The trip

Not really sure how to start tonight. So many things are on my mind. Tom and I made it to FL. We cleaned, sorted, packed, pitched, donated, cleaned, fixed things, and did I mention cleaned? It was quite the experience. In a way, I felt like I was disassembling my dad's life. Kind of a sad thing, but we made it through the experience. Tom is driving back with a load of stuff.

I did learn a few things.
1. If I ever doubted my decision to have my dad come live with us, I no longer have that doubt.
2. I learned that my dad and his wife had a good life there, full of activities and friends...but there was definitely a change in all that over the past few years that many had noticed.
3. I learned that I can relax! :)
4. Some day, someone will be going through my things, my treasures, and they will be cleaning, sorting, packing, pitching, donating, and fixing things.

I went to my support group tonight. :) I wanted some words of wisdom about how to integrate my dad's things into my home. In a nutshell, I am going to just fit them in. And if my dad says anything, short answers are best. If he does ask about his home, one woman suggested that I just say, "it's still there". Great response! Short and sweet. I can't say that my concerns about his reactions are gone, but I do feel better about it. I am told there is a possibility that he may not even notice his things. That would be a good thing...but a sad thing too.

Last but not least, my dad is still at Village Oaks, and I really miss him! My daughter has visited him twice, even took her dog over once. She said all the residents really enjoyed their visit. And my good friend visited him too - even sent me a picture of him on the phone while I was in FL. I have this feeling inside that my dad is going to be really mad at me for having him go there. I'll work on that...because I know I'm wrong!