Today was Anthony’s best friend’s 50th so I went into the nursing lodge and picked Anthony up to bring him to the party early, before the throng arrived, so that we could have a quiet drink with Barry (Baz).
A lot of things went wrong:
- Anthony couldn’t walk from the car to the chair to sit down and Barry and I took awhile to get him seated;
- Anthony started shaking and shivering immediately, so Baz gave him a red wine to help and that seemed to work;
- Anthony had to be back at the nursing lodge by 6pm at the latest, for his pills and for dinner;
- It took a couple of people to get Anthony back into the car to go back, by which time I was openly crying which was embarrassing;
- Anthony squeezed my knee as I pulled out of Baz’s driveway, but I was so distressed and disconcerted that I banged into the fence on the left, and then on the right;
- I got Anthony back to the nursing lodge in time and went back to the party to make sure I hadn’t damaged Barry’s fences (I hadn’t – phew!)
A lot of things went right:
- Baz liked his birthday present;
- Ants and Baz were happy to see each other;
- Baz’s wife, Julie, and I had a huge, wondrous, hug, as Anthony and I were leaving;
- I have now realized that Barry’s birthday party will be the last one Anthony ever goes to.
Happy birthday Barry, and I wish so much that Anthony could have been there properly – not like this sick, old man, but like the life of the party he used to be – oh well!
jmgoyder 
Oh Jules – may I call you that? I want you to close your eyes and feel the hug I’m sending your way. I’m glad some things went right. A Happy Father’s Day to husband from Canada!
Thanks Diana! Love Julesx
It was good that he was able to be there at all. Be thankful for that – even though it must have been a stressful time for you.
Put it this way – I am never doing that again!!!
you just feel it in your bones, don’t you, the answers, i look at Al and wonder if he will b here next year on his own birthday. sometimes i think yes, but i don’t think he will be living here if he does make it to next year. the saddest thing to me about Parkinson’s is the patient can live in a terrible way for many years, doctors say here up to 20 years in a very weak body. this just makes my heart hurt so bad, to know that a person could have to suffer that long………god bless. i love your blog but always wish we were email buddies or phone buddies. you go through so much that i do, but you are ahead of me in some areas………..
You can email me any time, buddy!
thanks Julie
your journey is our journey – easy or hard, we are there with you
You are very kind – thank you so much!
You did a lovely thing in taking him there even if it’s the last party Anthony goes to. Well done on not hurting the fence 😉
I did hurt the car though – both side mirrors are smashed – argh!
In among everything else, I am glad the fence survived.
So am I!!!! The relief when I went back to the party to check was overwhelming – phew!
Tears rolling down my face reading this. Much love to you all xx
It’s okay today – it was pretty dark and rainy when all this happened yesterday but the sun peeped out today. Thank you CC!
I will keep you and Anthony in my prayers. This is not an easy phase of your life you are traveling.
PS Try not to bang the car up too much. 🙂
Both of the side mirrors are wrecked – argh!
Just like life – some good and some bad. Focus on the good 🙂
True.
So sorry Julie… now me tears… 😦 Hang in my friend. I’m sending more Hugs… wish could be there for live one….
It’s the next day now so the retrospect almost makes it slapstickishy comic! I got your hug – thanks Robyn! Jxx
How wonderful that Anthony was able to help celebrate his friend’s birthday. I’m sure Baz was absolutely delighted.
The simple things in life are free and friendship is one of the most treasured and best loved ‘freebies’.
So true!
Julie, I’ve been trying to reply, but I can’t connect from my email. Maybe this will work. Anyway, I said that I’m sorry. I know the party was bittersweet for you. I remember that Dad walked in but couldn’t walk out. So bizarre. So bizarre how the brain short circuits itself from one moment to the next. The wood chopping was good for Anthony, but I know the whole scene was so twisted from “normal.” I’m sorry. Sending you lots of love and support.
What a lovely person you are! Thank you so much.
Prayer and hugs coming your way.
Thank you Victoria! Juliexx
It’s so special, though, to have the memories when Anthony was the life of the party!
Absolutely – he was a bit of a local legend!
This is so absolutely heart-wrenching!
Yeah it was pretty crap!
I wanted too to give a big hug to you dear Julie, Blessing and Happiness to you all, Thanks and Love, nia
Your hug just hugged me! Thank you!
It’s great that you made the effort, Julie
I guess so – thanks bluebee! Juliexx
You are so brave and supporting, I wish I could make you feel better, but you are doing a great job, don’t forget that..best wishes
Baarbaara
Thank you Baaaaaarbaaaaaraaaa!
One day late, but happy birthday Baz!
I’ll tell him!
I think you’re quite the superwoman (complete with the ‘s’ in front), making sure Anthony doesn’t miss out on Barry’s bash: even if it means cracked side mirrors.
Here, sending an e-hug your way! 🙂
Love
Oh the side mirrors – argh! It’s gonna cost a fortune.
Sad that he couldn’t be there, as he was in birthdays past; but you met and celebrated with him as he is today. Very touching.