Big changes in our life

**sydnie7** · 1st August 12, 08:06 AM

Bigdad1 and I have been conspicuous in our absence here lately, for several reasons. As some of you know, we have lived with and cared for my 92-y/o mother here in San Diego for the past 4 years -- basically the entire time that we have been together as a couple. A few months ago, Bob and I agreed that we needed to hand that responsibility off to others, began the process of finding care for Mother, and started looking for a new place to live ourselves.

In very short order we found a wonderful apartment steps from the beach in Leucadia, a beach community just north of San Diego, and my sister and her husband decided to move back into their house (which we had been renting) to care for Mother, putting their RV travels on hold for about 6 months. But if you want to hear laughter from the heavens, make plans. . .

Mother's health took a sudden turn and she passed away peacefully on July 6. All her daughters had a chance to visit while she was still alert and aware, and the hospice program she'd been in for the past 16 months was a tremendous support. We have a memorial service planned at one sister's house in Orange County, CA, for Aug 18 -- just a few days before what would have been her 93rd birthday. Some of you had the opportunity to meet her at various Games; her obituary appears here.

Bob and I have completed our house move although, as I tell people, the place looks like an explosion in a Sydnie factory and we have two, count 'em two, storage units. . . It will be months before we are settled and not scrambling through boxes looking for necessities, but our nightly strolls out to overlook the waves make it all worthwhile. We will likely not be able to attend our beloved Ventura Games this year, and it will be quite a while before I have time for kilt-related crafting, but we look forward to our new lifestyle despite its bittersweet start.

**cessna152towser** · 1st August 12, 08:25 AM

Condolences to you on the passing of your mother. It is a blessing when parents live well into old age but that does not make their passing any easier for their children. You and Bob are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you both well in your new house, as always in such circumstances it will take some time to get settled but will be worth the effort in the long run.
Best wishes to you both from Scotland and enjoy those walks along the Pacific shore.

**Grizzly** · 1st August 12, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Condolences to you on the passing of your mother. It is a blessing when parents live well into old age but that does not make their passing any easier for their children. You and Bob are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you both well in your new house, as always in such circumstances it will take some time to get settled but will be worth the effort in the long run.
Best wishes to you both from Scotland and enjoy those walks along the Pacific shore.

Alex has expressed more eloquently than I ever could. My sincere condolences for your sad loss but wish you every future happiness in your new home.

**Mikilt** · 1st August 12, 03:52 PM

I am sorry for your loss, Syndie. My own mother's heath is not so good. But the more I care for her, the more it becomes an honor. It was a wonderful and generous thing to take such good care of your mother and I can't help but think that she passed knowing what good job she did raising you.

Again, please accept my condolences.

**piperdbh** · 1st August 12, 05:00 PM

I imagine that you now treasure the time you had with your mother over the last several years. Taking care of older folks is a big job but it can be a blessed one, too.

[envy]Congratulations on the new house, especially with it so close to the ocean.[/envy]

The rest of us will keep on making stuff until you're ready to get back in the game.