New bikes...

I got new bikes for Daughter and me. The weekend was an expensive $500 in replacements. It had to be done though. I couldn't let a summer go by without biking for the two of us. I'll have to take pictures of the bikes and record the serial numbers.

Stolen...

This is more about what life is about sometimes. Our bikes that were stored in the shed were stolen. Someone last night broke into the shed, smashed the door and walked away with our 2 bikes. Daughter is going to be crushed. I don't know what to tell her. I don't want to be the one to tell her that some people are selfish and self-centered. Some people have no regard for others. They have no respect. In some ways, I have to at some point I have to tell Dad this as well. And this is the sad point in my life.

On the positive side...

I try my best to see something positive in situations. Even in the darkest moments. It's at best challenging. Dad's been getting upset because of what's Mom's been through. He feels horrible that all the responsibility is on Mom's shoulders now. I tell him that because of this situation, Mom has stretched her wings and has the confidence to make things happen that she wouldn't have been able to do 8 months ago. She can stand up to the doctors and nurses where she feels there needs to be clarification. She can manage all aspects of the house. She can use a cell phone. Yes. It's been very difficult on Mom. There have been times that I couldn't take the strain in her voice. But I look at her now in a different light. And Dad must too. These are the positive things that have come about.

Dad is looking good today. He's getting better every day. It's hard for him to realize his progress because he has no point of reference. I remind him often on his great achievements. He needs to be proud of what he has done in the last 4 months.

Father's Day...

Tomorrow is Father's Day.

Someone from Marketing created this day. I don't recall seeing it on t he greco-roman calendar from 200BC. So what does this mean, this Father's Day. The designated moment in the calendar year where we pay respect and reflect on the person we call "Father". Daughter uses the Father's Day moment to make nice cards to three father's in her life. Biological (me), step-father (Ex's newish husband) and step-father (biological father's partner). But what does Father's Day mean for me this year.

In the past I recall giving Dad a huge poster with "Happy Father's Day" written on it using pennies. There were the obligatory ties, handy man tools, books, videos and such. Today, this year, I'm not sure what would be appropriate. What could I possibly give a man who fights everyday with his disability? He fights to get better. He fights so he won't be a burden on his wife. He fights so he may leave the hospital and return to the comforts of a home he doesn't remember. Maybe this is the day to respect and honour a man who has struggled in the past year against something we can't see.

This Father's Day is different from any other Father's Day. This is a Father's Day to be in awe of my Father for what he has accomplished.

Time for Mom...

I took Mom for breakfast on Saturday and then spent the day at the hospital before heading home. I think she really liked having some of the attention on her. She deserves a bit of that. After 8 months of Dad's illness, she's come out to be an extremely strong person. Don't let her small stature fool you. You should have seen her arm wrestle me for the bill.

It's just noise...

I went to visit Dad last week. I usually go Tuesday or Wednesday depending on my schedule. I never go Thursday because I know my Aunt goes that evening. She's the one who tried to get Power of Attorney" with Brother. So last week it was Wednesday. I arrived at 4:45pm. Dad was sleeping but opened his eyes shortly after I sat down. We chatted. Laughed a bit and talked about what kind of father he had. At 5:50pm my aunt shows up. I was disappointed that she was interrupting my visit with him. I was clenching my teeth since I wanted to tell her the grief that she caused my family. But she wouldn'e even hear what I had to say because I know she, and my other aunts, are self-centred and selfish individuals. As it stands, visit's from the sisters have dwindled off as there are other things in life for them. Excpet for this sister who has no life or family of her own. Instead I shut my mouth and waited hoping that she would disappear. I kept my attention on Dad and ignored aunt. She better not cause any trouble at Mom and Dad's house once Dad gets out of the hospital. If she wants to visit she'll have to enter Mom's home and I won't permit her to cause any issues.

Bitch.


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Little time...

I've settled into a schedule. During the work week I see Dad on either Tuesday or Wednesday depending on which evening I have Daughter. I leave home at 6:00am to beat the traffic into the city and then head to Rehab Hospital at 4:00pm. I arrive at about 4:45pm and stay until 6:30pm when I head home, missing the traffic. It makes for a long day but it's the least I can do. I'll see Dad next on the weekend, either Saturday or Sunday depending on what's going on. It doesn't leave alot of time left to see Mom. I'm sure she's resentful that all the attention is on Dad. She deserves some time as well. I'll see if I can swing going in early Saturday morning and take her for her favourite breakfast.

Visits with Dad...

The time I spend with Dad is great. We talk. I tell him about my day. How Daughter is doing in school. But he usually asks about her and school, when vacation is. What things she likes to do. To spend time with Dad just talking is something we've never done. Even though he's not the Dad I knew before October 15, 2006 he's still my Dad. I will always love and care for him.

All caught up...

I guess I could have posted more. I would have described the tortured tone of my mother's voice. How she anguished that she didn't have the help and co-operation of both sides of the family. She's the real hero in all of this. There are those that should hang there heads down in shame for what they tried to do. Brother hadn't stepped foot in Mom and Dad's house for over 7 months. He hadn't called to see how she's doing, if she needs anything, does she need groceries, a ride to the hospital, perhaps she'd like to see the grandkids. It's shameful. It's family. At least it's mine.