Here's my tale and believe me I really have been that close to cracking! I live and take care of my parents. Dad is 80 and has dementia, and lost his leg in the Korean War, has an artificial leg, and has lost alot of weight in the last year or so, I do not have to worry about him wandering off, he only walks to the chair in the living room and sits there all day. Mom is 76 and has had 2 strokes, she's fully functional but her side effect is she cries for no reason. I do still work and call that my sanity for the 7 or 8 hours that I am there, they watch me closely looking for cracks - they haven't found them yet! But two weeks ago Dad fell while I was at work. Guess he was in a hurry as they were going out to breakfast and he turned to quick and down he went. Mom picked him up throwing out her back. UGH!!!!! Oh yeah they still went out for breakfast. I always call when I leave work to see if they need anything that's when I found out about the fall. I asked Mom if he got hurt, and her answer was (through her tears) I threw out my back. Okay I understand you're in pain so I asked if she had taken one of her pain pills she said no and started crying harder *smacks head*! I told her to take her pain pill!!! Still didn't know if Dad got hurt, he didn't and doesn't remember falling. I think that psychically my Mom knows when I am going to take my vacations because I was due to start one the following Monday, and something usually happens to make it hectic for me. I work early always done at 2 or 3 which helps because the never get out of bed until noon so I only have to worry for a couple hours a day. Frustrated doesn't cover my weeks vacation spent taking care of the two of them, really if I ever get like the two of them someone needs to shoot me. I really see where my stubbornness comes from now. I was actually looking forward to going back to work, (I work in retail folks so you it was bad) sick I know but true. My big excitement for my vacation was getting my SUV inspected (while they were sleeping) and then that night going to a friends house who does my nails. I need to get a life, but this is the one I have so gotta make due. I'm not an only child but my brother lives out of state, he does come and take care of the cleanning up the yard in spring and fall. Otherwise it's all me! So my free time during my vacation was spent on the website watching all the videos really kept me sane during that week and since. I listen to my phone at work and at lunch, a little anti-social, but I can't listen without the earphones and everybody know what I'm listening to, they laugh and tell me I need some serious therapy, I tell them that is what I am getting, my escape for just a little while. But I watch many of The Lion Sleeps Tonight videos so that I can get my laugh for the day. Therapy for me until I can get to see a show which at this rate may be never, can't afford tickets and a parent sitter too! So I want to give a great big thank you to all who have shot and posted videos you've made my life a little more bearable. And an even bigger thanks to the guys, your voices are amazing and I am in awe of your talent. I tell anyone who asks about SNC and have even converted one or two friends. So, everyday I will be listening on my phone and everynight I will be watching those videos. Thanks again for my little piece of sanity.
Cinners, I feel your pain. After my husband died, I was responsible for his mother. She was in her 90's had previously broken her hip and her son and daughter-in-law only came when it was convenient for them--problem was they were too cheap to get a motel room so I had to host them as well. They would spend a few hours with his Mom and off they went back home. I had the responsiblity to move here into a nursing home when she refused to do her exercise and was no longer able to walk. It was my reponsibility to go to the nursing home every day to check on her and her needs. When it was clear she was short on time on this earth, I contacted her son to inform him, but he and his wife were off on one of their trips---were too busy to go a few miles out of their way. They did come by after she died and they were on their way home---only to see the will and wanted their money then---my lawyer said "don't pay them" but I wanted them out of my life so I paid and haven't heard from them since--Mom is now whith her husband and I'm done with my brother-in-law and his wife! Life does get better and you need to tak time for yourself wherever and however you can---get someone you can share your thoughts and feels with whom you trust so you can talk things out--never relatives! God Bless you for what you are doing!
@Cynthia - Please thank your Dad for us for his service to our country in the Korean War. His loss and sacrifices do not go unnoticed, or unappreciated and no matter where his mind may be, his heart and spirit will understand! I know God will bless you too, for taking care of (honoring) your parents. Please don't forget to take care of Cynthia!
Continued prayers!
Gayle
Thank you to Dave, DaisyKary, Terry and GML. Your comments have helped me and I honestly don't think I thought anyone would care to comment, I just need to vent a little without crying. Your comments did however make me cry to think that people I don't even know understand what I am going through. Thank you again and I will try to make it back on here often.
As stated below, thoughts and prayers are being sent your way as you struggle to maintain your sanity during this stressful time of your life! Hang in there! You do have the best "music therapy" in the
"business", with SNC, in my opinion. I don't know where I would be without them myself! They came into my life at just the right time.
The Chasers who take and post the videos of the guys have no idea how many people they bless by doing so! I know I cannot say "Thank you" enough to them! @DaisyKary - one of the biggest contributors: Thank you again, as well as all the other Chasers who share their videos here and on Youtube. Thank you as well! And God bless you all for what you do! And thank you to SNC for allowing that to happen! Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Cynthia! God bless and keep you sane!
Sending off to you a load of thoughts and prayers to help get you thru each day, As @DaisyKary said, Chaserville is the place the be! Come visit us often.
Like Dave I was thinking "Where is this going?" Thank you for sharing your story. We all understand about SNC brightening up lives. Chaserville is my "happy place" away from work and all the drama. Whenever you need to get away..... just come here.
Wow......Cynthia - I almost wasn't sure where you were going with this......until I got to the end. Was almost going to hit the "flag".
So glad that the guys music and videos can give you some sort of sanity during this time that you are caring for your parents. Chin up......you'll get some prayers sent your way for the strength you need from us chasers here. :o)