A Date Night and Grandpa Gardner
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 07:42AM My sweetheart and I went on a date last night, one of the few that we've been able to fit in lately. We're both busy, and it's even more difficult since we've had Sterling's father living with us. Grandpa Gardner is nearly 95 years old, and his body is very healthy for a man his age. His mind, unfortunately, isn't nearly as healthy, and six years ago it became clear he could no longer live alone, so he came to live with us.
He's changed our lives. We love this man, of course; we just didn't anticipate having to find babysitters at this point in time. (smile) Grandpa needs to have someone watching him all the time, and Sterling has assumed that responsibility wonderfully.
Because Grandpa loves to do errands, Sterling takes his father almost everywhere with him. That means that when I'm in the car, I get to sit in the back seat! Not exactly where I thought I'd be when I'm riding in the car with my husband, but the patience and love Sterling shows his father is inspiring, and I am grateful that we are in a position where we can take care of him. But we aren't as free as we had thought we'd be, so our dates are less frequent than either one of us would like.
Sterling has to go out of town today, and I'm leaving for regionals later this week, so Sterling actually took his father to our friend's house yesterday afternoon; they sometimes watch Grandpa when we have to go out of town. That meant that last night we could go on a date! I actually felt giddy when Sterling suggested it.
The humor in the situation is what we planned for our date. Initially, we talked about dinner and a movie, but then common sense set in. Sterling had several errands he needed to do before leaving town, and I hadn't been to the hospital to visit my dad yet. So for our "hot" date we had our glasses tightened, stopped at Wal-Mart, and visited Dad. We did manage to fit in a delicious dinner. And in between it all, I got to sit in the front seat with Sterling and hold his hand. That was enough to make it a date for me!
Reader Comments (48)
And for you Father in Law situation we are kinda considering the same thing. My husbands Grandmother is 96 and she still till this day lives alone. However in the last couple of months her mind is going. She is forgetting to take meds and to eat. We are the only family members that have the room for her. So we are considering. She is very addament that she won't go into a nursing home becuase she would have to get rid of her cat. LOL.
Anyway thanks for sharing with us. I love reading your blog.
Have a great week.
Shannon
Can't wait to see you this weekend! Safe travels!
Hope you have a great week!
Dawn
I've always wondered if you ever thought when you first created your company, if it would grow to the extent it has. Did you have great vision then, was it hit and miss, or was it just one step at a time? While you were busy creating your business, how did you manage to juggle your family life with the business? It sounds like you're still pretty busy now, but it also sounds like you get a lot of enjoyment as well, both from the business and your family. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us!
Thanks for sharing this story - it brightened my day!
That is wonderful that Sterling and you are able to care for his father. What are blessing you are for him.
You both lead busy lives and it takes a lot to organize everything when you are caring for another person.
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us. It is nice getting to know you through your blog. I had the chance to meet you in Philadelphia last fall for regionals and at a few conventions. I am glad to be a part of SU.
My mom lived with us for 8 years until passing at age 91 in July of '07. It was a lot of work and stress, but it was also a time to be treasured.
My mom was a very active stamper, in fact, I became a demo to heep her supplied. She was my biggest cheerleader and attended all the classes I held in my home. My customers miss her almost as much as I do. On World Cardmaking Day this year, they were pleased to come make cards to donate to a local nursing home in her honor.
Savor the times that you and your husband can get away, but remember to see the blessing in the difficulty.
Hope you're dad is doing well!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I have been following your blog for a while now and it is so nice to have a glimpse into your world. You are truly a wonderful lady and I can only hope I manage to balance my work and family life with as much dignity and grace as you do.
I hope you manage to fit in some more of those special date nights very soon :)
how romantic. i love that you still go out on dates!! i have been married for 10 years and i think i might suggest that me and hubby go on a date this weekend!!
thanks
Kylie