Monday, July 13, 2009

I'm Sad With A Heavy Heart

I'm sad to report that my father, who is in his mid ninety's, fell last Thursday and broke his hip. Immediately, I felt shameful for all the "fallen and I can't get up" jokes I have told in the past. I was called by a member of my fathers church who informed me that a passerby saw my father laying in the yard and called 911. I'm sad that a man that has remained so active and positive all his life has to endure this and as we all know a broken hip is often a point of no return health wise. I'm sad that his children live far away. I'm sad for as he says's "you live long enough all your friends and relatives are gone". I'm sad I don't have a better support group to help me out in times like this. I'm sad as the result of the selfish thoughts I had when I was first told:thinking I had just spent a week with my father on vacation which is more than my relatives would do. I'm sad that I feel hatred for my brother and his family that say their European vacation was already planned and they will leave tomorrow. I'm sad that I feel anger towards my nieces, who both moved into new homes recently, for more or less asking my father for house warming gifts of $2000 for washer/dryers yet have expressed little concern for his well being. So as you can sense, I'm a sad fucker.
Tomorrow, I will venture north again to the hills of home to check on my father as he moves from the hospital to a rehabilitation center. I'll see about his home and find someone to do the yard work. I'll bring his long legged dog back here to fight with my girls for now.(This should be a real nightmare since he is used to a huge yard and my back yard is 75 by 30 feet.) I predict no grass by Labor Day. I'll let my friends get my mail and take care of my girls while I'm gone.(I hate to have to ask but...) So I'm having a pity party and will not be posting the usual smut for a while. I hope you have a good week.

8 comments:

larry said...

oh rick! i'm so sorry to hear about your dad!!! thats a shame about your relatives!!! you really find out what people are made of at a time like this...my mom is 90 and her health is failing. its my job to check on her. my brother lives in denver and only comes home at xmas. my best wishes to you and your dad:-)hang in there....

Richard Wall said...

Babycakes, that's what gettin' old is all about. It ain't no place for sissies.

I am sure that you are a good son, I don't have any doubt about that.

The time comes when the child becomes the parent, and I guess that time has come for you, my friend.

It's not easy, trust me. But you will be strong and survive.

Richard

Mark in DE said...

So sorry to hear about your dad's fall. Hopefully he will recover nicely in time and be back to his usual self.

Don't feel badly for the way you feel toward your relatives. Indeed it sounds as if they are not nearly as involved with him as you, or as they should be.

Hang in there, buddy.

Ray Avito said...

My best wishes to your dad. His positive attitude will surely make a difference. I'll be sending good thoughts.

"Tommy" said...

Rick

Your are the good son.

It takes each family to have one.

I am glad your Father has you to count on.

I am sure he is proud to have you also.

tommy

Russell said...

As Tommy said, your dad is lucky to have at least one child (you) who will be there to help, and who will be thinking about him.
Sounds like he's had a good long life and this might be about the time to go. Sad that things are so difficult for him now, but you'll have good things to remember, and you'll know that you were a good son.

Ultra Dave said...

So sorry to hear about your father. I understand completely what you are going through as I went thru the same with my grandfather in 08. I wish the best for him and you.It will test you be certain,but it will truly be a test for him.

Richard Wall said...

Courage, darling man!