THREE THINGS TRAVELLING WITH DAD HAS TAUGHT ME
Get your head right, and everything else seems to follow. Travelling with Dad is wonderful in many ways, but it is also hard work and it can be super frustrating going to incredible places and not having the freedom to do and see the things that are of interest to me. But before embarking on these adventures I set my expectations, it's really all about giving Dad the opportunity to experience the things that are of interest to him. Which are basically Wars and Cars! And everything is done at a fraction of the pace I normally run at. I thought it would drive me a little mad, but what I realised is by setting my own expectations I don’t get frustrated and appreciate the time for what it is, without wishing it could be something else. It’s a valuable lesson and one I have been able to implement into my working life as well.
Create the opportunities to do the things you really want to do. So many people tell me how lucky I am to be able to travel with Dad, and I know that is true. But if I am honest, it was not something I looked forward to the first time, but I really wanted him to experience Europe and in the end it has been an amazing gift for both of us. Take the time to work out what is really important to you, and those who matter to you, and make it happen.
Never give up. Dad is almost 80 and suffering from Parkinsons. A walk that takes me 4 minutes takes him 30. He takes over an hour to dress himself. So many people if faced with this would give up and spend their life in a bath robe (no buttons!), watching TV in bed. But not Dad. He is fiercely independent and determined to make the most of every opportunity, and every new city. It’s a stark and emotional lesson in so many ways, And one that has left me determined to make the most of every single day.
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5 年Thank you for sharing Leanne!? I worked in aged care for many years and I have seen how difficult it is for the families when their loved ones are not managing any more.
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7 年Lovely thoughts. But did you buy any nice shoes?! And did your dad buy some as well!
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7 年Hi Leanne, I recently had the pleasure of taking mum to a drive holiday in Belgium and Netherlands. She is partially sighted and I was also aware of the potential challenges, but it is so important to find the time to travel when they can enjoy it.
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7 年As we get older we realise we don't have our parents for a long time. What a special time you've just had with your Dad. Thank you for sharing your story.
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7 年Great article. I took my mother last year to Prague and Italy. Three generations travelling together. The best part although she couldn't move as fast as my 17 year old and I usually travel was watching how much more my son got out of the trip by having his Grandmother with him. I even managed to get him to the Vatican with all that art and history that 17 year old boys hate because his Grandmother wanted to go. We are planning another trip just the three of us again. Happy trails to you and your Dad.