I hope no-one is offended by these images. If they are, I will take them down. But I've always documented parts of my life, and maybe some things are best kept private - I'm not sure, even now. But, it's a few months ago, so I feel better and more able to share this story with you.
During November and December, we travelled to South East Asia. When we returned, and phoned my parents, we found out that they had been very ill. My father had spent the last 6 years looking after my mother, and they were both proud people, never seeking any assistance from anyone. So, when they both got sick, I guess they just lay in bed without eating and never told anyone. Friends found them in a bad way on December 26th, just after Christmas and they were taken to the frail care of the old age complex they live in.
Soon afterwards we started out on the 1200 mile journey to visit them, arriving late on New Year's Eve. Only five months previously, they had hosted their 50th anniversary lunch at a local hotel. My father was active, walked around and drove his car.
Today, after sickness and a mild stroke he is frail and confined to a wheelchair. On the 17th of January, two days after we returned home from visiting them, my mother died.
Below, in pictures, is my story. I'm mostly over it now, so not to worry. But, if there is a lesson in all of this I suppose it is along the lines that we should all care everyday for the ones that we love, because life can change very suddenly....
New Year's Day, Residents Lounge, Santos Haven Frail Care
Just a single red balloon marks 2005 at Santos Haven
Corridor and wheelchair, Santos Haven Frail Care
My father after his stroke, Santos Haven Frail Care
The Scrub-down Room,Santos Haven Frail Care
Here, frail patients are washed by the staff
My Mother having her last X-Ray
Later that day, the doctor showed us on the X-Ray that she had a huge tumor in the one lung, which is why she had so much difficulty breathing. We never told her.
The last picture of my Mother and Father together
Taken three days before she died. When we got the call. the nurse told us they had been sitting in these same chairs having breakfast, when my mother put her head on my father's hand and died. He didn't know until the nurses came to clear away the breakfast trays.
The journey home - God Heal our Land
Taken on the side of the road...South Africa needs healing....
The journey home - Roadside Crucifixion
Taken on the side of the road, these three roadside crosses reminded me, in the sombre mood I was in, of the crucifixion. It will be added to my series that I am gradually doing on this subject
During November and December, we travelled to South East Asia. When we returned, and phoned my parents, we found out that they had been very ill. My father had spent the last 6 years looking after my mother, and they were both proud people, never seeking any assistance from anyone. So, when they both got sick, I guess they just lay in bed without eating and never told anyone. Friends found them in a bad way on December 26th, just after Christmas and they were taken to the frail care of the old age complex they live in.
Soon afterwards we started out on the 1200 mile journey to visit them, arriving late on New Year's Eve. Only five months previously, they had hosted their 50th anniversary lunch at a local hotel. My father was active, walked around and drove his car.
Today, after sickness and a mild stroke he is frail and confined to a wheelchair. On the 17th of January, two days after we returned home from visiting them, my mother died.
Below, in pictures, is my story. I'm mostly over it now, so not to worry. But, if there is a lesson in all of this I suppose it is along the lines that we should all care everyday for the ones that we love, because life can change very suddenly....
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New Year's Day, Residents Lounge, Santos Haven Frail Care
Just a single red balloon marks 2005 at Santos Haven
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Corridor and wheelchair, Santos Haven Frail Care
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My father after his stroke, Santos Haven Frail Care
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The Scrub-down Room,Santos Haven Frail Care
Here, frail patients are washed by the staff
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My Mother having her last X-Ray
Later that day, the doctor showed us on the X-Ray that she had a huge tumor in the one lung, which is why she had so much difficulty breathing. We never told her.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The last picture of my Mother and Father together
Taken three days before she died. When we got the call. the nurse told us they had been sitting in these same chairs having breakfast, when my mother put her head on my father's hand and died. He didn't know until the nurses came to clear away the breakfast trays.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The journey home - God Heal our Land
Taken on the side of the road...South Africa needs healing....
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The journey home - Roadside Crucifixion
Taken on the side of the road, these three roadside crosses reminded me, in the sombre mood I was in, of the crucifixion. It will be added to my series that I am gradually doing on this subject
. I meant Peter not Rich.
