sj, ltc is blessed with an awesome mother and that will be abundantly clear to all. I'm so sorry that you have this anxiety.

Thanks, guys. This is always in the back of my mind. Also, they're coming to the house. So, the clean up reorganizing has to go back into high gear.

I missed being able to read just for the sake of reading.

Oh my yes. I'm very much looking forward to catching up on reading. I have The Wedding Date and the Bone Universe at the top of my reading list.

sj, you are a loving mother. I can't see a situation where anything like that would happen. You got this.

ltc is so obviously well-cared for and happy. You've got this!

My dad goes into surgery in the next hour or so. Rotator cuff, three tears. He's 74 so any surgery is a thing. Recovery is gonna be a bear, despite his optimism. I'm going to talk to mom about possibly moving up their move schedule. There is zero reason they need to wait until January of 2020.

Surgery-ma for your dad, msbelle.

sj, they're going to see a healthy, happy, well-adjusted little girl and have great confidence in your parenting.

Suzi, I'm hesitant to bring this up, but what you're describing about your dad raises a flag for me. Could he be losing some cognitive function, due to age or illness? Concentrating so hard to get the address right he forgets to put your name, because he's sure of that, and losing confidence about traveling away from home sound like they could be organic and not emotional.

Not trying to excuse his behavior, but from here, and having dealt with aging parents, it just rang a little alarm bell for me.

Meanwhile, you are an awesome person for all you've accomplished, and deserve 'ALL the celebration!"

I missed your post, msbelle. All best to your dad and his surgery.

Could he be losing some cognitive function, due to age or illness?

I don't know. Last time I saw him...last August???...he didn't exhibit any cognitive issues. I can usually pick up on that, but being a family member maybe I'm in denial. His handwriting of the address looked the same as usual.

He does turn 80 in November. But as far as I know he is still active, still serving as a worldwide expert in water reuse.

msbelle - easy surgery and recovery to your dad. Rotator cuff repairs can be simpler than it seems. If it is done arthroscopically, he should get range of motion back quickly. Enough of that. All the ~ma to you and your family.

I heard the same bells, Beverly.

It could also be some kind of emerging anxiety issue. When you're not there right at the moment to observe it's kind of hard to figure out what is going on.

In all the sadness of my aunt's passing, it kind of went unremarked that my uncle's cognitive functions are slowly ebbing. For the first time (at least that he's admitted to) he went out driving and got completely lost. So my poor cousin is going to be dealing with a stubborn old guy who is going to need more and more support.

Oh dear, Theodosia.

Good luck to your dad, msbelle!