The Beginning

Like a lot of people, I live my life with eyes wide open. Except of course when I notice I’m entertaining my friend, Denial. Perhaps you know her? She’s nearly everywhere once you start paying attention. She means well. In fact, she might even be considered a life-saver in certain circumstances.

Dad's First Winter
My Dad, Winter 2010

A year ago I inadvertently became full time caregiver to my 85 year old father, the King of Denial.

I use the word inadvertently because he was living in warm, sunny California, and we live in cold and windy Chicago, and although he needed to find a place to live, I never dreamed that he would choose to make a move like this at this point in his life. I invited him to come for a visit, thinking if he did he could see for himself how lovely it is here in the Midwest. He said no. The next thing I know, he is on a plane headed this way with one hastily-filled suitcase of his belongings.

I had fourteen hours to ready the guest room, stock the pantry with his favorites, and make a quick trip to Walmart for warm socks. It was November, after all, and I knew he wouldn’t be ready for what loomed ahead, weather-wise.

He arrived shivering on that 40 degree, rainy day in 2010. That was the beginning of my education on The Art of Living in with Denial. 

7 thoughts on “The Beginning

  1. Love it!! You are such good writer! Consider me a fan; I can’t wait for your next post. 🙂 xoxoxo

  2. Sometimes, denial is the only place to be that doesn’t cause anguish, psychological trauma, or heart palpitations. It is only when we know we are in denial, that it is truly a healthy place to reside.

  3. Debbie, you are amazing – this is a wonderful tribute to your father. Yes, you can do this! You are a wonderful daughter. I send you my love and deepest prayers, cherish this time you have with him.

    With Love,
    Laura

Comments are closed.