Tender Loving Care

I read an article in the March issue of Woman's Day magazine that provoked such feeling for me about my parents. This story was told from the elderly woman's point of view, her daughter's and her granddaughter's. This rang more true for me as I am down here in Georgia with my dad as he is going through surgery for the 4th time in 1 1/2 years. I am seeing him deteriorate as he ages and become dependent on others care. This is the man who was my rock growing up and is in my adult life also. He was and is my hero. I believe we are becoming closer with these trips I take down here. I am not going to ask him, Dad, how does this dependency really make you feel? I am not that brave. I ask him how he feels physically. Do you need or want anything Dad? My mom is there for his personal needs.

I do know that I am afraid to lose him. There is so much more I want to say. So more more I need to know about him. One thing I am amazed about is that my oldest brother just turns him away and doesn't bother to call. Doesn't he realize that one day he will be gone? There will be no more chances. I hate the fact that I am so far away and cannot come over whenever I want to. Or when he calls and needs something. My parents are at the stage of their lives when they need us kids to be there for them. They need us to help them around the house.

I am grateful I can be here now and share in the recovery with my dad. I have to remember that "...yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That is why it called the present." Alice Morse Earle


"Do not regret growing old, it's a privilege denied to many" Unknown

www.womansday.com/Articles/Lifestyle/Real-Life-3-Generations-of-Caretakers.html

Feeling My Roots

I sat yesterday at the hospital waiting for my dad to get discharged and read old issues of Southern Living magazine. What nostalgia! There was an article on writing a thank-you note. Thankfully, I passed. This magazine makes me feel that I could move back and open a quaint shop and grow a beautiful garden. And of course cook a great southern meal. Which we all know I can do that! Maybe I am just manic. That is possible being down here in this warmth and sunshine. I do know this, these little ole towns that are now charging $200 a night to stay in their hotels, farms, and ranches used to be just blips in the road. I bet they are still just blips in the road with over priced hotels.

BTW, if no one told you they loved you today I do.


"Growing up Southern is a privilege, really. It's more than where you're born, it's an idea and state of mind that seems imparted at birth. It's more than loving fried chicken, sweet tea, football, and country music. It's being hospitable, devoted to front porches, magnolias, moon pies and coca-cola... and each other. We don't become Southern - we're born that way."
Unknown

How to Build an AA Network

ehow.com
by an ehow contributor

Serenity Now

Yesterday I was saying the Serenity Prayer for some tolerance. Then later it dawned on me, or came to me divinely, that I cannot control this person but I can control how I react to her. Now I know this is not new to most people and it is not new to me either. Considering this person's age, she is more than likely not going to change and I am going to love her as she is, quirks and all. I thought more and decided an amends was in the works for making a judgment on her driving. Also, an intervention may need to be scheduled for her dependence on Frontierville. Just saying.

Topic seen on a sobriety forum: "What did you replace the drink with??"
I answered with some of my daily routines such as:

My volunteer positions with the hospital and the Alano club
Meetings and meetings after the meetings
Lunch and coffee with my AA friends
Reading
Mall walking with other sober people
Family time
Thrift stores and yard sales


Some said they replaced drinking with life and some said we must learn to become ok in our own skin. I did replace drinking with life. AA gave me life and helped me become comfortable in my skin. I was a depressive wreck who could barely leave the house before I got sober. I wanted to die most of the time. My bipolar was not being treated since I was drinking. Today I am free.


"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."
— William W. Purkey

Buckwheat Zydeco - Make A Change - 1989 - Live - Oz TV

TBP

Interesting pic I found on my phone yesterday. This is The Band Perry who are up for Best Country Song Grammy award this year. This was taken Memorial Day 2010 at Fox Creek High School in N. Augusta, SC. This is when they were touring fairs and small towns. Now they are doing concerts and the Ellen show! I love it!

Yesterday was a rough day for Dad. He was starting to feel the pain from his knee surgery. He didn't sleep well the first night at the hospital. Mom woke with a killer cramp in her foot and then later closed her hand in the garage door. We did go to Christie's house and have a good dinner and a wonderful visit. The day ended on a good note as always and we were both very tired.

Today's Gift reading from Hazleden is about self-care with families and having boundaries and choices. I'm so glad that today I can choose with love for my family and for myself. I don't have to feel guilt and shame today.

"Every day is a fresh beginning; listen, my soul, to the glad refrain."
Sarah Chauncey Woolsey

Dad got through the surgery just great.

Dad made it through yesterday's surgery just fine. Except for when they tried to give him the spinal, which didn't work, and tried for an hour to get it in. I asked him if he hurt and he said "no" but said he had 6 or 8 holes in his back. I personally thought that would hurt. But that could just be me. He is a tough old dog.

Went to a meeting last night and ended up in the Big Book meeting. I always get nervous in an out-of-town meeting. I do let them know I am a guest. The meeting was about Bill's story; the part where he sees Ebby and says he got religion. I reflected on how I felt when I read Bill's story. Also about my spiritual experience.  Good meeting and a woman gave me her phone#. Isn't it amazing how AA works no matter where you go?  Man, I love this program!

I have to say, I am truly grateful for this weather while I am here.  Yesterday was rainy and 40 and I can honestly say I was glad it wasn't snowing and 10 degrees. Today should be in the high 50's. I love it! Can't wait for Dave and I to come down in April. I hate that he has to be back in Michigan while I am enjoying this fine weather. I will definitely get out today and get my walk in. I started my running program on Sunday but officially it starts today.


I can't; He can; I think I'll let Him.


"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." --Abraham Lincoln

Super Bowl Sunday

I got to Augusta yesterday to Mom and Dad's. Blessed to be able to be here for Dad's surgery tomorrow.

Today is 17 months sober! I can't tell you the gratitude I have for the wonderful life I have today due to my sobriety. So I am starting this blog over to a new day and time in my life. I just remembered today that I had this blog. We will see how it goes.