An Era Comes to an End

Thanks to all of you for your support as I have been on this caregiving journey with my father. He died fairly peacefully on Thursday, February 24th with my son and I by his side. My one regret is that I wasn't able to get there while he was still conscious but I have to think he knew I was there with him.

I will write more when I get through the craziness of getting ready for the funeral on Wednesday and continuing to work on cleaning out the apartment.

RIP Lee Griffin 1917-2011 - good man, loving husband and father, and one of my best friends ever.

Time to take the Christmas tree down!

I've been home for a week and think it is finally time to take the Christmas tree down. Honestly, I probably would have continued ignoring it but seemed kind of weird eating Valentine's dinner with it sitting there.

I've been trying to catch up on all the issues that occurred at home, work and volunteering in my 3 week absence. Back to Iowa on 2/25 so have a lot to get done in the mean time. That is why I'm sitting here drinking coffee and talking to you. Time management through procrastination!

Given our cash flow with all of the travel expenses, I'm thinking about doing a Ravelry destash. I think I got a little carried away on sock yarn in the last year or two and could probably lose a little fiber without too much pain. Anyone ever done one? Any suggestions or advice?

Dad is continuing to decline and still not happy. My father-in-law also just went on hospice so could be an interesting year. Trying to stay focused on what we can do to support each other through this. Thanks for helping be my lifeline when I need something to hang on to :-)

My slavedriver boss says "Back to work" so off I go.

A passing sweater

I finished Rowan's new sweater although the photo doesn't do it justice. The yarn is Simply Soft and actually a lovely blue. Didn't have the $$ to do it in wool so went for the sale acrylic. Thankfully I actually like the yarn and it washes well for an active toddler.

Dad is moved and I am wading through drawers and closets trying not to get side-tracked down memory lane. I am already worried about leaving, as he is moving and thinking slower every day.

I've been waiting since he fell and went to the ER on December 14 for the emotional melt down I knew was coming. It finally hit last night and I cried for about an hour. Still felt some emotional hangover today but am at least functional again. I'm suspecting his meltdown will come when I have to leave and he has only strangers to turn to for help. I hate to be such a downer lately but life generally sucks right now for a variety of reasons.

This probably means I need to do more exercise, more knitting and better self care if I'm going to keep moving ahead.

On the up side, I get a dose of grandson sunshine this weekend before heading home. That is worth smiling about!