Our Parents

We've all been told what it's like when our parents start aging and we begin the process of being care givers for our parents. While my siblings and I aren't completely there yet we are getting our toes in the water some. It makes it even more difficult when there are many miles between us and the burden is left on the shoulders of just one or two of the kids more so than the others. I thought I would take a moment to reflect just a moment on our parents and how much they mean to us.

We are fortunate enough to have our parents and our "bonus" parents and we have been very fortunate in our lives. My mom is in the hospital now and it is up to my sisters in NC to be there for her and help out where they can. She hasn't felt well for quite some time, but she can be quite hard headed (she must get that from my younger sister) so there is no telling how long she has felt like this. We do know she has lost a ton of weight and the doctors are running tests on her now. Our hope is that she will only be in the hospital for a couple of days and then be back home. She has an extra reason to be home in a couple of days because my niece has prom Saturday and Granny will be very disappointed if she isn't there to see her all dressed up. However, Jorden has already informed her friends that in the event she isn't home they will be making a stop at the hospital so Granny can see them. I know she will love that.

Daddy has been doing so much better over this last year, but we still can't help but worry every time he has an off day. He got a good report from the memory center yesterday and we were all so relieved. He tells us all the time that he is doing great and feels fine, but we really believe he only tells us that so we won't schedule him another doctor's appointment. Ha!

Our "bonus" dad has been very healthy over the last few years and we are thankful for that and glad he is able to care for mom as much as he has.

Our "bonus" mom had open heart surgery less than a year ago and she has done a remarkable job of recovering, but it was very scary. She just spends her time taking care of daddy and helping the youngest sister with her kids and just enjoying being Nana.

We are very fortunate that there haven't been more illnesses with our parents and as they do get older I am sure we will face other obstacles as we go along this journey, but the one thing I know for certain is that we have a strong loving family and no matter what comes along we will all be there for each other together and that's what will get us through. I want to pay tribute to all my siblings and thank them for just being who they are and always the ones I can call on should I need them and knowing they will be there means more than any words can express. So with that, I thank you; Clay, Dawn, Rae, Paige, Amanda, and Stacy. I love you all very much and you can always count on me for anything.