hello

[dutchgirl71]

Hi All.

I’m feeling anxious and sad today and have nobody to talk to. I just went on a solo trip and it was ok…I spent my birthday alone too…and that was ok too. I got a few bir TD bday messages from family but other than that I think most people forgot or didn’t know. That’s all ok but I just need a bit of effort to keep my head up. The hardest part I guess is that my parents are aging faster now and that is really hard for me to watch. I have no spouse or children so they are my world. I love to help them …but it’s also hard to see them struggling. My dad is depressed and my mom has dementia and chronic pain so she often feels unwell. So when I go there I have to keep everyone’s spirits up. My vacation was not as restful as I had hoped as I could not clear my head. I also suffer significantly from OCD. I continue to count my blessings as I have many…but nothing is great right now and my future feels daunting. I know we are all in the same boat in many ways…so thanks for listening.

[downinthecrud]

We are in the same boat with you. My father is 92 and I know what I’m looking at… just not looking forward it. I hope you find some solace here.

Neal

[Hidden]

Belated Happy Birthday dutchgirl71! It is truly admirable that you care so much for your parents. I love my parents too and the thought of one day not being able to share a birthday with them makes me really sad. So I try to visit them as much as I can and be in their company and hug them. Cherish every moment you spend with your parents. I wish you find some comfort in your blessings.

[dutchgirl71 in reply to Hidden]

thank you for the birthday wishes!

[Agora1]

Dear dutchgirl71, the hardest thing in going through life are the changes we see

with our parents aging. As sad as it may be, I always think of how blessed I was in

having a lifetime with them. So many lose their parents at a young age and never

got to make the memories of all the important occasions in their lives.

Belated Happy Birthday xx

[dutchgirl71 in reply to Agora1]

You are right…I have been blessed that they have lived into their elder ages…

[Agora1 in reply to dutchgirl71]

xx

[optimismrus]

I'm glad you can share your feelings. You sound like a wonderful daughter, and anyone who teaches is a hero to me. 🥰

[dutchgirl71 in reply to optimismrus]

Thank you for the kind words.

[Arymretep]

I looked after my parents too for as long as I could , and I miss them so much, so although it’s very hard being a carer make the most of these precious moments together,

Happy Birthday 💐

[dutchgirl71 in reply to Arymretep]

Thanks! I absolutely love this time with them and doing what I can to help. …even if it is really hard.

[RupertBrown]

Lost my mom to Alzheimer's a few years ago. It's not an easy thing to watch. The trick for me was to find little things to do for myself. Hobbies and the like helped take my mind off things, even if only for a half hour here and there. It wasn't a cure all, but your mind needs the break now and then. Sending peace and strength.

[dutchgirl71 in reply to RupertBrown]

I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for the encouraging words.

[bethelbee]

I lost my dear mom when she was only 60 but was blessed to have my dad until he was 93. His last couple years he declined cognitively and it was difficult to watch as he had been sharp and had a wonderful sense of humor. The last time I saw him I sang him one of the songs we used to sing and play together on guitar. Not sure he heard me or knew what was going on but it gave me joy to sing to him. I know the difficulty you are going through. My thoughts are with you ❤️