About Dad

The hospital called. Dad can come home on Thursday, but they were very clear that he should not be on his own for the first two weeks. We need a plan.

The weekend would help. Although I notice the weekend is always what you can do.

I know where I live. I also know that for the last three years, every appointment, every prescription and every fall has been mine to deal with.

Can I say something before this goes where it usually goes? Eleanor, you are right, and you have been right for a long time, and neither of us has ever really said so. Simon, you are also right that distance is real. Both things can be true.

I never asked because I assumed the answer would be the weekend.

Then let us not assume anything this time. I can take unpaid leave and stay with him from Thursday to Monday. Simon, can you take the following week, working from his place?

Thank you. Both of you. I did not realise how much I needed to hear that until now.

And after the two weeks, we look carefully at whether he needs help at home regularly, and we share the cost three ways. Not Eleanor by default.

The hospital called. Dad can come home on Thursday, but he should not be alone for the first two weeks. We need a plan.

The weekend would help. But you can always only do the weekend.

I know. But for three years, I have done every appointment, every medicine and every fall.

Can I say something? Eleanor, you are right, and we never told you. Simon, you are also right: you live far away. Both things can be true.

I never asked because I thought you would say the weekend.

Let us plan it carefully this time. I can take time off without pay and stay with him from Thursday to Monday. Simon, can you take the next week and work from his house?

Thank you, both of you. I really needed to hear that.

After the two weeks, we look at whether he needs help at home, and we share the cost three ways.