Dorothy and her red shoes were on to something when she echoed those words in an effort to return to her happy place. Home. This week has been nothing short of a constant reminder of what my childhood, my family and my parents mean to me: home.
Monday evening my Grandmother [89 years old, battling Alzheimer’s disease] fell, which resulted in a broken hip. 7 hours later in the ER, she was admitted to the hospital and slated for surgery later in the week. The surgery happened yesterday and went really, really well. Beyond feeling SO sorry for my Grandmother’s fall and road to recovery, I was having my own little pity party because a few plans WITHOUT kids had to be cancelled this week. Dinner with friends and a work trip to Nestle USA to be exact. Without question, I cancelled those plans, kept my sitters, and spent time with my Grandmother.
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed since getting older is that it’s really hard seeing my loved one’s age even more, at a different rate. My Mom and I have toured a few skilled nursing facilities for Grandmother’s recovery and honestly, the sight of these institutions brings me to tears. Taking care of babies and toddlers all day, and then seeing the elderly needing that very same care truly is the circle of life. And I can’t help but be smack dab in the middle of it all, and super emotional about it. I don’t want Grandmother anyplace but with us. But I can’t care for her daily needs. And I cringe just thinking of the same situation years from now with my own parents. SORRY TED BUT RICK AND SUE ARE MOVING IN. Just kidding [halfway].
While I was having this weird nursing home tour work trip cancellation pity party, I went to my parent’s house and took a nap. Yep, I had a babysitter at my own house and was lounging at my childhood home. You know why? There’s no place like home. No place that immediately calms me. No place that immediately brings the endorphins down. No place I’d rather be when I’m feeling sad. And maybe a little old.
I guess the point of this post is to acknowledge my own feelings. I’m extremely sentimental and I have really good memories of my childhood home. And that’s all that I want for my own children. That and the hope that they eat a green veggie or two.
Amen. In so many of your statements. Especially tears and naps.