It's not a big thing but I'm crying.

[CapricornFarm]

Aw, hugs . You can't help it, but call him later;-)

 

[gryeyes]

Let's see, how big is missing one's dad, versus worrying about the economy? Hmm. Missing Dad wins.

How about global warming or climate change? Hmmm, missing Dad wins there, too.

What about the 2012 Presidential election? Yah, missing Dad beats that, too.

It IS a big thing.

I hope you get to talk to him soon.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I wish! But my dad is 88 years old, soon to be 89. He doesn't even have a cell phone, let alone a computer. We tried to get him a cell so we could get in touch with him when he's not home plus the added sense of security in case his car were to break down, but he couldn't figure out how to use the phone.

My husband would gladly fly me down to see him once or twice a year but there's a logistics problem with that. His town doesn't have an airport; I'd have to fly into Tampa. No one to pick me up. Dad can't make the drive to Tampa and my stepsister refuses to. A couple of years ago Dad had heart trouble. A friend gave me their miles so I could fly down to see him in the hospital. I made phone calls for two days trying to find a ride from Tampa to Dad's house. Finally a very nice gentleman that knows my dad through the Knights of Columbus offered to pick me up at the airport. When it was time to fly home I had the same problem. A very kind nurse at the nursing home (Dad was moved there temporarily from the hospital to recuperate) overheard me talking to Dad about it and offered to drive me. If it hadn't been for the kindness of those two strangers to me I wouldn't have been able to do it.

 

[Momagain1]

aww! I'm sorry!!! Well, my daddy is passed on..and he lived a ways away too; not like yours..but about an hour...we couldnt get down there...

if I had to do it all over again; maybe these suggestions will help:

write handwritten letters a couple a week; about everything, daily things..
or postcards...

he'll love to get things in the mail and you'll love to reach out to him that way!

Maybe skype to do video calls???

 

[Citron_d'uccle]

I feel for you. I live quite a ways from my parents as well and I agree, it is saddening sometimes. Keep trying to ring him and I'm sure once yo hear his voice you will feel better. Remember to tell him how much you love and miss him.

Praying for you.

Citron_d'uccle

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
He has agreed to come for a visit in the fall. We are trying to figure that one out. I'll have to drive to get him and the only vehicle we have for that long of a trip is my jeep. Jeeps are not comfortable for long drives, at all. We recently talked about trading my jeep in for a car more suitable for long trips but really can't afford car payments right now with DH about to retire. It's a catch 22.

Dad still insists that he will go to a nursing home when he can no longer live on his own; I think the time is now - especially after that fall - but he disagrees. He still steadfastedly refuses to live with any of us kids, but I offer again every time I talk to him. He could have his own place here on the farm; just across the lane from our house.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Have you ever told him that it is breaking your heart that he is so far away? Perhaps he would agree to move to your farm if he thought it was doing you a favor. Dunno. I understand that he doesn't want to be a burden on you. I just don't know that he understands how hard it is on you that he is so far away. Have you tried writing him a letter and spelling it all out? Perhaps add in that he would be a HUGE help to have around. From what you have said about him it sounds like he needs to feel useful.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
He does have a need to be useful and I will take your advice. He's really interested in my chickens, being a city boy from Brooklyn. I have explained to him that we have power and water already in existence along with a concrete pad leftover from the commercial houses just across the lane. It would be suitable for a mobile home so he could have his privacy. He could take meals with us, visit with us or not; his choice.

I'll write him that letter tonight.

Thanks y'all I feel better getting it all out.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
This!
My Dad's sick, as you know Grits, and he lives in Florida also..
and he suggested we get that skype... so i'll be doing this very soon.

And heres your hug, My friend..

 

[chickendiva25]

I know how you feel, my grandpa had a bad fall last year, and since he lives in NJ and we live a looong ways away from him in another state, so we couldn't go see him.