A Very Personal Post
For the past few days, I’ve been taking care of my father.
He fell, broke several ribs, and was hospitalized. He needed help doing many things, and although, while at the hospital, I sometimes enlisted the help of male caretakers, I couldn’t always do so. I cajoled him into eating his meals. I rolled his socks onto his feet. He leaned on me when he put on his pants.
In many ways, it reminds me of the time when my children were very young and depended on me. It's a sense of helplessness, both physically and emotionally, that needs attention and care.
However, there are significant differences between caring for my children and my father. When my children needed me, I was the parent, which made the care more natural. My father demands care but struggles with following directions, telling me that he's the dad and I'm the daughter, and that I should "mind my manners."
I failed to keep up with numerous tasks and joys this week.
I haven't written a single word for my new book, returned my critique partner's chapters, or stayed updated with my usual finance news sites. Also, I missed my regular beach walk, and an unheard-of situation has evolved: there are unwatched episodes of Dr. Cha waiting for me.
I was on the verge of skipping this post as well.
I told myself that it wouldn't matter to anyone. While I have a pretty good opinion of myself, I don't believe for a second that any of my readers are holding their breath, eagerly awaiting Wednesday, 2 PM Jerusalem time, when Mia's post hits the world wide web.
Nevertheless, here I am, writing to you.
I write, because obligations, especially those I've imposed on myself, must be fulfilled. Not uploading my regular post would eventually nag at me worse than taking a break, even a well-deserved one.
And maybe, even if it's just for one of my readers, this will resonate. Perhaps, for one of you, reading about a complete stranger halfway across the globe, from a different culture and country, giving care to loved ones that are changing before her eyes - it will make the tiniest bit of difference.
Perhaps, it will provide a little solace.
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