Growing up, I was very familiar with visitors. I am from a time when folks came to visit, they were put up in your home. So as a parsonage that also meant every missionary and evangelist stayed with us during their time at dad’s church. The Parsonages have been 2,3 & 4 Bedrooms.
I have given my bed up many times to visitors. It was not considered a problem, it was how life was. When Dad pastored in Albemarle, NC the parsonage was a 2 story house. The visitor’s room was at the base of the stairs, hardwood treads (no carpet). Dad got a kick out of calling Shirl and I down for breakfast. He would get a couple of mama’s biscuit pans and throw them up the stairs and let them crash down, then call out, “Breakfast kids, do not wake the evangelist as you come down!”
Today, Our guests checked out of the guest house this morning. We had given them a key and a small flash light. When I went in the house. They were on the table:
Then I went into the bedroom and Doris had stripped the bed and placed the sheets, pillow cases, washcloths and towels neatly on the bed, which she had made-up. The place was tidy even the trash taken out.
This visit was such a joy.
All the visitors (mostly family) have left the guest house in very good condition also.
Back to Buddy and Doris. We discussed the subject dear to the heart of all seniors, “When do you know to quit driving?” We are approaching the 80 number and they are there. Buddy has already given up driving, Doris is doing the driving now and she doesn’t mind. Buddy chose to step away because Doris’s sight is much better, plus like me, he has trouble hearing.
The ultimate question is, “When do I give up my home?” If a senior lives long enough ‘most likely’ an assisted living facility is the next step. Unless one is demented or has Alzheimer’s, they KNOW once they leave the security of their own 4 walls, they (we) will (most likely) NEVER return to their own home. When do I turn my care over to a son, daughter or attorney?
We are working up to some of those decisions, we have already started the verbal discussion. So far it is going well.
Nite Shipslog
PS: Of course as of now, Sherry and I are as spry as spring chickens, well at least we have no life threatening problems. So don’t’ think I am trying to WARN you that the Shipslog is about to sink! LOL
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7 comments:
We need to be having some of those same kind of discusions here. But unfortunately neither one of our daughters is in a postion to do me or my husband much good.
The children all (but daughter in law Vicky, and her two children Ethan and Lilly both grown) live miles away. I'm sure she would help all she could if we needed her she has always been here when I did. She has her mom to take care of and I hate to ask her to help. I'm holding out well, and so for I'm able to take care of us both. I try not to think about getting old. Ha. Grover isn't doing all that well, but he's still getting around I have to do everything for him. I hope the good lord will help me stay able to do that if not we will both have to (maybe) go into nursing home. I think you and Sherry will make it to keep going for a long time. Think Young. lol. Jean
Glad to hear the Shipslog won't be sinking :) But it is good to have the discussions and planning that you and Sherry are having. The best ideal place for someone to live out their lives, if they can, is at home. If you have the ability to have home health care, etc., that is of a benefit indeed. At my "young" age of 59, I know there are places I don't want to drive (freeways) so I'm happily glad to give that up. I hope when I reach the age of not being able to drive in the city I'll know that and willingly give it up.
Sounds like you had wonderful house guests. My mom would do the same with stripping the sheets before she left after a visit:)
betty
John drives very little now and is driving me crazy telling me where to park and which lane to drive in. He even goes out and starts the truck up, that may be useful in cold country, but here? Some time it is hard but I remind myself that may be why the Lord has let me still be here. Your Dad had a good sense of humor.
We've been making plans also...mostly in the talking stages with each of the kids, getting feedback as to what they think would be the way to handle all the property. To me, it's an easy decision, let all 5 of them divide the taxes when we no longer want to, maybe do quick claim deeds and be done with it. At least the nursing home won't get it. God willing, we will live here til we die with maybe home health assistance when that time comes. For now, we both aren't planning on kicking the bucket just yet. We have a lot of steam left. Your guests were most grateful. Your parents left you with a gracious heart., I'm not surprised.
Love n' hugs from up north. The sun shines on but the air is biting today. Have a great weekend.
We have that talk and we are just in our 40s an 50s. (Nick is the 50s one.)
:)
When I was younger, I would share my bed with friends. Now that I am older, I just can't. If we were to ever have guest, I'll be sure to have a guest bed somewhere.
When we move to the beach (one day) I plan to have a spare room for friends and family guest to enjoy.
You two are great friends to many.
Lisa
Whew! ... for that postscript!
Doris is a lady right out-a my momma's heart. They way she left your guest house is just how we were taught, back when; and no doubt, will be welcomed again and again with open arms.
WHEN? Years later, I still feel guilty for not having recognized the signs about my mother's mental deterioration. More to the point, this is exactly why I want to relocate near(ish) my son and DIL, so as to have a real support system. Unfortunately, Tom's son and daughter seem to have little interest in their dad. (Then again! I could take up chain smoking again and sign up for skydiving lessons, to lessen the odds of becoming a burden. LOL!)
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