I want to tell you about our recent trip to Houston. We had not been down to see my dad in quite some time and thought that last weekend would be the perfect chance. Nobody would be busy with their 4th of July plans and we could stay with my brother and sister in law. My dad had undergone a recent heart procedure and I wanted to see for myself that he was doing okay.
We left early Saturday morning, after taking care of the usual weekend chores around our house. It was a pleasant drive except for a short 30 minute delay on I-45 while a funeral procession entered and then exited the freeway.
We stopped by the cemetery and visited my mother’s grave. It really is a lovely spot and will always be well maintained by the government, since it’s a national cemetery. Sadly though, there were so many new graves since we had last been there. The World War II veterans and their spouses are dying at such a rapid rate.
Next we headed for a quick bite of lunch at our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. Of course the soccer game was on and that was fun to watch……for a while. We did not mind missing the end of the game, since the US unfortunately lost.
Then we were finally off to see my dad. He was in good shape and happy to see us. He always needs help with a few electronic devices, etc. Since his vision has deteriorated so much, the VA has given him a few new “toys” to help him.
He has a new telephone with huge numbers that makes it so much easier for him to place calls. The greatest device was a large “machine” upon which he can place newspapers and other reading material, that is then projected onto a background in huge type size that he can easily read. That is so perfect for him.
Our next stop was to Target to purchase an answering machine for his new phone and a surge protector for his new “reading machine.” We also bought a lock for his newly acquired storage unit, conveniently located at his senior living community, or at his apartment as he calls it.
I would love to have driven by our old home to see what is happening there with the new owners, but we just did not have enough time. Plus I’m sure the vast majority of work would have been going on inside and we would not have been able to see it anyway. Next time we will drive by there for sure.
We connected, assembled and plugged in all the new gadgets and gave my dad several lessons on them. I think his greatest difficulty is just that he can’t see well enough. It isn’t that he can’t figure them out.
By then it was time for dinner. We met my brother and sister in law and Dad took us all out to one of his favorite new little Italian restaurants close to him. It was a lovely evening and fun to catch up with all the happenings in our kids’ lives, etc. We drove Dad back to his apartment, made sure he was safely in (against his wishes), kissed goodbye and left for my brother’s house. We continued chatting until everyone was tired and ready for bed.
Chris and I had left MD in charge while we were gone for 1 night, so knew that everything was in good shape. We did, however, receive a call from a new client that afternoon. We needed to head back to Dallas early Sunday morning, so that we could meet personally with them in the afternoon. After stopping at our favorite bbq spot in Fairfield, we arrived home in plenty of time to prepare the documents and meet with the new clients.
While it always seems that our trips to Houston are so quick and not relaxing at all, they really are necessary. I have to see for myself that my dad is doing okay and help him with any projects that have to be done in person. Although I continue to assist him daily with paying bills, looking up phone numbers and simple conversation, there are just some things that can only be done in person. And Chris and I both love going down there and being able to do that.
Dad is still talking about coming up here later this month. It will be my mother’s birthday and his first without her in almost 70 years. I think that’s a grand idea. And while my dad does have a new caregiver who drives him and takes care of him from time to time, it will be nice for him to be away from Houston on that anniversary. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet her on this trip. That’s another next time event.
I hope that you enjoy this blog and hearing/reading about our family. We experience the same struggles and joys as you with caring about and for our parents. Call us at 214-389-9401 to discover the many ways we can help you experience the peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is well cared for. Look at our website at www.hereforyouhomecare.com and find out about the VA benefit that could be available for your family.
More news, tips, information and chat will be coming your way soon. I plan on telling you about our daughters’ adventures. One is planning a houseboat trip in Canada and the younger one is experiencing the joys and dangers of living in New York City.
Thanks and I’ll see you next time, Jan
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