Age UK are a charity very close to my heart. I have mentioned before that my Dad is over 70 and absolutely everything he does concerns me now, I am such a worrier when it comes to him – especially after the events of last year where he got hospitalised with his diabetes. I’ve shopped in their charity shops for as long as I can remember and truly believe they are a worthwhile cause.
It is awful to admit but both myself and Steve do not visit our parents/grandparents often enough. Steve’s Dad is over 60 now and is registered disabled, his grandfather is over 90 now…we really should be seeing them a lot more than we do! Jack is also growing up so fast nowadays and it isn’t fair that they are missing out on some of these moments with him.
We were given the opportunity to have a film night in with family & friends with Pizza Hut delivery to boot and thought what better than to share it with some of those we don’t see all too often? We popped round to Steve’s parents and Jack was enamoured by the movie (Up, if you’re interested) whilst we discussed Age UK’s benefits.
After the events of last year, my Dad isn’t too keen on taking a holiday this year. This is a big thing when it comes to my family – no matter what our financial situation was like when I was little, my Dad always made sure we got at least one holiday a year even if it was just on the coast at a holiday park. They were some of the best holidays I’ve ever had and to hear my Dad say he was thinking about not going on holiday was a little upsetting, to be honest. Ever since he found out he has diabetes and had to undergo an operation last summer, he is much more reluctant to do certain things and this is a little strange – my Dad is a go-getter not someone who sits and lets the world pass him by.
Steve’s parents on the other hand go to Tenerife a couple of times a year to see Steve’s brother and sister and don’t let their diabetes or disabilities stop them. It saddens me that my Dad is letting everything pass him by and I know he is not alone in this. It seems that some people feel that once they have passed a certain age that they should just chill out and let everything carry on around them.
This is sad. Why must these people be made to feel this way? Constantly worrying whether they can pay their next heating bill. Constantly worrying about various health problems? Reluctant to treat themselves or try new things? Life is for living.
I’ve actually had a long chat with my Dad since we had the impromptu film night and told him about Age UK and what they can do for him and he is actually considering taking out their contents insurance when his is next up for renewal and finding out a little more about what they can do to help him.
Hopefully he’ll help himself.
Do you worry about older relatives? What charities do you support?
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Aw lovely post hun and I hope you spend more time with your Dad xx
http://beautyqueenuk.blogspot.co.uk/
thanks hun!x
A lovely post, Bex.
Your Dad may be suffering from depression, being hospitalised and having an op often makes people realise that they aren't infallible. I'm sure he'll come round in time. Encourage him to take a few organised coach trips out over the Summer (book him a cheap one as a surprise) and he might start feeling like having fun again. xxx
Ooh I will definitely do that, thanks for your advice Vix!x
It is so lovely post . I can't say anything because I never got too close with any of my grand parents . My paternal grandparents are too far and maternal ones are in social activities . I wonder what would be life when I'd see them too old .
Noor @ Noor's Place
Aww x
What an amazing charity. Family is taken for granted I think so much more than it was before and that makes me sad. That is awesome that you get to do fun activities with your dad like that.
Hugs my friend.
And I hope you got your car situation figured out. Boo :*(
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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
http://www.raising-reagan.com
I totally agree, so sad! Thanks hun, waiting to get it fixed!x
This is a lovely post, Age UK are a fantastic charity and not just for the older generation, without going into detail, since having my illness they have helped me too, I hope your dad can get some help too 🙂 I also try not to let things stop me and always go on holiday each year, it does usually kill me and the flight alone puts me off my feet for a few days but to see my family having fun and playing in the pool etc is worth it, unfortunately this summer we aren't going away as we need a new back door and other home improvements and we can't afford both. I do think that sometimes certain people or medical profs do make you feel a bit like your on the scrap heap now and especially if your down from an op or illness too it can make you feel a bit "what's the point" I really hope your dad is ok, and although I have no idea how he is feeling, I am thinking of him and you too and wish him well 🙂 I support, cancer charities and our local hospices, I go to one of our local hospices now but have supported them for a good few years, I remember once saying "well you never know when you might need them" little did I know I ever would. Sorry this is a ramble, I do talk too much!!! Lots of love darling, big hugs xxxxxxxxx
http://www.mammafulzo.com
Ah, I love your comments hun! Thank you x
Life is for living, but many people don't get to live it, so if it helps try and neutralise it in your mind, otherwise it will drive you to distraction. But I think that telling him about Age UK was a great thing, and hopefully things will work out a lot better soon.
I know what you mean about worrying about older people and/or getting old though *hugs* I would love to visit New Zealand one day and see an old friend, and possibly see if I would like to move there one day. It would be wonderful to finish my book over there, and focus on the wonderful landscapes and culture.*
Anyway lovely pictures again!
Will try and catch up a bit more. Take care
Emms xx
Thanks hun x