A Long Three Days

Photo by Jeff Norris

I think we have a long three days ahead of us. Dad just went out of town for a Buddhist retreat and Jeff, Jeffrey and I are taking care of Mom this weekend. Every time there is a change in routine, Mom gets worse, and this weekend is no different. Dad has only been gone for three hours and Mom has had quite a few challenges this morning, including opening up the upright washer as it was washing clothes so the whole washer full of water and soap spilled onto the floor.

I wish we could always keep things the same for Mom, but it is just not possible. We need to be able to sustain our lives as we care for Mom and sometimes that means the routine changes. Dad is gone and I am working most of the weekend, so most of the caregiving will fall to Jeff. Fortunately he is very calm and caring.

I am a bit scared though because Mom’s recent progression has made me start to worry about how we will still maintain our jobs and care for Mom at the same time without everything falling to Dad because he is retired. I can tell this wears on him and these past few weeks, with our other family member in the hospital, have been hard for him. I am really glad he is taking the time for his retreat this weekend.

It is getting to the point at times that if you leave Mom alone for just a few minutes, anything could happen, which makes it hard to even take a shower or work even though much of my and Jeff’s work can be done from our home offices.

We are in for a long three days, but clearly Mom’s progression shows we are in for many more long days ahead.

Blessings,

Rev. Katie