Friday, March 25, 2011

On My Way Out The Door

My husband and I are on our way to get my father, who lives in Pennsylvania, and bring him to live here in TX near us in an assisted living facility. He doesn't want to come, he doesn't even think there's anything wrong with him, but he's being compliant and I, like a dutiful daughter, have been dismantling his old life and trying to rebuild a new one for him here. It's a dreadful task that no one should ever have to undertake, telling your parent that it's time to let you have the reins of their life.

Art is getting made, though, in almost a frenzy of anger and exhaustion. Here are two Stacked Journaling pieces I will be taking to my childhood best friend in Pennsylvania. She's terribly ill with Diabetes and could use a little brightness in her home. These small canvases in her favorite colors- green and blue- contain stacked messages of love, healing and sisterhood.



And another stacked letter to my father I'm working through in my journal before translating it to a stretched canvas.

(Dear Dad: Confusion)

Hope your weekend is happy and creative.

7 comments:

Jan said...

Hi Judi, sorry it has had to come to this for you and your father. Surely there will be much to reward you for your faithfulness. Your friend will love those pieces you are gifting her, how could she not? Best of luck to you on your journey.

Julie said...

I think you may know Judi that we have just been through what you are doing now for your Dad and it is a very hard thing to do but I'm sure you'll find it is the right thing. My Mum has settled into her care home and loves seeing us regularly. You will feel relieved to know your Dad is safe and close by.

Have a safe trip.

janice said...

Judi, I know this must be rough, but I feel certain that once he is settled closer to you you will have move peace. Having someone in his condition at a long distance can be very stressful. Did you grow up in PA? Love the pieces for your friend and I am sure she will too. All my best.

elle said...

Definitely a hard spot that you will need to get thru. But you will get thru it. Remember the tangle on the back of a woven piece is very unlike the beautiful pattern on the front. Keep making art; it helps. Safe journey, always.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

I just moved my mom into a nursing home after a fall. She has high level alzheimers. It is heartbreaking. I feel so inadequate. You are doing the right thing. I moved her here last year since my brother was useless. She is not happy, but they have a fishpond in the atrium and that distracts her.

My heart is with you, this is a hard thing to do, to become the parent.

glen

Gina said...

Wishing you all the best for you, your father and your friend. We moved my husband's mother here from California and it is so much easier when she is nearby. Your Dad will appreciate being near you!

Texas Quilter said...

I wish you and your father the best of luck with the move; this summer we're doing the same for both of my parents for health reasons (my father has Parkinson's). I'm sure your friend will enjoy the brightness and love you are sharing. God bless you!