Mental Health Month

Wow, I've taken the entire month of January off. After back to back good-byes to my warriors on January 7th and 8th, I packed a bag and accompanied my 84 year-old Dad to Florida. After years of driving, he's spent the last probably 8 to 10 years as a passenger. This year the group consensus was that he should fly. He kept insisting he was riding, even though a ticket had been purchased for him. I decided to abandon the babymomma and grandbaby and accompany him at the last minute. So, a few days before we were to leave I had a phone conversation with him about packing. He was relaxed and happy, confident in all he could take and leisurely pack in the car...."but I thought you were flying, Dad"....."ha, ha, ha, no, besides I'd never fly alone"..."That's right, I'm flying with you"...."what?"...about three phone calls later he realized we were not kidding. (It is such an odd place to be, this pillar of strength now so vulnerable.) We had an uneventful trip and I was able to stay for two weeks and have no real responsibilities. It began with temps in the 30's and lots of dead fish but to see green, and sand, and blue/green ocean...it was comforting and healing and so very peaceful....apart from all the shouting because my mom is so very hard of hearing...I spent much of the time throwing a white board and marker at my dad!...but I also spent a great deal of time doing this.......wish I could stay there till April and maybe it would have been good for babymomma to be on her own and find her own way and support system....but I'm back and trying to stay out of the way and be supportive as needed....and get back to living.