Good morning @tonys 🤗🌹
Yes my Dad is doing well for someone who has done very physical work all his life. Was in Army for a while when he was quite young. But he is a farmers son, large sheep farm. But a younger son, so had to go out and earn a living off farm. So he got a job on other peoples farms, as a farm hand. So I grew up on farms, but we moved around a fair bit when I was going through primary school as he moved jobs. It was a pretty fickle industry back then. Sheep and cropping was tough, so graziers would employ someone when times were good, but get a lean year and they could no longer afford to hire a farm hand. So off we'd go as a family looking for work elsewhere. A bit of a gypsy lifestyle I guess.
But yeah Dad had a stroke about 8 years back, though recovered well afterwards, thanks to Mums quick action. About 7 years ago he had a hip essentially cave in on him due to severe arthritis and degeneration. They didn't think they had enough bone to work on, but eventually they did a hip replacement. It was only semi successful, but at least he has been able to get around independently since then. Sadly we lost Mum about 5 years back to breast cancer and Dad had always relied heavily on her for almost everything. So he ended up going and living with my brother and his wife almost 4 years ago. But he has since had 3 toes amputated, due to severe lack of circulation in his feet and legs, which further reduces his mobility. And his hands and arms are very crippled from arthritis as well, so he is quite restricted in what he is able to do for himself.
I was fortunate that Dad had a month up here with me for respite while my brother and his wife went away in Nov/Dec. That was nice, for both Dad and I. But he really is hard work and needs pretty much 24/7 supervision. So I really think for his own safety, that it is probably time for him to be in full time care now. Its just a matter of getting him to accept that fact. I have been gently trying to talk him around to that since I had him with me several months ago. But its hard for him. I phone him and talk to him every day, but it isn't the same as actually seeing him. He is still very with it mentally, although perhaps that makes it just a little harder in some respects.
In answer to your question, no there really isn't anyone who can share my driving to get down to visit my family down South. I am pretty much alone up here. All my immediate family live down South, in and around where my Dad is located. My step son and step daughter and their respective families (my step grandkids) live about 6 hours North of here and 5 hours South of here. And I have very few friends here. Long story, but my late husband did not encourage friendships. I could go by train, and that remains an option.
Confession time @tonys ? Oh you are funny! 💞 It was actually 29th Feb, the anniversary of my trauma. So logically it only ever comes around every 4 years ... yay 🥂 lucky me. But try telling your mind and body that, when you are in the throes of panic. Yeah, right.
Your bookkeeper friend is a clever lady. But even if I wanted to, I would not be able to divulge the nature of what occurred all the way back in 1996. Certainly not here on a social thread at any rate. I am restricted even on my own thread. The number of times I got into trouble over the years 😢. Which is why my thread has a permanent trigger warning on it ever since. I guess if you wanted to know a little more, you could read the opening few posts of my personal thread?
But @tonys although I am very fortunate to have travelled fairly extensively over the years (Africa, Asia, Americas - sadly not Europe) I have thankfully not been involved in any plane crashes in the wilds of Brazil. 🙏
I hope you slept well Tonys and awoke refreshed and ready to battle the world once more. Love to the bookkeeper who must really have her work cut out with you 🤣💕. Never a need for apologies for good hearted fun banter. There should be more of it.
Good morning everyone passing through this morning, and welcome to the start of another new week.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.