Home Again 2/08/2007

Home Again Home Again. Jiggity Jig. Jan 22-Feb 7 trip. Strange in a good way.

Back from my old hometown. On Jan 22 my dad passed away. He'd been hanging on for a long time and was just "worn out". I went back to help my stepmother & brother. Unfortunately, my stepmother is now getting dependent and sometimes has some dementia. Stress. Bad knees, but has an appt with her knee doctor, Dr Stephen Huss. She's trying & isn't a whiner. She has really taken good care of Dad. But she was much easier to get along with this trip. I've been promoted from "Keith's daughter" to "stepdaughter". Okay, not too different, but I know the difference. I'm also one of two beneficiaries even though some others in her life have done more for her. Length over strength. I'm switching over to calling her "Mom" even though I'm still very self-conscience about it. I just don't want others to take it wrong. I heard from her that she seems to want & need it. She gave me a heartfelt good-bye. I think she did appreciate my presence.

I guess I really have two "homes" now. The hometown I grew up living in and the spot I'm in now. In some ways they look a lot alike.