The last couple weeks since Dad died have been a bit of a roller-coaster. Obituaries to be written, memorial-service arrangements to be made, the carting of Dad’s belongings from the nursing home to a corner of the basement to be sorted through… well, someday. There also have been a lot of tears.
But there’s also been a great deal of thankfulness. Dad died really easily and quickly – here one minute, gone the next. Since then, I’ve received wonderful support from family, friends, neighbors – and all of you.
I’m thankful, also, for a couple of wonderful articles. Paula Span, editor of The New Old Age blog on the NY Times website, wrote a very nice piece for that blog, which you can read here. And just today, an honest-to-God print article appeared in the health section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which you also can read online.
I’ve also gotten the opportunity to become a contributor to AARP’s caregiving blog, and will be posting there regularly, so be sure to check it out.
As to this blog, I’m not quite sure, yet, the form it will be taking, going forward, whether as a continuing document of my personal journey or more as a vehicle for caregiving advocacy. It’s something that likely will take me some time to figure out. Whatever I decide, though, you’ll all be the first to know. 
October 25, 2012 at 9:38 am10
I worked with Charlie at Penney’s and played golf with him many times.
I have fond memories of those times.
I tried to find him and am very sad to hear of his passing.
October 25, 2012 at 9:38 am10
Thanks for telling yours and your father’s story. I’ve followed on and off for the last year or two, and appreciated hearing another’s take on the journey. My mom passed on Sept. 20, and then shortly thereafter I read about your father in the New Old Age in the Times. I marveled at the timing coincidences for a moment, and felt both sad (and happy) for you.
I still have my father at home to care for. So I’m still on the front lines. But my father is very simple to care for (he just can’t get out of bed) and I hope I have the privelege for years to come.
I haven’t even done an obituary yet, as we had a private service — no one down here knew Mom and Dad other than caregivers and us, so no one here will miss her the way we do. But I have that (among other things) on my list of things to do, to write one up to submit to our hometown paper, so that any of her surviving friends will know what happened. Her clothes are gone, her cosmetics consigned to the trash, but her papers, hobbies, and treasures are scattered throughout my house (and occupying a majority of my basement) and will require my attention for months (years?) to come.
thanks again for your eloquence – glad to hear you’ll still be active in the cause. Too many seem oblivious to the issues that occur with growing old and requiring assistance.
October 25, 2012 at 9:38 am10
I met your father in 1975 when I joined Forest Hills and realized immediately that he was and would remain the unofficial greeter ,king and Santa Claus at the club.When i resigned in the early 90s he phoned and suggested a going away party but I deferred as I did not want any fanfare.I often wondered what became of Charlie and although a few told me he worked at Pennys I could not believe he was no longer at FH because it seemed to be his only interest other than selling a few robotics.God bless you for being such a wonderful son and the best of life to you.Although I am only a rookie at 78 I look forward to joining him at the 19th hole in the afterwords when they ring my bell.Bob Hornof
October 25, 2012 at 9:38 pm10
Just finished reading your article in the Post, and it struck a chord with me in so many ways. I am a St. Louis native recently moved back after the loss of my husband at only 48. My parents both passed when I was around 30 from aggressive cancers, and I was briefly the care giver for both. So I have repeatedly been involved with making those tough healthcare decisions. I am also a healthcare professional. A therapist working primarily in hospitals and in skilled settings for rehab with older patients. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is walk back into an ICU to work about a month after my husband passed. Thank God for my good friends and my pets. I also have a golden as one of my dogs, and loved your observation about the Dali Lama. Your father will always be with you in your heart. JM
November 1, 2012 at 9:38 am11
I am sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You left a great legacy for others to experience and what a wonderful written memory for yourself.
My mother passed away unexpectantly on August 25, 2012 at the age of 65. She was legal guardian and the sole caregiver of her 90 year old father. I was recently appointed legal guardian of my grandfather, who will be 91 this month, I am 45. I wish that my mother would have blogged her caregiver experiences as you did. I would cherish them now and get a lot of answers to my many questions and maybe I would understand more her devotion to his care.
Enjoy your new journey and your dog.
Lori
November 7, 2012 at 9:38 pm11
Oh my goodness! I just clicked on your blog to see how you were doing and read that your Dad passed away. I say prayers for him and send you hugs.