UNDERGOING CHANGES

Blog Change: If you haven't checked into Namasté blog recently, you haven't seen the changes in the banner that I'm attempting to make on my blog header. I'm excited I used Piknik (as instructed by Mary Ann on her blog)! Now, I only have to figure out how to center the title, and I'm set to go. As I become more skilled in using the program, I'll be changing the blog banner with different photos along the way. Today's banner features one of my last summer's dahlias. Seeing it makes me want to zoom ahead into spring and summer. (By the way, Piknic is a free service on the web. All you have to do is go to the site and register.)

Life Change: The greatest change to report today, however, is that my father (87) finally realized my mom (89) can no longer care for him, and agreed to go live with his principal caretaker, Pansy. In fact, the move took place earlier today.

When I talked to my mom just a while ago, I asked her what it felt like to watch him leave after living with him for 63 years, and her response was that she felt like she just needed to crawl in the bed and take a nap. That speaks volumes in terms of her fatigue. She's cared for Papa everyday of the week since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over 30 years ago, sometimes getting up as many as 17 times a night to assist him. Were it not for her nursing skills, infatigable patience and love, her beloved Zeb would have been in an assisted living center long ago. In the past few years, he's become very feeble.

And lucky are Papa and we to have Pansy in our lives. She's a good match for Papa...a career caregiver whom we met when Daddy was in a facility after his back surgery several years back. Pansy's a mountain woman and lives fairly near where Papa grew up...She's strong in body and spirit and so loving and compassionate...one of those very, very special persons who loves old people and cares for them in her home. She provides great relief for us since we know Daddy will be better cared for with Pansy than any other place on earth, short of with Mom.

My heart is full of love for my both my parents today. Daddy's never been one to leave home, to want to be away...I know coming to the final realization he is more than Mom can take care of breaks his heart...

However, we've all known that this day was soon to come. When I talked to Mom earlier as Daddy was about to leave home, I will confess that the tears flowed for a moment, but then a wave of relief swept over me as I affirmed in my heart that this huge change for our family really is for the best...

I hold Papa and Petie close in my heart today and give huge thanks for all they have done for me and my children...