Caring for Aging Parents — Breaking Point
After years in the planning, we were finally in NYC lined up to enter the Richard Rodgers Theater to see Hamilton. I’ve always loved musicals, and I helped to influence my niece and nephew to love them too. They introduced me to Hamilton when it first hit the theaters and turned me into a fan. I would sit at the computer every time the new lottery of tickets came available in hopes of winning a chance to purchase tickets. Miraculously, I was able to buy our whole family tickets for July of the next year.
I immediately started planning a trip to NYC. It was going to be me, my husband, my sister, her kids, and my dad. We had wonderful family trips before, there was no reason this couldn’t be another. It didn’t take long before my family started questioning my desire to take my dad. He was already having a hard time following directions, so it might be difficult for him to travel. However, I felt like he had enough of his faculties to enjoy the trip. As time went by, I was shown evidence to the contrary.
A few months before the trip, I asked dad if he thought he was up for it. He was hesitant. I know he didn’t want to say no, but I could tell he was worried. We did a little dance of a discussion; by the end of it, we decided he would not go. I finished planning the trip for five instead of six. I was not happy about this decision, but I agreed it was…
