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Hi Cheri,
That's quite alright :)
I do what any red blooded American girl would do... I talk to them about my concerns. They know what needs to be done, as to their memory loss, as it has been brought up with their doctors. It's just a matter of getting them to remember to follow through... hmmmm...
Yep, I'm of the sandwich generation. It's very, very difficult to juggle time, kids and parents. There's so much to do and it never stops. And although I'm not ready for it (who is), the time is now. And I'm afraid I'm alone in this, as my older sister only lives 45 minutes away, but seems to be oblivious to whats going on. Or maybe she just doesn't wish to face it. I live less than 15 minutes from our folks. So I am the one they call on when they need help with something.
Dad works out at the local gym three days a week, doing a cardiac
workout. He has heart disease, diabetes (treated with diet, so far),
high blood pressure and other various health problems. He just came out
of the President's seat at the local Lion's Club (3rd term), and is
actually talking about taking a part time job as a salesman (the
customers won't know what hit them - dad could sell ice cubes to
Eskimos - LOL). All-in-all, he stays pretty active. Anyway, he's on
lots of meds for the health issues. I've voiced my concerns that
perhaps in some way, the meds are a contributing factor with the memory
problems.
As for Mom... she has been a housewife for many years. She's never ill,
ever. (the last time she was in the hospital was a few years ago when
her blood pressure bottomed out (62/40). We almost lost her). That was
the first time she had been in the hospital for more than 20 years.
Overall, she's healthy as a horse. Altough she's a homebody, she goes
with Dad to play cards (she doesn't play, just visits), and to
breakfast once a week. They have card parties at their house, with
their friends, and other get togethers as well.
I've been concerned about their driving as well. A couple of months ago, Dad had a heart cath appointment. As their usual taxi driver (mom won't drive in town anymore, it scares her), I was along for the ride to the hospital to drive them both home. Dad pulled up to a red light, waited for the traffic to clear, and then pulled out... right in front of a car... I thought I was going to have heart failure.
I've also be thinking about attending their doctor's appts as well. Sometimes when they tell me about their doctor's appt, things they tell me don't make sense (like something is left out). So I feel that I should hear it from the horses mouth, so to speak.
As to me... I'm trying to overcome my lack of confidence. I have gotten active here at Adland again, and that's a start.
I will check the writings of Ester and Jerry Hicks... I need all the teachings I can get right now. :)
My kids play Sorry with my folks, and love it. I think I'll challenge them to a tournament of Scrabble. (even though Dad always kick my behind - LOL).
Oh, and I've found wonderful resources from AARP. Thanks!
I didn't mean for this to turn into a gut-wrenching glimpse of my life. But I thought perhaps someone might read it who is going through the same thing, and help them. Or maybe they can connect with me and we can support each other.
I've been told I'm stubborn as a mule, as I can say I come by it naturally.
Thanks for listening,
Lisa :`)
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