I can relate, Gary. My sister, who I am very close to, has Parkinson’s and dementia. The last two months have been a free fall, trying to make her comfortable and take care of her. It has been one emergency right after another. Tomorrow she goes on hospice, which makes us very happy because they can get her pain under control. I have never experienced this level of stress, but hospice will really help. I am so sorry about what you and your daughter are going through. So hard.
I was so glad to see your post Gary. It had been a while and I was concerned. Your post today helped me more than you know. I’ve been in my own dark place for a few months. You, and some of those posting, really understand this headspace that feels like a bardo. I’ve realized that I need some coping strategies for liminal space because I don’t do very well in it, yet find myself there more than I’d like. I meditate and hopefully over time I will see some relief from the monkey mind. Bless you for what you are doing for your daughter. What an incredible Dad you are. I don’t care how old we are, we will always need our parents either emotionally, physically, or both. You’re a special, caring soul. Thanks again for a great piece. I’ll hold special thoughts for you and your family. And for your dear neighbor Kent.
Thanks, Anne. I think it's time for a behind the paywall posting where me and my little group of paid subscribers can talk privately. I think I will post that Wednesday. Anyway it is time for me to go 50/50, paid and free on Substack. Thanks for your encouragement, Anne.
I'm 65 and your writings on aging has helped me so much! Thank you, my dad's birthday is today, he turns 90! I admire you for being there for your daughter...if only we all had father's as loving & kind as you! Take care of yourself 🧡💙🧡
Thank you for this. I believe that all we can do is endeavour to live our best life possible, to be kind and compassionate but also understanding that we are human and forgive ourselves when we are less than we want to be. I've been in your shoes Gary, helping a daughter, knowing that the "loans" would NOT be paid back, but loving her all the same and doing whatever I could to keep her afloat. I'm 83, she is 59 and she is stable, and trying to live her best life too. I don't regret or resent the dollars spent for her relief even though we never had much. When I die any money left (it won't be very much) will be scattered around for those in need and I can only hope that my kindness will somehow make the days brighter. We can only do what we can do.
I'm so sorry your family is struggling - it's so hard to watch people we love suffer. Wishing you all the very best possible outcomes. This life is full of such beauty and such pain.
Thanks for sharing this difficult story and situation. It can't be easy seeing her go through a tough time and I'm sure she appreciates your being there for her.
I’m sorry for what you’re going through Gary. I hope you can gain strength by sharing your circumstances and receive compassion from this community. May every day be a new opportunity for things to turn around or provide meaning to our lives. Good to have you back.
I can relate, Gary. My sister, who I am very close to, has Parkinson’s and dementia. The last two months have been a free fall, trying to make her comfortable and take care of her. It has been one emergency right after another. Tomorrow she goes on hospice, which makes us very happy because they can get her pain under control. I have never experienced this level of stress, but hospice will really help. I am so sorry about what you and your daughter are going through. So hard.
Sydney, I'm sorry about your sister. It must feel like a never-ending struggle. We have to be there for the ones we love.
I was so glad to see your post Gary. It had been a while and I was concerned. Your post today helped me more than you know. I’ve been in my own dark place for a few months. You, and some of those posting, really understand this headspace that feels like a bardo. I’ve realized that I need some coping strategies for liminal space because I don’t do very well in it, yet find myself there more than I’d like. I meditate and hopefully over time I will see some relief from the monkey mind. Bless you for what you are doing for your daughter. What an incredible Dad you are. I don’t care how old we are, we will always need our parents either emotionally, physically, or both. You’re a special, caring soul. Thanks again for a great piece. I’ll hold special thoughts for you and your family. And for your dear neighbor Kent.
Thanks, Anne. I think it's time for a behind the paywall posting where me and my little group of paid subscribers can talk privately. I think I will post that Wednesday. Anyway it is time for me to go 50/50, paid and free on Substack. Thanks for your encouragement, Anne.
You have inspired this reader, Gary. Thank you.
Thank you, Julie.
I'm 65 and your writings on aging has helped me so much! Thank you, my dad's birthday is today, he turns 90! I admire you for being there for your daughter...if only we all had father's as loving & kind as you! Take care of yourself 🧡💙🧡
Thank you, Kay. Tell your father happy birthday for me. 90's quite a milestone. I'm so happy my writing helps you.
Thank you for this. I believe that all we can do is endeavour to live our best life possible, to be kind and compassionate but also understanding that we are human and forgive ourselves when we are less than we want to be. I've been in your shoes Gary, helping a daughter, knowing that the "loans" would NOT be paid back, but loving her all the same and doing whatever I could to keep her afloat. I'm 83, she is 59 and she is stable, and trying to live her best life too. I don't regret or resent the dollars spent for her relief even though we never had much. When I die any money left (it won't be very much) will be scattered around for those in need and I can only hope that my kindness will somehow make the days brighter. We can only do what we can do.
I'm so sorry your family is struggling - it's so hard to watch people we love suffer. Wishing you all the very best possible outcomes. This life is full of such beauty and such pain.
Thanks, Shannon. I appreciate you.
Hi from Australia Gary … Could some Crowd Funding help you out a bit with your daughter?
Thanks for sharing this difficult story and situation. It can't be easy seeing her go through a tough time and I'm sure she appreciates your being there for her.
I think she does, Daniel. And writing about it and reading the comments has helped and encouraged me. Thanks.
I’m sorry for what you’re going through Gary. I hope you can gain strength by sharing your circumstances and receive compassion from this community. May every day be a new opportunity for things to turn around or provide meaning to our lives. Good to have you back.