Whew! Three weeks and 2 days away from blogland but I am officially "back on the job". My parents have officially retired and I've spent the last three weeks helping them pack-up, load-up and move from West Virginia to North Carolina! What a big job. It is amazing what one can accumulate in 21 years of living in the same house.
Neither of my parents have ever lived outside of WV. They were both born and raised in that great state and have lived there during their entire lives together. This year they celebrated 45 years of marriage. I convinced them to move to NC to be close to me, Mr. Panache and our two sons. I didn't have to twist their arm too hard!
But what transition is ahead! If any of you have ever helped your elderly parents through this type of change I would love to hear about any tips you have.
I am starting a new interior design project this month - a family room for empty nesters. NO, not my parents but another client that wants to freshen up her space to reflect sophistication and panache. I hope to share step by step details once the project is underway.
Until then, I will be working on a couple of home organization projects and a mini-makeover for a master bath. Don't forget that Thursday is TABLESCAPE THURSDAY. It's been 3 weeks since I've participated. I hope to pull together something fun and fresh!
Hope to see you around this week!
Happy Decorating!
~Alisa
16 comments:
~Welcome back to blogland Alisa!
How wonderful that your parents are close to you now! I'm very happy for all of you.
Being military for several more years I don't think that will happen for us. Mine are both almost72 and are starting to fail in health rapidly. It's really scary for me being so far away. They live in Florida. My sister and her family do help as much as they can. Many changes will be coming up for them soon as well. Maybe you can give me some helpful advice later on my friend.
Have a wonderful evening.
~Warmly, Melissa :)
Welcome back....how nice that they WOULD move to be closer to you. check out any keenager kinds of groups for them to get involved in. They will need to meet some folks their age, too!
That's nice that you could help them and have them near.
Suzanne
What a wonderful thing to have your parents closer to you. I'm sure they will love it. From experience all I can say is to help them find friends and interests other than just your family. Maybe church, some clubs, or something that will still give them a life that seems independent and not just wait for your family to plan their entertainment. Making new friends always seems the hardest and especially when they're older and move to a new state and home. Good luck and God Bless. Hugs, Marty
Hi Alisa,
Welcome back. It must be hard for your parents to pack up their memories and move, but what better place than to be closer to you and your family. That would be my choice if I were in their position.
Have a great day.
Maryrose
Alisa, that is great that your parents will be close to you.
Hey, just a thought...I work in the public school system and we are always looking for volunteers.
(the kids love it)
You'll find something for them to get involved with that they will enjoy.
I am looking forward to your new design project.
Take care,
Tracy
Hi Alisa...
Welcome back, my friend! I think I've been in the same boat as you...I just returned from a two week vacation in Texas...just got home last Saturday! I feel like I have so much catching up to do...everything in Blogland moves so fast, but then I guess I don't have to tell you that! Hehe!
I'm looking forward to your new decorating project for empty nester...I'll be keeping an eye out for when you post!
Missed you, Girlfriend...so happy to have to back!
Chari
Welcome back. Oh, it's amazing how much stuff they can accumulate as well as anyone, I guess. I remember when I helped my mother downsize a few years back, she had some things for 30 years! As a Professional Organizer, I see a lot of that too!
Looking forward to your projects. I took a hiatus from the Tablescape Thursday after my son's recent hospitalization but probably won't return until school starts in the fall since I don't have much time.
Welcome back! You are a good daughter :) I know you and your parents will enjoy being near one another!
Welcome back, I have missed all your inspiring post. Glad you have your parents near you. See you Thursday.
Sandy
Hi Alisa,
I have missed your posts since you've been away. Glad to have you back!
Welcome back, Alisa! I kept checking your blog and was actually getting worried that you hadn't been on in so long and then I remembered you were helping your parents move. That is so great that they did that. I'm an only child and have my parents' only grandchildren here in Virginia, but I've not yet been able to blast them out of Kentucky. LOL!
Can't wait to see your decorating project and one of your beautiful tablescapes!
Hi Alisa, welcome back. How's your summer going? Great to hear how you are helping your parents:) Hugs!
welcome home sister!
here are a few ideas that may help ya with your "elderly parents" it's what i do for mama.
take the car away...giv'em a few books to read...a ball of yarn and some crochet needles...they may like a pepsi once in a while...tv schedule for the ball games...lunch out on sunday and an occasional trip to wal mart
that's what works for me : ) You ready for me to pack grannie panache and send her to n.c.?
Glad you are back. It is great to have your parents close by. Just have lots of special times. Do lunch, take them to your church, get them involved in church activities. Just enjoy. My Mom has severe dementia and is in a nursing home now. She is 91 but as happy as can be. I just saw her today and all we did was laugh and laugh. Nancy from OHIO
How wonderful for you to finally have your parents close by! I know it will be quite an adventure for you all but so worth it!
Missed ya much! Glad you're back around.
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