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By juliezavala in My Turn
February 22, 2010

My parent's house was originally a large, one room, workshop. My Dad bought it from someone and then had it hauled to their property in Jasper. He and my brothers added rooms, plumbing and wiring and turned it into a snug little three bedroom, white frame house. I love sleeping in the guest bedroom because at night, when I open the window, I can smell the damp earth and hear crickets and other night sounds. In the morning, as the sun comes up, birds break out into every kind of bird song you can imagine. And speaking of birds, I saw a robin this morning. Isn't that a sign of Spring?

This is my first full day living with my parents in Jasper, Texas. Due to their failing health (my Mom has brain cancer and my Dad has Alzheimer's) they need to have someone living with them to run errands, do light housekeeping and just generally make sure they're alright. Hospice comes by three times a week to check their vitals and manage their meds.

My youngest sister,Jeannie, and her family, originally brought Mom and Dad to live at their house in Humble, Texas. They live the closest to MD Anderson Hospital so it made sense. Although they were as accomodating as they could possibly be, Mom missed her little house in the woods and all Dad did was sit and watch television and sleep.

My husband, Robert, is the one who suggested that we look into my going to stay with them for a while. to He knows just what I'm going through because he went through the same thing with his parents last year. Both of them passed away within six weeks of each other.

So, I'll be telecommuting and commuting back and forth for however long they need me. They're sweet people and it's a wonderful opportunity for me to spend as much time as possible with them. I am so gratefull for this time.