We found the little 1980s Ewok in the cupboard in our storeroom, last time Little Aussie was here. He looks a bit stunned - as you would after all that time in a dark hole.
My brain feels much the same: I've had a bit of Blog Fog lately, but more on that later.
Took Aussie to GoMA.
He is embracing Contemporary Art, especially this gigantic interactive installation:
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| Asim Waqif: 'All we leave behind are the memories' 2015. |
Waqif's site-specific commission, composed of recycled remains of discarded Brisbane buildings, bridges, and wharves, refers to the well-known local demolition company, Deen Bros. They were associated with the destruction of many historical buildings in Brisbane, including the much-loved and lamented Belle Vue Hotel and Cloudland ballroom.
There are touch points around the base of the piece, which activate the sounds of the wrecker's equipment - perfect for little boys.
He had such fun dancing on the noisy sections.
Naturally we went to the Children's Art Centre where he made a monster..
and indulged in some colouring.
Refusing to turn the vegetables into 'something different', he insisted on using correct colours for his carrots and bananas.
Wonder from where he got his pedantic traits?
Aussie is big on the Solar System; loved his new place-mat purchased on the recent Great Road Trip to Sydney...
and, as usual, he did a spot of re-decorating around the house.
Someone asked to see the fabric stash from Sydney:
The georgette on the left is a border print, destined to become a flowing caftan....hopefully...
Voile, denim, linen, pink silk lining, mocha knit. Plus a couple of stripe knits.
There is a plan in mind for each piece.
Most of these pieces were well under $10, and the 2.5 metres of white linen, the most expensive at $20. I am endorsing outlet shopping now.
The winds of change are sweeping into my life.
Dear old Dad has deteriorated markedly in the last couple of weeks.
It was a great shock on the return from our holiday.
The happy drive to the mountains for a coffee and sandwich, just after Christmas, has become but a happy memory now. It is unlikely that we will be doing that again.
Last week we were able to take him out for a drive, but he mostly slept and did not speak. We needed assistance to get him in and out of the car.
It might be days, weeks, or months, but the tide is running out...
My brain is tired, as I attempt to process everything that is happening...
almost daily reports of falls, ways of managing his care, and other details.
I find myself wondering how it will feel to be an orphan.
I am not young myself, and I am Dad's firstborn child.
He has always been there.
I thought of finding a song I associate with him:
'Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair' was his favourite song as a young man.
John McCormack sings, in 1934.
Enjoy.
XXXX
A post of contrasts, Patricia. All the joy of little Aussie discovering the world and the sadness of seeing your beloved dad deteriorate. My father passed away several years ago now, but I still miss him. Sending you a boatload of courage and a big hug xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Val. I am struggling to get around to commenting on blogs, but always take a peek. A boatload of courage would be perfect! xo
DeletePrayers for you and your dear Dad.
ReplyDeleteThank you Barb - all prayers gratefully accepted :) Bless you.
DeleteSo much of your post goes right to my heart. The joy that grandchildren bring - distracting us from worries for a little bit. I so understand what you are going through with your Dad. It is so familiar as you know. Hoping the changes in your life will happen with as much ease as possible my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Darla - I know you understand. Yes, hoping that the way forward is as peaceful as possible under the circumstances. We, his family, have to change our approach now.
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ReplyDeleteVery much a post of two halves, Patricia, with all the hope and joy that grandchildren bring contrasting with the knowledge that for your beloved father the tide is now ebbing. It must be hard to face the knowledge, but try to be grateful that you've had him so long. It's over half my life now since my dear father died and I still miss him.
ReplyDeleteI took days trying to figure the way into this post - then decided to let the Ewok take the lead :)
DeleteStrange and surreal times for us, even though I have been down this path before. 95 is a wonderful age, and if that turns out to be his allocation, we can all be so proud of him.
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ReplyDeletePatricia, I'm so sorry you're going through all the mixed emotions with taking care of your dad. I know this feeling well. And you're talking to someone who is an orphan, as you mentioned. :) Lost both of my dear parents. Aahh, 'Jeannie with the light brown hair' was your dad's favorite song. I sure remember this song and like it as well. That is great that little Aussie is interested in the Solar System. Your red and white rose is simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, my sweet friend, and Happy Valentine's Day to you.
love, ~Sheri
Yes, Dad loved the Stephen Foster songs. I think they must have sung them when he went to school, and they do have good melodies. I have been looking out piano music for some to play for him next week. Hanging in there for Valentine's Day! xx
DeleteOh I know just what you're going through Patricia dear - I became an orphan several years ago, it's an emotional roller coaster.
ReplyDeleteYour Dad has been the corner stone of your life and role model forever, now your roles are reversed with you being in charge and making the big decisions for him – that’s hard for you.
John McCormack was part of my life growing up too - this recording will always trigger happy family memories!
Your “little Aussie” will be a good distraction for you during the difficult days ahead.
Just take one day at a time, I have you in my prayers my dear friend.
