Monday, August 9, 2010

Things Change in a Moment

On Friday, my 85 year old father fell just outside his backdoor.
He has some bruising, but Dad also fractured his collar bone
on his right side.
This is not an uncommon bone to break, but since he needs to use a cane to walk,
and he is right-handed... he has become fairly immobilized.

He's going to need time and help,
and so, he is here with me and Chris.
 
Koralee's post today is about writing down dreams so that they can become realities.
For many years, Chris and I would dream of adding a back porch to our home.
Three years ago, we decided to put that down on paper.
What could it possibly look like, what other purposes could it have, how much would it cost?
It only took a few phone calls to make our paper dream become a reality.
 
Those few phone calls turned into 100's.
An afternoon spent with a contractor turned months of work.
In the end, we had a lovely back porch with a nice space for Dad {for visits and just in case}
Some of our neighbors asked 
"Why?
...at this point in your lives you should be down-sizing!"
True.
But I like the friends who said,
"Why not!  If it makes you smile and comforts your heart {and Dad's heart}
Why not!
It's a good thing we did... My sister, God bless her heart, rushed down there this weekend, organized everything he needed, packed up her car and helped me settle him in his sweet area.
 
My wonderful neighbors, Bob and Pat, lent us the amazing transport chair and walkers Pat's mom uses while visiting her.  These have already been very, very useful! 
~ Thank you so much ~
 ~
Last night, my father was a bit discouraged about his injury... and said he will miss his garden and getting around as usual... I'm sure he will.
But with a smile, I told him that he gained lots of time with family.
♥ We're all here for him ♥

I'll be busy during the next few days with phone calls and appointments...
But, since I'm a night owl, I'm sure I'll be visiting you all while sipping Chamomile Nights tea.
Bless you all ~ and step carefully!
 

23 comments:

  1. ahhhh Maria...I am sending you extra love for your sweet dad today. May his recovery be fast and may the time you have together be blessed in everyway.
    You inspire me ..you are always such a positive soul.
    I am happy you followed your dreams...your porch does sound amazing! Life is way too short not to...we all need to follow our dreams..big or small.

    Thinking of you today while you are loving your dad..what a blessing you are!
    xoxoxoo

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  2. Dear, dear Maria,
    You have got to be the most positive thinking person on planet Earth and it will bless your father so much to get to be with you and Chris more--more family time.

    My heart and prayers go out to all of you--it won't be easy but God prepared you and your home for this time and that is a great blessing.

    Loving you,
    D.

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  3. I love what you do for your father!......so special .....have a good time with your loving father .... god bless you both.........

    Take care of yourself.............bigg hugs for you my love.........

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  4. I am so very sorry to hear about your father's accident! :( It must be such a great source of comfort to know he is in such capable and loving hands!

    Sending you hugs of love and strength for this challenge and always.

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  5. Oh girl...so sorry about your father. I can so relate to your post! May he heal quickly and be back to his productive self very soon.

    Downsizing?

    What is that anyway?

    Love to you~

    Rebecca

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  6. Hey Maria! What a blessing to have your dad with you, in spite of the accident! I say "seize the day"! and it certainly sounds like you have the same attitude.
    Blessings to you and yours,
    Cindy

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  7. You dearest sweetest thoughtful soul you. Thinking about the future and the 'what when' questions Taking the right steps at the right time. It's true, when being a child our parents look after us, but as adults there will come a time the children look after the parents. So beautiful the way you can act immediately! I'm sure you and your lovely family will make your dad soon forget about his garden {at least for a certain time}.
    Why not frame the sketches of your beautiful home? I have the sketches of our first home in a black frame on the wall in the corridor.
    Sending lots and lots of love your way sweet Maria. Enjoy every minute spend with your sweet sweet dad.
    xxxxx

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  8. Maria, sorry to hear about your dad! Love what you told him though. How sweet and positive! I'm going to remember that the next time I need to be positive which I'm sure will be right around the corner! :)

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  9. You will never regret planning that room...I would imagine there are grandchildren in your future too, Maria.

    I'm sorry about your dad's accident, it isn't fun being immobile, but he will enjoy your loving care. My mother spent many of her days here with me, they are now my fondest memories.

