I’m busy getting ready for another trip up to Colorado Springs. My sister has visited my mother two times since I went out the last time, so it’s my turn to hit the trail.
Our son will be taking care of our house, so at least I don’t have to worry about that. But as usual, there are a lot of things to get done before we leave in a few days.
We have been very fortunate that my father thought to buy long term care for my mother many years ago. A few years ago I was able to hire an agency to come in for a few hours two days a week to take her to doctors’ appointments, shopping, etc. From there, the hours and days have increased. She now has someone with her all of the time. This has certainly helped assuage my guilt about not being able to talk her into moving down here. (Her response to that is always that we should move up there to take care of her. When I remind her that would mean we would have to leave our home and not be able to live near both our son or daughter, her response is always that we could visit them.)
Here I go again >>> off topic!
I wish time hadn’t passed so quickly, and that we were getting ready for the four of us (my husband, son, daughter, and me) making our yearly summer trip up to Colorado to visit my father, mother, and younger brother. We would always leave early in the morning so that we could stop by late afternoon. Our son and daughter always looked forward to swimming in the hotels’ pools. We would wake up the next morning, really early, so that we could make it to Colorado Springs as early as possible, since both our son and daughter couldn’t wait to see Gramps and Maya, Uncle Stephen, and Aspen (my dad’s Cocker Spaniel). Our yearly trips would always include a trip to up to the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, putt-putt golf, swimming at the neighborhood pool, and barbecues. In short, fun!
Our trips these days are very different, in many ways. Time has a habit of changing things whether we want them changed, or not.
Sheila says
Ah! Memories. Danna, yours sound so wonderful. Have a safe trip.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Sheila. We still have a few days, but it takes me so long now to get things together, even now that I only have to “worry” about my husband and me.
Petie O says
Danna, you have some wonderful memories and that certainly is important. True, time has changed things but looking back I know there are times that you can remember that make you smile and laugh. It means alot to your mom to drive that distance to see her, and yes, I’m sure she’ll mention you guys moving up there again!
Treasure these times; they go by much too quickly. Be careful on your drive – prayers for a safe trip are with you from us.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Petie, so true about how quickly time moves on. We’re always careful driving, since neither of us relish flying anymore. (Those are also distant memories of times when you could go hop on a plane and not even have to take your shoes off once! Or remember when you could wave goodbye to (or greet) your loved ones from the window at the gate?)
Laurel says
I’m very lucky because my folks are going to be moving up to where my brother lives (2 hrs from me) when they find something suitable. It’s very hard for them to move but they wanted to do so while they’re still in decent health and it’s their own decision. We’re grateful for that, even though we know how difficult it will be for them to leave friends.
Hope you have a wonderful and safe trip!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laurel, you are VERY lucky that your parents are willing to make the move. I am pretty sure my father would have, but my mother insists she will never move and leave her friends (all of whom seem to have abandoned her). It makes it difficult for my sister and me to do all of the “background” things that need to be done, as far as managing her care. You have neat, neat, neat parents!
Patti S. says
Have a nice visit with your Mom, Danna! You and your husband have a safe trip! Take care!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Patti S. It will be a short trip, but at least I can catch up on things that need to be done.
Kimmie says
Have a safe trip, Danna! I love road trips. I look forward to reading about whatever interesting things you come across during your travels! 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kimmie, I have made this trip to Colorado Springs so many times that I think it’s safe to say that there really aren’t a lot of interesting things to see. It’s pretty much a drive through the plains, long stretches of nothing more than tumbleweeds and dirt. It is fun, however, to see all of the wind turbines and also drive to through small towns where children wave at passing-through cars.
Gayle says
The landscape might have changed this year. Depending on you route. Lots of wind, rain, and fires. Nature tends to create interesting scenes. Which ever way you drive, watch out for the new, unexpected and of course the ‘other guy’ who might not be paying attention.
Some areas in Utah the speed limits are 80 mph. So fast you get there faster, miss a lot and cars WHIZZING past. Safe journey, and loving visit.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gayle, you’re right about a lot of natural occurrences happening recently to change the landscape. You know, while I was in San Antonio thinking about driving the nine hundred miles, I think the amount overwhelmed me. But my husband and I just completed the nine hundred miles (we are at my mom’s house) and it was really something to see all of the sights on our trip. Perhaps because we have done this very same route so many times, I have a feeling that everything is familiar. It was really nice to see “all the old places” and see how things have changed.
When we first started making this trip over twenty years ago, some of the towns only had a gas station and a Dairy Queen. Now they are booming towns, with traffic lights, WalMarts, big grocery stores, the works! I know that none of those examples are natural changes, but my husband and I (mostly me, really) kept commenting and going down memory lane, talking about how things used to be.
Yikes! Who would have thought I would start doing that almost all of the time!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Yikes, Kimmie. My husband just told me that I sounded really negative about the drive up to Colorado Springs. In the last (over) twenty years since we started making this drive, there has been a lot of growth along the way. And there are a lot of really nice places. As I get older, the prospect of sitting in a car for two days has lost its appeal…
Gayle says
Getting older is not for the faint of heart, is it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
That’s no joke, Gayle!
ginger g. says
Have a safe trip. I’m dealing with my father who is ill at this time. I live at home with my parents. Easier for me. Battling cancer for the fourth time and still trying to see about his arm. That will be Oct 11 for that hopefully.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ginger, battling cancer for the fourth time sounds like a terribly draining thing to have to do. My thought are with your father.
Cathy says
Many of us understand exactly what you are talking about, Danna…I’m leaving today on a trip to go check on my 83 yr old Mom, but she is only two hours away thankfully….meanwhile, in the opposite direction six hours away, my daughter is very ill and I may need to turn around and head that way.
Grateful for our blessings, of course, but sometimes being able to just relax with a good cozy mystery is a real luxury, right?
Sending good wishes and hugs your way…a very long trip but you will be glad you went! (often have to remind myself of that, lol)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cathy, I hope your daughter’s health improves rapidly. It sounds like you are going through a very trying time right now. Reading your comment just gave me a new perspective, and I thank you for that.
You’re right about having to remind ourselves about doing the right thing, when we sort of don’t really want to.
Tessa says
-sigh- So happy that you have the fond memories, to look back on……
Gentle hugs,
Tessa~
Ann says
It’s so difficult when our loved ones are far away and need our help. It sounds like you are doing the best in a bad situation. Drive carefully.
Ann
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Ann. My younger brother lives near my Mom, and he makes it a point to go over and visit with her during the week. But I’m the “paper-work” (and visit) sibling. Recently my sister has started doing some of the “behind the scenes” coordinating, also, but she lives in Chicago.
I used to watch a PBS show called Life (Part 2) before I actually “needed it”. I kept thinking “I’ve got to watch this. It’s information I’ll need in the near future. I will be able to use this knowledge.” Unfortunately, our PBS station is no longer airing it, and my memory isn’t quite as good as I thought it would be! It’s a terrific show for Baby Boomers who are going through the “sandwich” part of life. (Having parents and children on both sides of us.) I strongly recommend this show!
reginav says
Danna I hope all goes well on your trip to CO to see your mother. It is a partial boon for you that your father had the foresight to provide care for her.While I know it is very important for her emotional well being that you are in close touch, at least you are somewhat reasurred that her caretakers are giving her good physical care. My only sister who is 85 lives in Boston and while she is still very independent, I cannot see her as often as I like because I am dependent on others for rides. I have pleaded with her to move near me but no such luck. Have a safe and restful trip.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
God Bless you and safe travels!!!
Suzanne says
Have a safe trip!