Keeping occupied

This has got to a stage where it can be difficult for George. He can get tired quite quickly although he still loves a chat.

On Thursday night his cousin who is 102 rang. She has just gone into a home but was living in her own home until quite recently. She has a lot of extended family around who have all contributed to making this happen but now she needs a greater level  of care however the family all visit regularly and take her out. My sister with her in laws was in a similar situation until her mother-in-law died recently. Now the family have all focused on visiting her father-in-law and for visits and trips out. So lucky to have this support and of course it means that the family are all there to discuss and understand what is going on which makes such a difference. When you are the only caregiver resident you may find that others are rather critical of your efforts and of course may know what you should do or be doing. People who are not actually involved on a day to day basis really have little understanding although they think that they do. My great advice is that you can only do what is best for you and the person you are responsible for - do what you know is right and try to let all the criticism roll off you - not easy I know. You will never get an apology from these people so doing worry about it. You are also unlikely to be thanked for what you have done.

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary date of the first earthquake and since then my life has not been good. I went up onto the sand hills yesterday morning to watch the sun come up and reflect on the turns my life has taken during this time. On reading this post I guess it sounds negative and maybe it is because of this. During this time too though there have been moments of great love and certainly an appreciation of life.