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  10. I am thinking, how sweet and loving that you can take something that would make most people really angry, and look at the positive aspects. You must be an absolutely brilliant ray of sunshine in the lives of everyone around you:-) I am praying for your father and all of you, and knowing you will have that wonderful family time that is so precious. Your family is blessed to have you!!

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  11. I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's injury. I am praying he has a speedy recovery. What a sweet daughter you are to help him through this rough road. Parents deserve that love and respect.

    My dad just turned 83 on Saturday. He has fallen a couple of times, broke his arm in one of those falls. He lives in another State, it is so hard being far away from my aging parents. Thankfully there are other family members near him, and good neighbors that watch out for them too!

    Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my blog about my newly painted kitchen, and for sharing the link to Koralee's yummy London Fog tea! I enjoyed hearing from you, that was very nice of you. I so appreciate your comments...:)
    @}~`}~~~ Gloria
    p.s. To answer your question... I did sand the kitchen cabinets and table (then wiped them clean and allowed them to dry completely) before painting them. The (BEHR) paint can directions recommends using a primer (after sanding & cleaning) prior to painting surfaces.
    I have never used a primer after sanding previously varnished surfaces, and it seems like it wears well (our old house was done this exact way, and wore well for us with a family). If you're worried about it being very perfect, I would recommend following the paint's recommendation if you decide to paint your cabinets. It is really so much more affordable to paint your cabinets rather than buy new ones!
    Much luck and success on your decision with which way to go...:)

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  12. Ohhhh...I forgot to add, I love your new blog banner!! Very soft and soothing colors...:) SO sweet!

    God bless you in your day!
    @}~`}~~~ Gloria

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  13. I was so surprised coming back here and seeing all of the changes. Your blog as well as your new porch. I think it's perfect Maria. I think it was meant to be.
    I am sorry to hear of your dad's accident. It sounds painful. I understand how much he will miss his garden. I will say a prayer for his quick recovery. In the mean time, I know he is in excellent hands. Love Di ♥

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  14. I'm so sorry for your dad, but your post made me smile anyway. It is filled with such love. My parents have had a room in our house since we bought it 7 years ago. They used it on visits, but now that mom is gone...it is dad's room. He knows that and I think it gives us all a good feeling to know he has a place if he needs it.

    I'm sure it will change things at your house, but that time with your dad is precious for you both. Take care of yourself too!

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  15. Oh Maria, we are walking through the same thing right now. I am so glad you have that special place for your Dad. I pray that he will heal quickly and that this will be a special time of drawing closer for all of you. Praying for grace and strength sweet friend.

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  16. I'm sorry to hear about your dad! I'm lifting him up in prayer. May he have a truly blessed time with you as he recovers.

    About the downsizing...We moved into our home four years ago, and although it is bigger than our previous home, we did DOWNsize-- all the bedrooms are DOWNstairs! With three children, a daughter- and son-in-law, and three grandchildren (four in October), our house is busting at the seams when they are all here. They are my "heart joys."

    Blessings to you and your precious family!

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  17. Sounds like your going to have a new helper for your blog, if only temporarily.

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  18. I love your new header photo collage! So sweet - so you!

    If you would like to exchange e-mails, please send me your e-mail address. The only way I have to respond to your kind comments on my blog is by leaving a comment here. :)

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  19. I'm so sorry your dad has broken his collar bone. What a bummer! I'm glad you have a lovely special spot for him though!

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  20. Oh Dearest...
    I am SOOO sorry for you all...Your dad is in "Gods Care" and "Your Hands"...He has Blessed you dear one with a gentle touch and cheerful heart...this is just what your sweet father is in need of right now. I will pray for strength and perseverance for you all...make sure you and Chris get away for a "date night" at least once a week and come for a visit when you can...I love you dearest...Rosie

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  21. It's so true that things can change in a moment. Thankfully, you are resilient, and I bet your Dad is, too. I hope he is comfortable in his new space, Maria.

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  22. Ouch. Painful at so many levels for an elder to be injured & lose the ability to do things they love. Nice that you have the space & heart to help. All good wishes for you father's recovery.

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments add sunshine to my day~