I called dad many times this week before I finally reached him. The first 4 days I kept calling his room phone without a response. Then I tried to call the aides. The first time they told me he was in the lounge asleep on the couch. Should they wake him? I said no, I would call back later. The second time they said he was with a group of people headed towards an activity. I said they should not disturb him. I would call again the next day.
The next day when I called dad’s room again he didn’t answer. This time when I called the aides, they brought the cordless phone to him in the lounge. His mood was very upbeat. He asked where I was but didn’t ask when I was coming home, though I did tell him. He said I should have fun and enjoy myself while I am here.
(It struck me as so different from the phone calls I had with mom that last year she was alive. She kept telling me it was too long to wait for me to come see her again, even though it was less than 2 months away. It is refreshing to have dad so relaxed about our time apart.)
I reminded dad that if he needs anything he can ask one of the companions and they will purchase it for him. He said he was fine and didn’t need anything.
I asked if he was happy and he said yes, he was doing very well. I asked dad about his shoes and he said he is wearing loafers that look like slippers and they fit well. (I wondered if it really WAS the slippers.)
Anyway, it was uplifting to talk to him as he was so positive and happy. I wish mom could have been like that when they were in assisted living. Mom worried all the time about everything and seemed afraid to enjoy the pleasures of each day.
Dad just doesn’t worry about anything. And I think having Mary free to talk to him every day makes him very happy too.
it is awesome that he does so well, but there would have been a tiny spot in me that wished he would have said hurry home
Yes. Me too. I find myself wondering how I will fit in when I get home and visit him. If he is sitting and holding hands with his lady friend, will I take a chair and pull it up across from him? It will all work out, I’m sure and I don’t want to take away from the happiness he has with his new friend. I am glad he is happy.
I am too and you will just pull up a chair and chat with him and his lady friend like it happens every day!
It must be such a relief to know he is happy.
Yes, Julie, it sure is. I would feel really bad to be away on vacation if dad were unhappy day after day.