COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Hello all. Both hubs and I are a couple of old hermits in this once kid-chaotic place called home. But those days are long gone and the older we get the bigger and lonlier the place has become. Both of us have emphysema and the old fella is well on his way with demensia too. Who'd ever think that we'd end up in the same situation, neither one able to care properly for the other.
We should have downsized the day the kids dropped anchor in another country overseas, but we didn't and stubbornly pooh-pooh any suggestion we should sell up and move into a retirement village. Now this house which was once our comfort zone, our place in the sun and which our kids would inherit one day at a pretty penny, is now little more than a huge money-sucking hole and we're trapped inside with our oxygen hoses tangled around our ankles. Talk about cabin fever!
I fully empathize with Laura's decision to relocate closer to her relatives and say Good Luck, girlie, you need to do what is right and best for you. Don't waste another thought about hanging onto a life and place that's gone stale and cumbersome and may you enjoy your new comfy crib while you can. Thank goodness you have family and friends to help you with the nitty-gritties of packing up. Hope all goes well and with as few heart tugs as possible.
With us, however, hubby and I are all we have. We've had countless discussions, arguements and persuasion from the kids that we must be practical and throw in the towel with our stubbornness. Well, it looks like the only solution is an open house auction and I'm already traumatised by the thought of hoards of strangers traipsing in-and-out and snooping in my cupboards. It's enough to make me stay put - rather the devil you know....
Realistically, most of the retirement/assisted living facilities I've phoned have a waiting list of 2 - 5 years so we're not optimistic of our chances. But time is a-wasting and I must do some serious junk clearing. Wish me luck, strength and breath to do what I must. Arms open wide for some hugs and prayers.
Leonie xx
We should have downsized the day the kids dropped anchor in another country overseas, but we didn't and stubbornly pooh-pooh any suggestion we should sell up and move into a retirement village. Now this house which was once our comfort zone, our place in the sun and which our kids would inherit one day at a pretty penny, is now little more than a huge money-sucking hole and we're trapped inside with our oxygen hoses tangled around our ankles. Talk about cabin fever!
I fully empathize with Laura's decision to relocate closer to her relatives and say Good Luck, girlie, you need to do what is right and best for you. Don't waste another thought about hanging onto a life and place that's gone stale and cumbersome and may you enjoy your new comfy crib while you can. Thank goodness you have family and friends to help you with the nitty-gritties of packing up. Hope all goes well and with as few heart tugs as possible.
With us, however, hubby and I are all we have. We've had countless discussions, arguements and persuasion from the kids that we must be practical and throw in the towel with our stubbornness. Well, it looks like the only solution is an open house auction and I'm already traumatised by the thought of hoards of strangers traipsing in-and-out and snooping in my cupboards. It's enough to make me stay put - rather the devil you know....
Realistically, most of the retirement/assisted living facilities I've phoned have a waiting list of 2 - 5 years so we're not optimistic of our chances. But time is a-wasting and I must do some serious junk clearing. Wish me luck, strength and breath to do what I must. Arms open wide for some hugs and prayers.
Leonie xx
I know it's hard to let go, but sometimes the burden of the big house and all it's expenses and responsibility out weighs the downsizing.
You will feel less pressure once you let go.
Hugs, Terry
I started to clear out a lot of stuff some time ago - sorted photos and other precious little mementoes, shredded, donated, auctioned, shared and binned tons of dust collectors.
But somehow, the paper work has mounted up again and my wardrobe rail is drooping in the middle with more clothes than I could wear in a lifetime. How many times have I asked myself WHY do I do this to myself???
And I know all about those so-called do-gooder grabbers who cant wait to claim your stuff before youre cold in the ground. My hubbys granny was practically carried out in the chair she was sitting in by the very people she trusted most her beloved church. By the time I arrived to supervise the loading of her stuff into the truck, her little flat was empty and treasured bits & bobs gone. Even the chair she was sitting on was loaned by her neighbour! Howzat for godly humanity?
Anyway, weve already decided that the Executor of our estate will be called upon to earn his % takings according to our Will, irrespective of whether one spouse is left without the other. We thought this was the best route because our kids live overseas and cant pack a lounge suite or a motor car into their luggage ... lol, imagine going through customs ... Ive already divvied out jewellery and other family mementoes and the rest is headed for the tip, Im sad to say.
But no matter what we decide, nothing is as simple or easy as it sounds. Although I dont have any sentimental attachment to 90% of my stuff, I still wonder what life is all about. When were young and ambitious, we seem to be hell-bent on accumulating as much stuff as possible the best, biggest and most expensive, only to feel its weighty burden on our shoulders down the line. I think the most difficult let-go is our independence and freedom.
As for alternative suitable accommodation, none of the retirement villages / assisted living homes have space at the moment. As I said earlier, the waiting list for most if 2 5 years and, quite frankly, I dont hold out much hope of reaching the top of anyones list. And if we by some miracle did, then well be expected to get rid of our pets, car and dear house maid who has been our friend and carer for many years.
What a wonderful world it would be if we could band together like Peter & Lauren say into our own happy community! Oh well, we can always meet up over the rainbow, huh?
Ok friends, thanks again for all your responses and good advice. For now, its time to shuffle my way to the kitchen to get lunch on the hob. Heres wishing you all well, take care of yourselves and each other, enjoy your days and nights and dream of tomorrow.
Leonie xxx