Friday I went to see Al and he knew that I was going to be taking him out to lunch. I wasn’t sure what we were in for, because sometimes when I pick him up his legs hurt so much, we eat and then I take him back.
Today was different. When I picked him up, we went to his favorite eating spot. He talked to everyone he knew and even ones he didn’t. It still bothers me that some people try to brush him off, thinking how different he is. You know, we were taught to not talk to strangers when we were young. I don’t say anything, and I just let it go, but sit back and watch how the uncomfortable strangers wiggles his distance from my brother. It makes me a little sad, but I know I am partial.
He ate very well and he was in pain, but he was choosing today, to over look it. Why? because he saw that a local chain store had hot wheel cars on sale. We went to that store next, and then he even asked to go to another store after that. He walked very slow, but he was steady. He had a good time, I am pretty sure.
I did not visit on Saturday, but yesterday, I did go to see him. I took him a meal deal from a drive-thru and when I popped in his room, he seemed a little down. I was almost wishing I would not have brought the food, but then he made a comment about what was in the bag.
He got up out of his recliner and we made our way down to the dining room. I sat beside him and pulled all the goodies out of the bag. We went ahead and ate our lunch, even though it was about twenty minutes too early for lunch.
As we were eating, the dining hostess stopped by to ask him for his menu choice. I didn’t think he would order anything since I had brought him a complete meal, but to my surprise he said, ” Did you know that this is my sister? She is my biological sister. We have another sister, but she isn’t very nice”. The hostess laughed and then Al said, ” This is really my sister! I am going to order a piece of cherry pie, and could you put some of that ice-cream on top of it? My sister is eating lunch with me. I want her to have some too”.
When the hostess left, I said, ” The food is for you bud, not for me. Are you sure you can eat all of this”? He shook his head yes. In about five minutes, the hostess came back with not one piece of pie but two. I made a comment that she didn’t need to do this, but she said, “He wants you to have it, and we try to please our patients”. I thanked her and Al smiled at me like a proud peacock.
When his eating mates came in and others stopped by, he repeated the entire story about who I was and that he had a half-sister who wasn’t very nice. He beamed during our visit. I could see the love for me through each of his words. I was a proud sister. I knew at that moment, that although I miss him terribly here at home, I had made the right decision for him. We are closer now than we ever were. The stress isn’t there when I visit. We talk, actually communicate with each other. He tells me his aches and pains. He tells me who comes in and what he won at bingo. We had a great time, and by the way, he did eat his whole meal plus his pie and part of mine. Geesh, I wonder, Will he have any room for supper?
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I am glad the two of you are having a special moments.
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thank you. it is much different now that we each have some space
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Wow, what a magical change – I think it’s for that he doesn’t have you around all the time now – so he appreciate what you are doing for him, when you’re together. So happy for both of you … those special moments are priceless.
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yes, I think so too Viveka. I had head it before that we needed space but did not want to believe it, but now I do. thank you for helping me through that process
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I’m glad that you and Al has found each other again – because when you lived together was it so much pressure on from both sides – and you tried to do everything …. I was pushy, but you could never give all the care he gets today 24/7.
Still it was you and Al that did all the changes and it worked out well … after a while.
What has happen with the puppy, Polly ????
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Polly is living with another family member because Al was afraid to come home for fear of her tripping her. I still keep up with her.
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Good visits ease your mind. Rejoice and be glad in it!
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I am very thankful!!!
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Terry, that sounds like a great visit. I am so glad you placed Al in that facility. It has made life easier for both of you and allowed you two to focus on your relationship when you are together. You had brcome too much of a parent figure when he lived at hime and his anger focused on you. Now he sees you as a whole person. I am glad for you both!
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thank you. I miss him still very much being here, but am relieved to have more help. he does see me in a different light, this is true. if i could take care of him i sure would do it. i never wanted him to see me as a parent figure, but he probably did since he needed so much help and guidance
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I love that he is being a brother who sounds quite proud of his big sister!…I am really impressed with him as he has made this adjustment…what a neat guy!…mkg
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yes, he is a pretty awesome guy, I have to agree. I am glad that I placed him because now he has the extra needed help but i still miss him crazy, and if he got better and i could bring him home, i would for sure!
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Try to keep the good visits up in front of your mind. This sounds like a keeper-memory!
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i hope that they remain good for a long time!
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Sounds wonderful!
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thank you!!! it is
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This is fantastic Terry – it’s getting better every day with Al which is wonderful. You must be so relieved and glad.
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I am, I really am. I still wish he was here. I guess I always will.
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This was so precious, Terry. I’m so thankful for these times you have with Al now. It makes me cry! God bless you!
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I have been waiting for these special times for so long and now they are coming. I am so happy. Thank you for staying with me through my trials and tribulations and victories
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That was just so lovely 🙂
ivonne
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thank you. it is so nice for him and I to speak again as brother and sister!
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The Lord is blessing you guys. Enjoy your time together. May He continue to bless you. Still Praying!
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see how prayers work? Al and I are starting to enjoy each other more
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I’m so happy for you both, Terry. This is such good news. And it sounds as if Al is happy where he is, too. God bless you both with many more of these happy memories.
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Thank you Diane. It is wonderful to see you once again!
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It’s good to be back again. I think I will still have to take my computer in to get that thing off, but I found a way around it today and so am taking advantage of that. The computer guy was out of town and hasn’t called me back yet. I will have to give him another call and talk to him about this thing.
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Maybe he is on holiday? What ever the reason, I am glad u r back for now!
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I am so happy for you to be able to see that you made the right decision in placing Al! Many more special moments will come your way, I am sure.
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Thank you Barb. I think I called you a different name yesterday, but it was too late to change it by the time I read it. I don’t know what is wrong with my old mind!
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no problem!
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