Where am I? All over the shop.
After a rapid slide downhill, Dad died on the evening of 21 August. He was home from hospital for four days, home in his own bed, the final wish. I guess he could let go. My Mum and my sister were with him. When he came home an agency nurse was employed to provide physical assistance. My Mum was a nurse and it was intensely frustrating for her not to be able to care for Dad herself, she has the skills but not the mobility or physical strength.
Phone calls the next day saying the funeral was Thursday generated a frantic organising - going in to work to pay bills and set up wages, trying to contact Leah, searching for and buying accommodation, buying airfares for Linsey and Giles. trying to contact Leah, packing, working out travel food, trying to contact Leah - such a rush. Monday we were off on the trek to Qld. It takes us three days. I know people do the distance (approx. 2000km) in 1.5 or 2 days. Even with two drivers we just can't. We need to stop and eat, have coffee and let Clare and Ally out for a spin on the various playgrounds we encounter. We need time to go for a walk and stretch our legs (in daylight) when we stop to stay the night.
So we arrive Wednesday almost in time to pick up the elder two from the airport. My sister was there to do the honours. Question from Linsey and Giles, "How will we know what Aunty Cathy looks like?". "Much like me but her hair's longer". They haven't seen Aunty Cathy for a few years.
In Buderim Forest Park. Linsey's photo.
Dad's funeral was good. In his last days he was able to make decisions about the service, the hymns and prayers, pall bearers, even nominating the priest (there was one he really disliked and didn't want to preside at his funeral service). My brother wrote, and read, a splendid eulogy. A good meld of the personal, anecdote and general fact. Linsey did the reading, Giles was a pall bearer. We all cried.
Linsey and Ally, Buderim Forest Park.
Dad's been cremated (his wish). Mum isn't sure what to do with his ashes because of the looming nursing home thing -her failing eyesight and severe mobility problems. She's undecided whether a place in Buderim or a place in Bairnsdale is the best option (assuming she has an option). I will put out feelers next week. She wants to have her ashes "interred" next to Dad's, hence the indecision.
Rear view, Buderim Forest Park.
About Leah. We texted, we phoned. No reply. The excuse was, "My phone was out of range". Hmmm. When she finally came home she wasn't interested in going to Grandpa's funeral. I was willing to buy another airfare but got, "Naaah". It didn't seem right when the rest of us were up in Qld and not Leah. An incomplete family.
I am sad and concerned that a boyfriend holds so much sway over her. With his influence (he's 20) I wonder if she'll go to uni. as she says she wants to. This whole thing warrants a post of its own but I doubt I'll write one. So torturous.
The little house over the creek. On Quorn Close. It really is over a creek. On a massive concrete pillar that has markings made on it to resemble scribbly gum. Linsey wants to live in this house. It's beautiful, probably too high for mosquitos...but I would need a little bit of ground to grow some herbs and vegies. This lovely house is too shady for that..
Buderim Forest Park walk was the right interlude between funerals and family. We've done this walk a few times. Giles was not keen at all. After we'd arrived back at the car he said, "Well, that was quick. I remember it took hours". I think last time he walked here he was maybe 8 years old. The walk takes about an hour, there and back.
So...I'm back in Bairnsdale. I've unpacked and put things away. I've done many loads of washing. I've been and spent hours at work generating income (aka doing accounts) and sorting other paperwork, generally catching up. I've bought more animal food. And milk (for humans).
And now...where was I?