Oh Damn!

[rowangolightly]

Well, getting ready to drive down to see Bruce, who is going to get some needed work done on my car and we can rehearse for the Christmas gigs, when....

I see Dad pulling into the driveway. Now my first response, I'll admit is irritation. This has been a long-standing problem. I DO NOT like being dropped in on - he's interrupted at some exceedingly awkward times in years past. But, quick second reaction is, he's my dad and I love him dearly, if he needs me I'm here. I'm glad that was my feeling when he came up the stairs.

He's decided he must stop driving. That'd be like me saying I'd decided I had to stop sewing. He's 83, still mourning losing his wife of 69 years to Alzheimer's and having health challenges himself, most recently catarract surger. I've been dreading pulling his keys on him. Well, this morning he decided that was it - he can't see well enough to drive. So he's stopping cold turkey. Bless his heart! I'm proud of him and sad for him. What a wonderful man he is. Gave him a quick pep talk about not giving up, and how he has many friends who'd leap at the chance to spend time with him and take him where he needs to go. If he's only not too proud to ask for help; yeah, I know that one - where'd'ya think I got it from? But we had the teary session needed to work through this a bit - he's a man not afraid of expressing his emotions or letting them shoe, either - bless his heart. (Have I mentioned how much alike my father and Bruce are, and how this is a wonderful thing? I thought so.) I'm a most fortunate woman, counting my blessings and hoping Dad can work more at counting his.

So I'll take him home and leave for Bruce's from there. And count this blessing that my father is a wise and wonderful man whom I hope to have around for awhile yet.

Comments

[capi.livejournal.com]

Aw!! Bless his heart!

I'm delighted for you both that the keys issue went so well!!

((((((((((( hugs )))))))))))))

yaaay

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

I used to work in a seniors building, and it was always hard to tell a family that a senior really needed to stop driving. Especially older men - they equate driving with independence, and it's hard to admit that they can't any more.

Glad he's wise enough to make the call!

[evilbunny.livejournal.com]

Sounds like your father is a wise man. That's a rare and wonderful thing.

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the lovely support, dears; it's truly wonderful to have such friends. Yes, he is a wonderfully wise and gentle man and I've told him how proud I am of him that he came to this decision himself. When I drove him back to the complex, we dropped by the office and he told them he'd stopped driving. They were surprised, but also very supportive of him. And the manager winked at me so I know to expect a call from her next week. It's a church-sponsored complex, so I am naturally quite suspicious, sorry to say, but they've been wonderful to my folks.
Gotta run - Bruce's fixed me supper!