I'm getting ready to take Dad back to Jefferson City to his assisted living apartment with, of course, very conflicted feelings. Part of me just wants him to move up here. I realize that would take some MAJOR adjustments in my lifestyle and commitments. I am already OVER committed. Could I manage my own stress and that of my family with an additional member? Of course, driving to Jeff City every Saturday has it's own version of stress. And, having Dad here might take some load off of my brother who has plenty on his plate.
As my dad likes to say, "everyone wants to live forever, but no one wants to get old." How true. We, as a society, are not ready for the demands and the needs of our rapidly aging population. Of course, how old age looks in 10 or 20 years will be quite different as the baby boomer generation complete with Ipads and cell phones and electric cards becomes 70, 80, and 90.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas
It's Christmas Eve. I am always nostalgic about the holiday. As most of us do, I remember Christmases past. Pajamas from Grandmother Wright. The Missouri cedars that we used as Christmas trees until Mom protested and we got a pine (and then Phil met Sue and we got an artificial one). They were so fragrant (and prickly). The "kitchen cabinet" Santa brought me Christmas Day evening, made by my dad's friend, Jim Clark. The lights on Anchor Mill in the shape of a star. Christmas pageants at school Singing Hear Comes Santa Claus as a local boy dressed up as Santa distributed bags of candy, nuts, and oranges to the excited kids. Midnight Mass at Sacred Heart, bringing Connie and then Kenny with us. Turkey for dinner. Friends, family, love.
I always wish at this time of year for the Big Christmases that I hear others talk about where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins get together for food and games. Thinking back, though, that was not a part of my childhood either. We lived far from our cousins, aunts, and uncles and it was always us, plus my two grandmothers.
I love Christmas. Or at least the idea of Christmas. When the kids were younger, I would get so stressed by the expense and the busyness of the season and although there is still some of that, I am able to enjoy the holiday a little more. I miss the little ones with their excited anticipation, but this is nice too. Three young adult children who can share in the season. My dad is here, too, and that is nice, although it is bittersweet as well.
I made some gingersnaps today. I don't think I have made any gingersnaps since high school home economics where I made enough to feed the 11th Army. A post by my friend Vicki gave me the idea and turned out to be delicious and they filled the house with a delightful aroma.
I'm nervous about the new year. I have no idea what will become of us really. I'm not sure how we can deal with Bill's job loss and with my dad's increasing fragility. I'm trying to stay positive, something that is generally easy for me, despite teasing from my brothers and others about my pollyanna nature. I'm trying to prepare while being positive.
My class of AP US History is going well. I'm enjoying the technology I'm using and every day I read blogs and tweets that challenge my thinking and improve my teaching (I hope). I get envious of some of my twitter friends. . .Angela Cunningham who has her course so organized that it's almost unbelievable and the other teachers who seem to be able to inspire critical thinking with their creative lessons and high expectations. They challenge me each day to be better.
I always wish at this time of year for the Big Christmases that I hear others talk about where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins get together for food and games. Thinking back, though, that was not a part of my childhood either. We lived far from our cousins, aunts, and uncles and it was always us, plus my two grandmothers.
I love Christmas. Or at least the idea of Christmas. When the kids were younger, I would get so stressed by the expense and the busyness of the season and although there is still some of that, I am able to enjoy the holiday a little more. I miss the little ones with their excited anticipation, but this is nice too. Three young adult children who can share in the season. My dad is here, too, and that is nice, although it is bittersweet as well.
I made some gingersnaps today. I don't think I have made any gingersnaps since high school home economics where I made enough to feed the 11th Army. A post by my friend Vicki gave me the idea and turned out to be delicious and they filled the house with a delightful aroma.
I'm nervous about the new year. I have no idea what will become of us really. I'm not sure how we can deal with Bill's job loss and with my dad's increasing fragility. I'm trying to stay positive, something that is generally easy for me, despite teasing from my brothers and others about my pollyanna nature. I'm trying to prepare while being positive.
My class of AP US History is going well. I'm enjoying the technology I'm using and every day I read blogs and tweets that challenge my thinking and improve my teaching (I hope). I get envious of some of my twitter friends. . .Angela Cunningham who has her course so organized that it's almost unbelievable and the other teachers who seem to be able to inspire critical thinking with their creative lessons and high expectations. They challenge me each day to be better.
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