Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Just Breathe


Breath is the link between the inner and outer worlds.
- Alice Christensen

You know how when you start something there is sometimes that moment in which you inwardly shriek in terror at the Herculean task you have accepted? At the moment of inception, there is such a great doubt that you can ever complete such a monumental undertaking?

I must say when we started cleaning Dad’s house a year and a half ago, I really didn’t think that this day would ever come. I tried to imagine it and stay true to the plan but in my head, I had my doubts.

Last week we used our vacation to clean the house and move my Father to the same assisted living as my Mother. This gigantic task could not have been completed without the support and strong muscles of my soul mate and best friend. DH has been a miracle to me throughout this entire process…as he always is. I am very blessed.

My sister who has been through the whole process, mourned with me and Dad as we moved him out of his home. Sis was amazing at helping us do what needed to be done and being able to fill in the gaps as we went. She helped set up Dad at AL when I was too tired to move and helped make the move a smooth one. The God and Goddess have blessed me by giving me such a wonderful sister.

I was also incredibly blessed that my BF and her whole family (much to their dismay) helped us most of the week. Without her, I’m sure Dad would have never made it up here. She used her first week of summer vacation to help me move…there is no greater love than that.

My nephew also lent us a hand and made a huge difference to the time in which it took to get the truck loaded on the last day. My knitting friend came to help us when we were ready to drop and she made unloading go so much easier that we all got a second wind and could finish the job.

Nana and Pop Pop watched my son for the week and that too was a blessing since we basically left in the morning and crawled into bed each night exhausted. It was nice to know he was having fun with the people he loves.

Another knitting friend covered for me on our square project. She updated and answered e-mails and that really meant so much to me.

My support system is awesome. I am so blessed! When I needed help, everyone was there. And I can never thank you all enough. From the nice lady at Starbucks who saves me almond toffee nut bars to the nice lady learning to make drinks that poured me my mudslide on Friday night…and everyone in between…May the God and Goddess bless you all.

Having good friends is like having oxygen suddenly when you were struggling to breathe a moment before. It lightens your soul and somehow makes it all easier to bear.

I went to visit Dad and he wasn’t there so I tried again yesterday and caught him before he went out again. It was such a joy to see him so happy. As much as I know he misses the house and his old life, I can see that he is settling into this one. He has new people to tell his stories and show his pictures. There are many Vets there so he feels right at home. He is with his “beautiful girl” (that’s what he has been calling Mom the past few days) again and the loneliness of being apart from her is gone from him.

You know that commercial with the lines like…one moving truck for 4 days…one 10 foot dumpster…a year and a half of toting stuff back to our home. Dad smiling in his new room...PRICELESS. To see Dad happy makes the aches go away and it all falls into place. I am so happy and thankful…and blessed.

Last week is a blur…but I’m slowly cleaning up and finding where I was. I haven’t really been crafting much. But that is okay.

For now I’m just going to take the time to breathe and reconnect.

Bright blessings,
Ruinwen
:)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to say, I'm amazed we actually DID it, too! Your DH packed that truck to a fare-the-well. And we couldn't have done it without all the folks who pitched in and got us there.

But, you know, NONE of that would have come together if you hadn't been there the whole way, planning ahead, setting us all straight on what needed to be done. Our family is fortunate that at least one of us has a good head on her shoulders. :)

I'm glad to see that Dad seems to be making the transition, too. Not just being back near Mom, but he seems to be tackling the unpacking like a project. It's good to see.

Love you!!!

Marlene said...

I'm glad your mom and dad have the opportunity to be together again. I think it is very important to their quality of life.

There was much hullabaloo in my own community a number of years ago when the hospital's long term care facility closed down and in the process separated elderly married couples moving them to different care homes.

Birdsong said...

I am in tears reading this. So glad for you to have had success i reuniting them and adding new meaning to your dad's life at this trying time.... you are the blessing.

Jaguar Ingermania said...

:(

Sorry to hear you had to move your dad out of his house.
Sounds like it was the best for him though, he is socially active and back with your mom.

Strange how possessions tend to tie us down and isolate us sometimes.

-Jag

P.S. I can be found on facebook now

Nana Sadie said...

It's good to see you posting again, and I'm so happy that he's happy in his new "digs" - I hope, your mom is handling it well, too.

Now. Get some much deserved rest, hon!
(((Hugs)))

Geraldine said...

You are indeed blessed to have such a wonderful (and extensive) support system. It makes ALL the difference in times of crisis. Sounds like things are on the upswing, so glad that your dad is doing well and that you are able to find some time to relax more (I hope). Yes, just breathe...I need to remember that too.

Hugs dear Ruinwen, G

Anonymous said...

It's been a pleasure to be with you on this journey.

Heather said...

Sometimes the simplest things, like breathing, are the hardest. You are blessed to have such an amazing support network but the fact that you are the bomb works oodles in your favor! I'm glad things worked out as best as they could!