Back in July my three girlfriends (in Naples) and I planned a get-together.  We decided that the first week of December would be a good time.  They scheduled themselves off at the hospital for those days.  Several fun "things" were planned...and of course there would be a shopping spree...and reservations were made for an afternoon "tea" at the Ritz.  We were all really excited, because we had not been able to get together last year, because Mama was suffering through the end-stages of Parkinson's Disease, and I could not leave her.  She passed away this past March.

I started my "countdown" on the calendar 25 days ago.  Well, with 10 days to go till the trip, Daddy went from being able to get around, do for himself, go do errands and  the grocery shopping, to being totally UNable.  It was like a light switch; now the light is on...then "click", it is off.  He now needs total care.  Thank goodness he is mentally alert.  I am not sure I could go through again, so soon, what I went through with Mama.

So while I in no way begrudge taking care of him, I am sad that I will not get to see my friends.