Family First

Last night my husband and I had dinner with a good friend of ours that we met while living in Tampa, Florida.  I adore his wife, and we have kids around the same age who have always gotten along really well.  It was wonderful catching up with him, and getting to hear what is new in their world.  During our one of our conversations, he told us that his father will be moving in with them in the Spring instead of heading into assisted living housing.  He said that his father would really prefer to be with family, and I really respect my friends for being so unselfish and supporting him.  This made me start thinking about my parents, and my husband's parents, and about some of the tough decisions that we will probably have to make one day.

Dinner at Fats... yum!

Deciding on how to care for an aging parent must be really difficult.  Each family is different, and has different needs, so there can't be one answer for everyone.  My grandmother really thrived in an assisted living program, as she was so social and enjoyed that aspect of it.  On the other hand, my grandfather seemed to go downhill quickly after being placed in one.

Thankfully my parents are still young and very healthy.  Although I have been threatening them both with the "Sunshine Home" since I was a teenager, when this time comes for them, their happiness will be the most important thing to me.  I will gladly welcome them into my home, or help them in anyway they need.  There has never been a day in my life when I couldn't count on my parents to be there for me if I needed them.  I hope they know they can always count on me for love and support too.

                               

                                     My Dad

My Mom