Sending big warm hugs and love from across the pond
Shane xox
Hello dear Shane, yes, I imagine it will be quite a roller coaster, a feeling of nothing 'above', only those younger are my family. This week has been particularly hard, but I am transitioning into the new phase, and adjusting. We are planning a few Valentine treats and time together over the weekend. Hugs greatly appreciated, and reciprocated! xox
DeleteOh dear Patricia....so sorry to hear about your Dad...
ReplyDeleteI am an orphan already....hit me hard too...
But...with wee Aussie, your future looks bright:o)
Love the Ewok! Brings back memories with my son...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Ah yes, I know it will hit me hard when the time comes. It is impossible to know when that will be, but there have been significant changes lately.
DeleteAussie is a very smart kid - but I would say that, wouldn't I ?) Ewoks rule....
Hugs Trish. It is such a confronting time. To see the deterioration in our parents. One day at a time is best. Thank goodness for that adorable and lively little Grandson. Ewok brings back lovely memories here too.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, take care xxx
Thank you Michelle. Yes, one day at a time - apparently he would quite 'good' today. Every day a bit different. Little Aussie is certainly bright and energetic these days, and I never cease to be fascinated by his ideas and fast learning. xxx
DeleteA big hug to you, Tricia. I lost my father several years ago and miss him dearly to this day. So glad yours has lived a fufilling and long life. Strength to you, my friend. It's a blessing that you are nearby and can visit him in all his states. Life is bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteI think Assie gets his creativity from his grandmother. I'm with him! I'd color a carrot orange and a banana yellow. Looks like he had a fun day.
Also can't wait to see what that gorgeous fabric becomes.
I'll be thinking of your dear old dad.
Debbie
Dear Debbie, So many other bloggers mention parents already gone. We are indeed fortunate to have had Dad until age 95 - and still going, if not so good at the moment. Perhaps he will still surprise us!
DeleteI like to think the little guy takes after me, he he.
Today I am working on the blue caftan - fingers crossed..
I am so very sorry to hear about the turn for the not so good that your Dad has had. I can imagine and yet at the same time only imagine your heartache right now. My thoughts are with you and my hugs too and if you weren't so far away I would most certainly come and put my arms around you. I will be thinking of you no matter what. Hugs and hugs and hugs to you. xx
ReplyDeleteDear Amy, you are so kind, and thank you for the hugs! I am probably coming over there this year - maybe we can really do that?? Meantime, today my Dad was a bit brighter, so there is hope he might be around a bit longer, just in a different phase, with less action and activities. xx
DeleteThat would be wonderful! Let me know!!! xx
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your Dad Patricia. He has certainly had a good long life, and that is something to think on when you see him so changed. It's a jolt to us when our time with our ageing parents suddenly changes. My mother passed away five years ago and I still miss her very much. We thought my dad wouldn't survive a massive heart attack seven years ago, but he is still with us in his 93rd year, but my mom was gone in the blink of an eye ... you just never know. Hugs to you and courage to you to get through this time. Take care,
ReplyDeleteWendy xox
Yes, a jolt indeed Wendy, the sudden change. Maybe he will last quite a long time in this way, and that will be difficult. We really do not know, but our routine is now quite different. I know you miss your mother too, and amazing that you father is still going at 93. Thank you for your kind encouragement.
DeleteSorry to hear of the turning of the tide for Mr B. Such a difficult time for you all. No matter how old you are or how old your parent is, becoming an orphan is a major turning point in your life. Thinking of you. xx
ReplyDeleteSuddenly 'everything' is different, and our routine has changed a lot. Major turning points indeed, and no way of knowing how long this stage will in fact last. All part of life's tapestry. xx
DeleteOn the one hand, the joy of a young life, and on the other, the turning tide of an older life. The cycle of life. It is sad that your father has started the next stage of the cycle, but natural as well - and now is the time, as an orphan, to lead little Ozzie forward, as your father has with you. Even though, of course, it is difficult and sad at the same time. I lost my father some years ago, and still have my mother - it can only be a matter of time. I think the older someone becomes, the more we sort of think they will be with us forever, but of course that is not so.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am looking forward to the next visit of the little boy who always brings smiles and joy to our house. Yes, it is true, you think they will go on forever in some part of your mind. The past ten years has been much the same routine, but suddenly all is different for us now. We are coming up with new strategies and ideas for visiting. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment Sarah Liz.
DeleteDear Patricia - having been absent from the computer I was saddened to learn this news about your dear father.
ReplyDeleteLittle Aussie must be a delightful diversion at what must be such a very difficult time for you.
Thank you Rosemary. Apparently my father showed some response yesterday when family members began reading Australian poetry to him. He even smiled! We are finding ways to adjust to the situation.
DeleteJust a thought....can you arrange for a musician to come in a play a few favourite tunes for your Dad...."I Dream of Jeannie" for e.g.? Music therapist would be ideal, but a keyboard player or guitarist would work as could bring own instrument...xx
ReplyDelete*and play...
ReplyDeleteI am the self-appointed musician, and have located my music of 'Jeannie' and had a little practice. I would like to find more Stephen Foster tunes - the one I downloaded had all the chords wrong! We are also putting some of them on the iPhone so can play them anywhere. He is not confined to his room, and is generally in the common areas in a wheelchair. I do remember your Mum had a music therapist - such a nice idea. xx
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