When Dad moved to Texas in August and Mom in September, our lives were turned up side down. Not just my own, but my parents and my little family here. I've handled the emotional side and my brilliant husband continues to handle the financial side. Team work! Family and friends in AR suffered too as my parents were moved hours away. I am not blind to that! Much like our 2 youngest children were moved 1/2 a world away from the people who had invested in their early years, a move of any kind affects so many. I'm just thankful I didn't have to move my parents to the other side of the world! Yikes! That makes me sweat just thinking about it.
Having Parents Near:
1. I'm thankful first of all that my parents moved "somewhat willingly"! That is a miracle and an answer to prayer! Even family members and my attorney were nervous about necessary assistance we would need.
When Dad moved, it went pretty smooth. My uncle and my mom's best friend came over to support. My aunt and uncle on Mom's side came to offer help too. Of course, Russ and the kids were there. They watched it all unfold as if it were a tv show. Dad willingly got in my car, along with Tipper. Even though he forgot who I was about 3 hours into the drive, he stayed with me. When he finally remembered me 2 days later, we took the kids school supply shopping and out to McDonald's before he moved into his apartment.
When Mom moved, it was a little more detailed. I told some friends to pray for 8am one day. When 8am rolled around, I made my move and to my surprise, Mom said "let me get my shoes and purse". That whole transition took a few more weeks, but God handled every single detail. It was a rushed trip at the last minute. Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ping made that drive with us. I needed them and didn't even know it until the day of. Again, an answer to prayer!
2. My kids can learn from their grandparents. I visit my parents more often than my kids and husband do just because of time. While they're in school, I visit my parents and run errands for them. When the kids do visit though, they color pictures and cards for Paw Paw and Hoo Hoo. They see the way my parents treat our family and the staff. Our little sponges are so observant!
3. I can help my parents. While none of us ever want to need assistance, it happens. I can see that my parents are more comfortable with my help than the staff. I still try to let staff help because that's their job and honestly they're better at it than I am. I help my mom straighten up her apartment. It only takes a few minutes and I can paint the picture that I'm helping her get ready to decorate for Christmas. I straighten up Dad's apartment and fold his clothes, as time allows. Truly, he cleans up his apartment quite a bit.
4. I can serve my parents. My parents have both been so independent all their lives. My mom told me that she worked full time and took care of me because it was her "job". Also, she loved me! My dad served others in his job as a case manager. He made sure others had a home that was wheelchair accessible. So, I watched both of my parents serve others and our family. Now I get to serve them! I help my dad change his shirt and that's a sight. It's like me trying to balance a checkbook. I'm not that graceful, but I do it because it's an honor and a privilege. My parents helped me. Why shouldn't I help them?
4. My parents lure in visitors and I get to see the visitors myself! My aunt and uncles visited a few months ago. Guess what! My kids and I got to see them. They spoil my kids something awful...awfully good! My Uncle Louis and Aunt Judy visited last month. Guess what! My kids and I got to see them too. See where I'm going with this? Having my parents in town means I get to see my family even more. Also, my uncle and aunt treated us to dinner! Poor Russ seems to be working hard when company comes to town. He's so good to provide for us!
5. I get to love my parents face-to-face. That gift is not wasted on me! For almost 14 years we've been 6 hours apart. Some may say that I chose to move away and that's somewhat true. It was hard to leave Conway, but once I married my love, his job took us to Texas. And honestly, we feel like this is where we're supposed to be for now. For right now, I get to have my parents in Texas too. Mom and Dad get to experience a new place with our family. That sure beats moving to Texas with only 1 familiar face, which is what happened when I moved to Texas. That's another story...
So, here are a few recent pictures to enjoy!
Nov. 17
Beautiful flag display for Veteran's Day
Nov. 20
My visit before we left for Thanksgiving trip
Nov. 28
I took Tipper to visit. Dad's feeding her treats while we visit.
Dec. 2
Stella and I had a girls' evening with Hoo Hoo while
the guys were at Cub Scouts
If you would like to send a Christmas card to my parents, please text, call, or FB message me for my address! Both parents have Christmas cards on the mind. We'll be get getting those out soon!!
WARNING: Cute pictures with the grandkids are in the works!
"His master replied, 'well done, good and faithful servant! You have been
faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come
and share your master's happiness.'
Matt. 25:21
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