couldn't care for themselves. the fact that the staff and administrator preferred him in a wheelchair rather than walking around independently was sign enough that if he continued that lifestyle, his own self worth would deteriorate much faster. it was another re-adjustment at first, dealing with the home health nurse, getting all his meds and diabetic supplies situated with the pharmacy. oh and reminding him that he because he was 'on his own' didn't mean he gets to eat whatever he wants again. that in itself is almost a daily discussion with him. because he can't be trusted to remember such things, he doesn't get an allowance to spend as he wishes anymore. so i get constant calls. there's the legitimate stuff like toilet paper and toothpaste. but i also get the calls that he wants money so he can go to the store and buy a pie, or some chips or some chocolate milk or, get this... some sugar to put on his cereal! so having to step up my involvement with the smaller details like that has been challenging. but i'm very thankful that Ben also stepped up how was able to and helps my dad test his blood sugar and meds, and even learned how to give insulin shots! so that helps tremendously and we don't have to worry about being there everyday to manage that piece of it.

so tra-lal-la, we carry on.