And then there were two…

Both my parents are now in the same care home, temporarily at least. My Dad just couldn’t manage at home on his own and has gone for 2 weeks’ respite care. Before you say “oh how nice for them to be together again”, I’ll step in and say you probably don’t know my parents. The lovely care home staff are doing a brilliant job of caring for them both with their completely different needs and also separating them when they are winding each other up….

I am a bit exhausted but carrying on. If anyone else tells me to make a little time for myself I may scream because although it’s a kind thing to say a) I am already aware I must do this and b) this idea seems to be just adding to my already extremely busy to do list. The correct support I need right now is just acknowledgement of how hard my situation is. “That sounds horrendous” or something along those lines. I have also recently received a couple of surprise little gifts from friends which is lovely to have something for myself. The only shopping I do right now is clothes, toiletries etc for each of my parents. My Mum seems to have a constant need for Ricola herbal sweets. I have to take a packet every time I see her, but not the original flavour as she doesn’t like them. Similarly Kleenex tissues in a cube. She does not ever want to be without them, and they have to be in the cube. My Dad has needed new shorts and is very happy in his jersey material blue shorts from M & S. They are really soft and comfortable around his post op areas. So nice I went back for the green ones too. “Gail bought me these shorts” he told the neighbour proudly before we left for the care home.

Nothing much else to report. Work tomorrow. Cinema tomorrow night to see “Where the Crawdads sing” provided there are no more emergencies with my parents, or anyone else for that matter. Hope you’re doing well. If you’re currently caring for a loved one you have my particular warm wishes. I know what you’re going through and it’s really tough! Bye 4 now Xx