“Dad and I go to the local farmer’s market every Saturday morning. We get a coffee and a pastry, and I always make sure Dad has money in his wallet -- and a list of what we need. He’s now made friends with all the local vendors and we’re supporting our community!”
-- James from Smyrna, Georgia
P.S. wishing you peace.
I feel your frustration Poohbahh....a lot of us are in the same boat and often it feels like we are sinking faster than its humanly possible to bale water.. I did have a full time job but needed so much time off to take care of Dad who died of cancer then Mom who is 94 and has dementia, that my job could no longer accommodate me. Dad was a military lifer, Mom raised the kids and her job was work inside the home not outside...so she doesnt have SS or Medicare..leaving me to take care of her 24/7. So,this is my life now and I'm 64 years old...would of loved to have things work out differently, to live happily ever after with a life of my own! I do the best I can and keep reminding my self that Mom was always there for me...I know she would have held my had to the end, I am determined to do the same for her. It's been 6 years now. Oh, I no longer worry about my Mom as much as myself...when I do have my life back..who's going to hire me, how will I get by financially, etc. as much as I believe in myself for doing the right thing.....it's still overwhelming at times. Poohbahh, I don't know you but I'm sending you positive thoughts...you can count on that! Try not to feel guilty about anytime you can carve out for yourself.. YOU NEED IT. = )
Sometimes I read these articles and wonder if the proponents ever do anything besides worry about what's best for and devote all their waking hours to mom or dad. Don't they work? Don't any of them have a life? I'm trying to figure out how to work full time, juggle three, then two, and now only one elderly parent, and still have some time for myself without feeling guilty for every minute I carve out.