Friday, August 26

I thought this was going to be a story of me taking my dad home... now I don't know what kind of story it is.

2.30 pm - I brought up the move to Sydney conversation again; as in, this time, let's get serious if we're going to do this. Serious as in, time to book tickets. We've talked about it in the past. Continuously, actually. Have been through the pros and cons, left, right and center! On one trip back from the doctor, I said to dad that if the results came back clear, that I would start organizing the necessary things to do, and we could move. He would be able to see his sisters and brother again, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, old friends. He could sit outside and listen to the birds sing; one of his simple pleasures. I asked him how that sounded and he said it sounded good.

I thought we were on the same wavelength. As my mom used to say, "You know what thought did..."

Well! When I brought up the subject of purchasing tickets, he didn't go over very well. In fact, it went over like a lead shot! HRUMPF!

'Dad, I'm going to book tickets to Australia on Monday.'
'No. '
'Sorry?'
'No.'
'Do you want to sit here in the rain for the next 6 months?'
'It's too hot in Australia.'

The conversation fell apart from there. Finally, I said, 'I'm going to Australia at the end of September. You can come or you can stay. I'm happy to help you move if you want. Otherwise I'm putting you into the care of the ministry here and you can pay $170/hr power of attorney fees.'
'Sounds like that's an ultimatum.'
'Yep. I guess it is. You have the weekend to think about it. I'm booking tickets on Monday.'
'Hrumpf.' (I just knew he was thinking, Donna is getting her own way again.)

6.30 pm - More thinking on my part.... maybe this is a stupid plan. Who drags a 70 year old man, battling Parkinson's dieease 10,000 km across the Pacific Ocean; away from his medical support team, a roof over his head, and all that he's known for the past 32 years. Am I stark, raving mad. Another part of me has to talk myself down, AGAIN! Donna! You have been over this and over this until you've worn a hole right through! This is the best option. Dad has to go into care; do you want it to be here or Australia? You need a new job; do you want to do that here or Australia? You need a new car; do you want one here or Australia? You need a new place to live; do you want to do that here or in Australia? Do you wan to live out the next ten months here in the rain, or do you want to enjoy the sunshine in Australia? Do you want to continue to battle it alone; or do you want to be close to friends and family in Australia? I thought so. Stick to the plan, it's a good plan. It IS overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. You will get there.

8 pm - Time to call dad for his 8pm pill. Ask him what his fears are about moving back to Australia, since that's what he's wanted to do for a long time. He's worried that he's going to be stranded. Ok, that's a valid fear. That's (one of) my fear(s) as well! I also fear being stuck here in a rut. I reassure him that I've thought this through, front back and sideways. (Front back and sideways, front back and sideways and repeat!) I reassure him that I've not left him stranded yet, and I'm not about to start now. We leave it for the day; tomorrow is a new day.