I really must be old

My e-mail is increasing with advertisements for motorized, tricycles, wheel chairs, walk-in bathtubs, three footed  canes and information for the best assisted living centers. 

Friend Jimmy @ http://jimsulliv3.blogspot.com/  told of his childhood, though later than mine, it was a lot like mine. A time when kids did their homework, their chores and then went out to play. They learned yes-sir and yes-ma’am. I like that and it would be good today. But Going back to seniors and how it was, not so much.

Remember the County Home? The original pauper’s home, or old folk’s home. That was the last resort. Most times the seniors were in the home of a son or daughter until they passed away. Remember the Walton's?

         

I have learned things in my life, some the hard way. My mama was living alone, fell and broke her hip. I was stationed in DC at the time. WE rushed to NC to see what could be done. The Dr. recommended ‘a home’. Mouthy Jack, Chief USN,  had visited the urine smelling places said, “My mama will never go to ‘a home’.”

   

My brother Jr. said, “We need to talk, Jack.”

Outside he said, “You have no idea what you are saying, it is honorable, but one of the hardest things to do, I KNOW.” (Then he told me a story, I will relate tomorrow)

He did KNOW for a fact, they took care of his MIL & FIL for a several years both died  with cancer.

Taking care of mom was sweet but a trying time. My wife quit a good job and returned to our home in Charlotte to care for mama. It was VERY TOUGH on her. I was there on the weekends, until I could get a transfer.

(We laughed and had fun, Mama was the perfect patient, Sherry treated her like a doll. We transported mama in the back or a 1964 Studebaker truck,  We joked about being the Beverly Hill Billie's) 

Sister Shirl’s hubby quit a good job in Maryland and they returned to NC to care for mama. It was so tough that we have already told our sons, “When we need care, DO NOT under any circumstances, take us into your homes, Put us in a nursing home and come see us when you can. We have lived our lives, you live yours.”

It is honorable, but in today’s world it CAN BE suicide to try to do that and work a 40-60 hour week.

Tomorrow I will relate a story my brother told me that day. I have never forgotten it.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

Care? Nursing home? Assisted Living? Every one must decided for themselves, I just did not want our boys to feel guilty if it comes to an assisted living facility. I WILL NEVER judge anyone for turning to a care facility.

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Jim's 1964 Studebaker