The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
My brother called me to let me know my 85 year old Dad has been hospitalized. I called my Dad who is usually concerned about me being on winter roads. I also know when he says, "Are you coming in?," he wants me there. He wants me to wait until Sunday since in his words: "It's too late now." Sunday weather predictions are crummy. Its a 2.5 hr drive on good roads. Winter roads are another thing. I've been rear-ended twice. Once last Friday and once in October. I want to do what my Dad has asked me to do. I also don't want to be on winter roads to get to him. I'd like to ask you for prayers for Dad, my family and a way to get to him if its God's will for me to be with him to show me the way.
I can take a train from where I live to a City closer to my Dad, but I'd be stranded at the train station about another 20 to 30 miles from my Dad. Enterprise opens on Monday. They'd pick me up at the train station. I still need to travel winter highway and rural roads to where my Dad would be depending on which City he'd been in. The place where his AL residence is or the City where he's hospitalized. Sometimes, it pays to be wealthy and own your own plane. I could jet to the airport, rent a car, and be about 30 minutes away from him. However, our program teaches us to deal with reality rather than fantasy land, darn it. So, truth is, I'm not wealthy and I can't jet. Thanks for helping me consider options. One I don't want to consider at all and that's staying here. My prayer is that tomorrow's weather prediction is wrong and I can get to him. Once there, I can make my way from one City to another with some headaches but not the roads I'd have to travel from here to where he is now or where he might be later. I have an air mattress in my car, so if he's released to his AL or their health center, I can always bunk with him. Exactly where I want to be.
Sending lots of prayers! Please do what you can and be safe in your efforts. I like Cathy's suggestions of being prepared for delays in travel.
Many years ago, my daughter was admitted from the emergency room to the critical care unit. I stayed with her and slept in a chair for two weeks. The nurses provided a pillow and a blanket. I thought it might be helpful to know incase your plan to drive changes.
Thank you, all. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that if my Dad wants me there, he needs me there. I also believe what Betty says in that I have to take care of me first and driving on the highways I know well in the winter with counties trying to save money is a dangerous if not a foolhardy thing. So, with your support, your encouragement and your prayers, I am going to practice that PUSH slogan that Hoot suggested previously. (((Family)))
Thanks, everybody. I did another weather check for the areas I have to travel. It looks as if it could be tricky for about 30 miles and maybe the rest of the way will be clear at least until Monday. That won't matter to me. I'll stay near him. Keep praying. It is my hope that the hazardous weather prediction for the areas I need to travel will lift or at least delay until I can get to the higher temperatures and sunshine portion of the State where my Dad lives.
Hello Grateful,
It sounds as though you are going to be just where you need to be and that you will be taking care of yourself en-route as well.
Wishing you safe and peaceful travels. ((((((hugs)))))))
