Cherral I know you are glad you have a cousin to look in on your father. I imagine this time of isolation makes it harder, that he is more on your mind. I would try to see him when the virus has resolved as his time has to be short and his memory shorter. You and cousin might be able to arrange FaceTime calls in the interim. Does he still know your voice? Most elderly like to receive mail. Cards and photos are often appreciated. Perhaps you could send a gift card to your cousin to pick him up treats? You have had your life to live and he has had his. That’s as it should be. My dad has been gone 15 years this month. I really miss him. I wish I had spent more time with him. Losing our patents is part of life we all have to go through if our lifespans follow nature.
I read this on another post today.
Charlie Brown: "Someday, we will all die, Snoopy".
Snoopy: "Yes, but on all the other days we will not".
I loved this. Perhaps your guilt is actually anticipatory grief, knowing that your dad is especially vulnerable. It’s dim enough being at an advanced age and then the threat of the virus is so real. So some of what you are feeling is to be expected with a very old father. Guilt is useless but do ask your cousin how you can help and communicate as often as it seems helpful to you and to him.
I know you are glad you have a cousin to look in on your father. I imagine this time of isolation makes it harder, that he is more on your mind.
I would try to see him when the virus has resolved as his time has to be short and his memory shorter.
You and cousin might be able to arrange FaceTime calls in the interim.
Does he still know your voice?
Most elderly like to receive mail. Cards and photos are often appreciated. Perhaps you could send a gift card to your cousin to pick him up treats?
You have had your life to live and he has had his. That’s as it should be. My dad has been gone 15 years this month. I really miss him. I wish I had spent more time with him. Losing our patents is part of life we all have to go through if our lifespans follow nature.
I read this on another post today.
Charlie Brown: "Someday, we will all die, Snoopy".
Snoopy: "Yes, but on all the other days we will not".
I loved this. Perhaps your guilt is actually anticipatory grief, knowing that your dad is especially vulnerable. It’s dim enough being at an advanced age and then the threat of the virus is so real. So some of what you are feeling is to be expected with a very old father. Guilt is useless but do ask your cousin how you can help and communicate as often as it seems helpful to you and to him.