As I helped him up the stairs at Brett and Kerri's house his hand was warm in mine, but he couldn't straighten up and had to use the stairs in front of him for balance. His steps were hesitant and slow as I lead him out of the house. He asked where we were going and mom just said Bountiful. She couldn't bring herself to tell him we were taking him to a care facility. But I don't think he would have understood or remembered if he knew. I was a little teary in the silence as we drove. There didn't seem to be much to say.
Kerri insisted on painting his room a warm blue green. I thought the color was going to be too dark, but she was right, it looks very restful and calm. She and I spent hours getting the room ready and I think mom was very pleased.
When we got to the Legacy House we took dad to his room. Dad sat in the chair for a while and then Brett took him to the common room. Dad seemed pleased to meet another man, but then he just looked at the TV.
I think I wanted dad to be sad he was being left there, sad that we were leaving, sad as I was, but he wasn't. Not that I could tell. He hardly looked at us as mom and I were leaving.
It was another goodbye in a series of goodbyes. I love you dad.
I teared up reading this post! I'm happy to hear that he wasn't sad, although I know that's also hard. We love you!
ReplyDeleteSo hard! You guys are all so amazing. The room looked so welcoming and pleasing.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, I wept as I read this poignant post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love you! What a difficult time. Thanks for sharing this as I've been thinking of this all day.
ReplyDeleteoh man. this is such a sad and heavy milestone. thank you for doing all of this. we as grandchildren and those of us that live out of state will never be able to repay you or even understand all that you do for grandma and grandpa. thank you for being there and doing everything to take care of him and to ensure his comfort. xox alison
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