Comment from boxergirl

Excellent

I know you would liked to have gone to Las Vegas but it is probably best you and Frank stayed home. I've been one time and they're was a lot of walking.:-)

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016

I enjoy walking although I prefer it be in the country rather than city. Poor hubby. It's all he can do anymore to put one foot in front of the other. That's what I miss most, I think. Not having him take walks anywhere.

Comment from Walu Feral

Excellent

G'day Shari. Well written once again mate, with no errors that I could spot. It must have been a real worry when Frank forgot his son next, how sad. Three and a half years is a long time for a daughter not to see her mother and father, but especially her mother.

I found it interesting about those themed hotels.

Great job.

Cheers Fez

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 19-Jun-2016

I really think we would have enjoyed the hotels, but travel is impossible for Frank anymore.

Comment from w.j.debi

Exceptional

Excellent use of dialogue to make the characters and the situations seem personal and personable. The worry and irritation, as well as the love come through. Excellent personal thoughts as well.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 19-Jun-2016

Thanks so much, Debi. I'm working on the next chapter now. Irritation is right. I sooooooooo appreciate the top rating. :-)

Comment from MTF1955

Excellent

It"s very sad Dementia and it frightens me. You did a wonderful job with telling your story. I think this line would read better with forgets: How much longer before he forgot the names of our children?
This line says volumes.
For some time, Frank and I both felt we were losing our daughter. Acting classes had taught her to wear a mask.
Great job. Mary

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2016

I made the change and it does read better. Thank you so much for the suggestion. His disease is escalating these days, but I'll hang in there as long as he remembers my name and maybe then some. I'm learning to humor him.

Comment from robyn corum

Excellent

Oh, my. Three years! I can't imagine that, Shari. I get so upset when I don't see my kids for a while. I try to stay out of their business, but I want their business going on close by! *smile* Looking forward to the next!

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2016

Thanks, Robyn, for the read and review. I'm glad my son is an hour away. Nichole's physical distance caused me sorrow for many years. I'm over it now. She's a busy woman with her job and her hobbies. As long as she's happy, that's what matters. I was surprised how hard it hit her when my mother died. Her mask went off as she cried.

Comment from Kaydoe

Excellent

It is a shame that Nichole couldn't visit you in Florida and has a fear of flying. Maybe she could drive or take a bus. It is a lot for you to travel with Frank especially
when you don't have a direct flight. Sounds as if her marriage with Jeff has changed your daughter in such away that the closeness you once shared makes it difficult.
We all need and want love from our children. Disappointments happen as she seems more self consumed than concerned about her father. I hope she will reflect on her choices and change her mind. Life is so short and you need her support and love.
The story is well written and one gets a real sense of the family dynamics and pain.

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2016

Thanks, Kay, for your insightful review. I learned not to be disappointed but accept things as they are. Wonderful to hear that you feel the dynamics going on here. That's the best compliment ever.

reply by Kaydoe on 18-Jun-2016

You're welcome!

Comment from Carolyn 'Deaton' Stephens

Excellent

It is not easy for the caregiver, you in this case, to deal with the everyday ups and downs of dementia. And, unfortunately, those who are not around it everyday, not only do not relate, they really don't get it, and in many cases are in denial. I think it is both cases with your daughter. She stays away then she doesn't face the fact that dad is aging and also has an irreversible health issue...
You are in my thoughts and prayers, I understand...
Well done, well shared
:-) Carolyn

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2016

Thanks, Carolyn. In all honesty she had moved so far away that it was often easy for me to forget about her too. Isn't that awful?

Comment from abbasjoy

Excellent

It's almost as if you are losing your family bit by bit. Each one is being distanced. Frank, through no fault of his own, and now Nicole. Very sad.
Yes, indeed! The acting career sure has created a mask.

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2016

Thankfully, my son married a gal whose parents live close by. So she'll never move which is turn means he won't either. No mask on him, for sure.

Comment from Mary Wakeford

Excellent

You write with such honesty and heart, and on topics that every parent I world assume experiences as their once children grow older and need us less. Excellent topic.

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2016

Thank you, Mary. Thinking back, I wonder if I remembered to send my mother birthday and Mother's Day cards? My children always do.

Comment from Unspoken94

Excellent

Shari, I am really enjoying each segment of this piece! When the
time comes for me to surrender to less adventure, I will grieve
deeply. -Bill

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2016

Thanks for a great compliment. I do grieve for hubby's loss of mobility and flexibility mentally and physically. I suspect I could handle a trip on my own or with a group, but can't leave him alone for more than three hours.