DH: We're going to start tiling the area under the pergola today.
ME: Who is?
DH: Your dad and I
Now, bear in mind that my dad has Parkinson's AND Emphyzema (spelling?) and some days can't walk the length of himself, without sounding as if he's gasping for his last breath...
ME (two octaves above my normal gentile tones): Are you mad?!......it will kill him- and very possibly you too, you haven't done any manual work for yonks!
DH: I've spoken to him and we're both up for giving it a try...we're doing it!
Before I knew it, they were out there counting tiles, hoovering(?) the dust up and making cement. They worked solidly for two and a half days, before the rain started and the job had to stop. By the time the weather had cleared up, DH was heading off again and we agreed to call in our 'Man Friday' to complete the job.
Dad was so disappointed not to see the job finished, and to be able to help again, but 'Man Friday' couldn't fit the job in till mum and dad had gone home! He had really enjoyed himself (don't get me wrong, DH did all the heavy work), and the fresh air and exercise helped him sleep at night (something he has great trouble with). I think most of all though, he felt needed and realised that we-me, after a bit of persuasion, of course- don't all think of him as an invalid who has no purpose anymore. I have vowed to remember that!
Here's the layout
and a couple of close-ups
If you pop over to Sian's Blog, you will find a plethora of stories from bloggers from all over the world....I think it would be worth your while!
Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx
This is a lovely story,Alison...and a reminder that however old someone is....they need to feel needed...glad he enjoyed it so much.
ReplyDeletewow,what a story Alison...I understand your worries ;)
ReplyDeleteBut they seem to do a great job!
Have a nice day!
xx
He must have felt so happy to be able to help with the job and I am sure it was a huge boost to his confidence. It's tough having such mixed emotions for you though. A lovely story.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely of your Hubby for making your father feel useful and wanted.
ReplyDeleteand well done you for allowing it to happen
such a perfect story. and emphysema is hard to spell so we now call it chronic lung disease ;-),
ReplyDeletejo xxx
How great that they had faith in each other and managed to make a start - good on your dad too - my father died from Non Specific Lung Disease (easier to spell than the other word) and he felt really useless by the end - he put his energies into documenting his life story for which I am now profoundly grateful.
ReplyDeleteawww! Lovely story! And another great page!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great story Alison and a wonderful layout x
ReplyDeleteThe story is a great addition to the layout!
ReplyDeleteA lovely story and great that you have done a layout about it too - like the layout a lot :)
ReplyDeleteI think tha't a lesson for us all, great story
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story...and I can only imagine the stories your husband and father shared while they were working. I'm sure it will be a fond memory for both of them.
ReplyDeleteI love this story because first of all I started out thinking "honestly, men! What can you do with them!" and then I got to the end and realised the true meaning of it all; and that was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for adding your story and your lovely layout today.
Alison, I loved your story and layout! It's a wonderful, great to remember this precious moment with your dad!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, touching story :) Showcased on a lovely layout, too! xx
ReplyDeleteIts a great story and a great layout. I bet you Dad feels a real sense of achievement every time he sees his handiwork.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story Alison and a great layout to record it - it all looks lovely - you must be delighted!
ReplyDeletethey really do sound like 2 wonderful men! I think we all want to feel useful and needed rather than useless!! Fab LO too xxx
ReplyDeleteLovely story Alison :)It is good for all of us to feel needed and getting a bit of exercise is good too no matter the condition (as long as it's safe, obviously :) A pergola is on my wish list of things for my backyard, yours is very inviting!
ReplyDeleteohhh, I love this story and the resulting layout :0 How nice that your dad was able to work and sleep well at night. And a great point that everyone needs to feel needed. TFS
ReplyDeleteGreat story Alison - how wonderful that your hubby got your dad involved & they got some of the work done. Plus helping your dad feel good & sleep good, an added bonus!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story and your Dad must have felt so great being able to help out. Bet they enjoyed some good stories together too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! Love your layout! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat story, great layout and such a beautiful area too. I can you using that a LOT in the coming months.
ReplyDeleteAh, that's a sweet story and a lovely layout.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story Alison, and great that you dad wanted to be involved with it all :) love the LO, the photos really stand out!
ReplyDeleteA great story and layout, Alison! And how nice to have that lovely tile on your patio!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story and great layout Alison!! Thanks so much for all the sweet layouts you have been leaving me, it means SO much to me!!! x
ReplyDeleteOh we all need to be involved in life, whatever our age. Glad your men tackled it together. Nice layout too.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great lesson for everyone to remember about our elders. Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteRinda
A wonderful story and as Rinda says, we must try to remember that older people are still people, they have just been around a little longer! Oh and a great LO, so full of sunshine.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, lovely LO. Life teaches us a great deal if we only just listen.
ReplyDelete