Family Matters

 

The Grape Vine

Begins to flourish in the spring and through the summer it produces beautiful leaves and nice grape clusters.  We enjoy the beauty and the shading it provides. Then by fall the vine will get old, the leaves will dry up and pruning is needed.  The grape vine is a 'bald branch' until spring comes again.

 

A man will live a life time of seasons and have his share of beauty, and strength and fruitfulness.....and then winter comes......

I went to visit my dad this week.  He's in a "Adult Daycare Facility".  He chooses this because at the end of the day he still goes home to his own house.  It's been a difficult thing watching my strong father get old and dependent.  He uses a walker now because his legs are too weak to hold him up.  He's 87 and his mind is beginning to weaken.  His long term memory is incredible but his short term memory makes him confused and angry.

He's had a full life. He has 8 children, 8 in-law children, 28 grandchildren, 15great grandchildren.

He married his 2nd wife soon after our mother passed away.  She doesn't require "daycare" so she gets to stay home. She's got her own health issues but her mind and limbs still cooperate enough.  Dads alone in this day care facility.

I have a room for him. I can help, but he'd have to leave his home.  He doesn't want that. 

He doesn't want to be dependent on his once depedant child.  He doesn't want to burden me....yet I am so burdened....He is my father, I must help him.  He shouldn't be alone. 

How? what road is the best one for Dad and his kids? and his wife?