Sigh. My father-in-law will have to have his leg amputated above the knee next week. While I know this is necessary to avoid any further infection from his leg, which has no circulation right now, it’s still going to be very hard for him to take. My hubby is going to Tucson this weekend to be with his dad before the surgery.
It’s hard to watch his parents begin to fail. I went through it with my folks, but somehow, this is harder. Wanting to be there and support someone else is almost more difficult than having to go through it myself. Seeing all those emotions playing out in someone you love is very hard. You want to help and be supportive, but really, you know they just have to go through it. It’s interesting that those I know who have lost a relative lately just kind of said, “For what?” when I mentioned sending them a card. And really, that’s how it is. It’s nice to know other people do care, but it doesn’t lighten the load of those feelings.
All there really is to do is be as supportive of him and his family as I can be, and do whatever can be done for them. But it won’t feel like enough.
4 Responses
I’m sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Growing old takes lots of courage for the person experiencing it–and for those who love him and her. Thinking of you.
But is it necessary to support those who are in trouble in a way you would like to? I always feel that pain is something you carry alone. It’s the same with love and the pain it can bring along: no matter how hard your friends try to support you, in the end you’re the only one who feels the pain.
I always try to give the impression I’m around for when people need it, but never try to interfere, even when it’s with really close ones, like when my grandmother died.
Nevertheless, it’s painful to witness that whatever you try or do, doesn’t make the other person forget his/her pain. But I’m sure they all know they have someone they can rely on!
Oh, donna, I am so sorry. I missed this post and just found it. I hope everything went as well as it could.
As well as it could… he’s recovering now, and it’s really up to him how well he does. Thanks for your support. …