Just stuff... - Page 1

So, I'm happy to report that my presence here at my parents' house has been a success.  My mother is now sleeping well, Dad's in a decent mood most of the time, Drake has settled into a new routine and it's running pretty smoothly.  My goal was to stay here for support, but have as little impact as possible on the household itself.  Fortunately, there's a room in the basement with a bed, TV and couch and I have my own bathroom.  I only go upstairs if I'm needed, I can hear every foot-fall and Drake wakes me if anything goes on while I'm sleeping :)  I still have a way to go, getting my mother to just eat dinner and not wait for me.  I still have to call every day and tell her to go ahead and eat without me, I'm capable of warming leftovers.  

The entire family dynamic is something that I avoid, when possible.  I'm thankful for my brother, he keeps things on an even keel, he's always neutral.  I only have one brother and I wouldn't trade him for the world, he's the best.   The sisters can be a bit more to handle, one in particular, the oldest - of course!  But we're doing okay, no major fights.  I did hang up on her once, well deserved, but I could have gotten in the car and gone and punched her in the face, so I was pretty happy with just putting the phone down instead 

Then there's work -----> something happened today that just warmed my heart!  Last week, I got a call from a County agency about an elderly woman living in a home with dangerous conditions.  The house sits in a hollow, houses far apart and it dead-ends up a long, winding road.  It's kinda like the hollow that time forgot, if you know what I mean.  So, I walk into this house, where this elderly woman is being tended by her two elderly sisters.  As I stepped in, the floor sunk under my feet.  It put me in mind of the Clampetts' cabin in the hills of Tennessee.

Anyway, one of the care-givers coming into the home reported the conditions.  The one sister wanted to know who sent me and I told her it didn't matter, I was there to see to it they got the help they needed.  The elderly woman was removed from the home that afternoon and as I was getting the paperwork in motion, their brother came in to see what needed to be done.  I gave him a list of needed repairs and he told me the neighbors offered to pitch in and help.

With cases like this, I usually get a run-around and excuse after excuse and most of the time, the work never gets done and the house remains in disrepair, the residents are moved elsewhere and the house gets put on the demo list, eventually.

So Friday, the lady comes in to apply for a permit to do the repairs.  I felt bad charging her the fee, but she paid and off she went.  First call this morning, she wanted me to come up to check their progress.  The rooms had been emptied and new plywood covered the floors, the new tile in boxes, waiting to be laid.  There were a line of paint cans and the painting was in progress!  The next door neighbor was there, the one recovering from throat cancer, putting his finger over the hole in his neck, to talk to me.  They really pitched in and came together for this family!  In four days, the work is well under way and I'd say it will be less than a week before they can bring their sister home.

This dirt-poor family had riches well beyond what most have, the respect and care of their neighbors, who pulled together to help them stay in the only home they've ever known, and to bring their sister back into a safer environment.

These are the things that restore my faith in humanity, what an inspiration!

nice post, thanks for sharing.

Is this a temporary or permanent move for you?

Well beetree, it's permanent until and if my Dad goes into a home at some point.  I still go home every day, I drop Drake off before I go to work and pick him up on the way back, pick up my mail, make sure my nephew isn't burning the place down.  I miss my house, LOL.  I don't know how long I'll be here but I'm really the only one who's able, so it's what I'll do.  If it keeps him safe at home for a while longer, it will be well worth it.  I'm actually enjoying the time I spend with him, he's still got his sense of humor, just that it gets dark sometimes now.   I didn't spend as much time as I should have for the past couple of years, with all the garbage that's gone on in my life, but my parents were supportive and helpful when I needed them.  I'm here for the duration.  They do have a fenced yard, but it's on a busy street and there are two yappers next door, so I have to be careful when he's out, but it's one perk.  Like I told my brother, I'd rather be at home, but it's isn't awful, it works for now :)

"but it's isn't awful"


????

Just being away from your own home and even more, moving back in with your parents after being on your own forty years.  My mother and I haven't always gotten along on top of everything else.  So far, we've had a few words, but no battles.  All I can say is, she's Irish and German, wicked combination at times :)  Now throw Italian (my father, my blood) in with that mix and you'll see why we're like oil and water at times.  But when all the chips are on the table, we have each others' backs and that's what matters.

true that

Bless you GSDtravels, I don't think I could have ever done what you are doing! I do know what a relief you are to your mother, despite the "other stuff". 

YOU WILL BE BLESSED FOR THIS MOVE THAT HOPEFULLY WILL REAP GREAT BENEFITS TO YOUR BOND WITH mom

Give Drake a hug for me...you behave now...lol
Am on the way  to the ocean view here in Costa mesa...do watch for  my messages as I get near Jackies house in the big city....lol

wish you were with us..I  know full well how you love to do this....we have met some fabulous dogs and people on this leg..Hugo is at the end and I cannot wait.

ttyl
YR

for you and mom and dad

 

Oh I do wish I could be there, but we'd probably get into trouble, the three of us together :)  Give Jackie big hugs and smooch those pooches.  Get some good fresh eggs while you're there, make her cook breakfast, LOL.  Drake went to work with me this morning, I only had to go for two hours.  I'm getting some home time, waiting for a furnace guy.  Hopefully, I don't need a new furnace, but I sure am getting some cleaning done!  I feel like I'm playing hooky!