Saturday, January 10, 2026

Sitting with DH while he watches the the Green Bay vs Bears game. More of the same today, planning, calling, chatting with my Dad. When I got up this morning my Dad was coming in from a walk. He's a life long walker, and used to do 5 miles every day, now he does about a mile at almost 88. He told me it did feel good to walk when he wanted to, and not worry. A little less talking, and he was busy doing lots of sweeping etc. He has been doing non stop care so he seems a little surprised about the time he has. My brother texted me what's Dad doing. At that time I said he's watching You Tube videos about making fire proof cement. Pizza Ovens for everyone! I can see he is anxious though, about when we have to leave.

DD is flying in at 2pm, so we will leave here at noon, and then we are going to stay at our house overnight. DB is going to stay overnight. Then the three of us will come back Monday. DS is coming Tuesday night.

I appreciate hearing your experiences about coping with the death of your parents.DH's parents died over 30 years ago, and we were so young the overriding feeling was utter shock. For many years, I had mostly made peace with the hurts of the past, but these last sad, chaotic, demanding years really shook that. I agree, I think I will get into that more peaceful place. It doesn't mean the hurts didn't happen, but they weren't the only part of the story.

We are going to Brazil on the 19th now, so only one week later than planned. Unfortunately, it just did not work to extend the trip. Our trip interruption insurance will pay the difference between the tickets we had to cancel, and the more expensive ones we need to buy, as long as they are the same class. There were no seats to buy later in the month in that same class, so we are keeping our original dates. It's okay, we still have 5 weeks. And maybe this will give me a better argument to go on one more warm vacation in the spring when winter is still dragging on. I'm feeling bad leaving my Dad so soon, but he says go, and my brother says he will take care of him. And I know I can't stay here in his house forever.

Today when I was standing at the sink washing some dishes, it was so pretty looking out at the lake, and I thought about how many times my Mom stood there, and now never will again. And then I thought one day, I will not be standing at this sink or any sink looking out the window too, and someone I will never know will stand in my place. And that is life. The wheel turns as it must.

So sorry to hear that the sinus infections and viruses keep boomeranging! Keep healing Peps. I think you are going to have an awesome outcome.

It sounds like your Dad is doing pretty well. And that he is pretty competent. It will be interesting to hear what he does with his life. Maybe find some new activities?

Yes, a vacation by a pool to end the winter might be a good idea for you. Sorry your trip is shortened but at least you can still go.

Sorry your Brazil trip has to be shortened. You will still have a great time. I like the idea of trying to get another trip in during the Spring, which we both know is more like winter in MN!

Your Dad sounds like he is doing pretty good. I?m sure if he likes to tinker, he will be able to find stuff to keep him busy. Hopefully for him most of the finances etc. are in his name. That was my biggest pain after Ben died. It took a good month of full days working on paperwork!

We brought my Mom to our house for the Holidays after my Dad had passed at the end of October. I think we had planned 2 weeks but she really just wanted to get back ?home? after that first week. I thought getting away would be good for her but she just needed the comfort of the familiar and maybe needed the solitude too to process her grief.