The signs were there but....

The signs were there but not always seen. In December of 2000, Mom fell off of a step ladder while getting Christmas decorations from the top of a closet. She fractured her leg in several places and was in the hospital for awhile. She returned home in wheelchair - she was in it for about 5-6 weeks. This was a sign - but it was chalked up to "just an accident".

Over the years, Mom had a couple of car accidents - definite sign but still not fully recognized to the fullest. After the second accident Mom no longer drove (more about this under another TITLE). Life took another change.

Mom' s stroke happened in 2001; by 2004 Mom was beginning to slow down. She had been going strong for so long and pushed herself to do what she could. Then it was decided that Mom and Dad needed some additional (other than from me) help during the day. A very nice woman was hired to help Mom and Dad with meals, laundry, light housework and day to day activities.

But then it happened.....a clear and definite sign that could not be overlooked.

There was a small fire at my parents' house. Mom put the fire out but did not call 911. Perhaps some may not see the harm in that but after having seen the damage to the floor, the wall and a chair 911 probably should have been called. All too often a fire is seemingly put out only to reignite. Fortunately this did not happen but it could have. Had it happened there is no way Mom would have been able to help Dad get out of the house. She may or may not have been able to get herself out of the house.

This is when it was obvious that my parents could not stay in their house for any length of time without assistance nearby. Unfortunately hiring someone to be there 24/7 was not possible so they had to move to an assisted living (see separate TITLE for more details). Wow, what a life changing time.