Mid-Week

It is hard to believe we are nearly 1/3 of the way thru August-where did the month go???? I know that I seem to be constantly busy running DH or Dad to dr, rehab, dentist, etc. Then I still take care of the park gardens (with volunteer helpers this summer) so that adds to things on my To-Do list. I have my list of things I want to get done before Bill's son and wife arrive over Labor Day weekend and so far I have crossed off 2 of 12 items so guess I better kick myself into a higher gear. The past 2 weeks have been so busy with 2 and 3 appointments most days so it doesn't leave me a lot of time but hopefully things are going to slow down some now.
I am faithfully going to the gym 3x a week while DH is at rehab and I try to get to the pool pretty much every day for an hour or so in additon to that so I have been carving some me time in here.
I have promised my oldest granddaughter to send her some books so I have been reading at nite when I go to bed and hopefully tomorrow I will finish the last one and I can get them on the way to her. I had sent her a box for her birthday in April and now I have another dozen to send to her. She shares a love of Debbie Macomber with me so I am happy to send my books on to her as she seems to be the only one of my grandchildren with a love of reading.
I am happy to report that Dad has been being much more positive and saying kind things since my blowup. Maybe I needed to do that sooner. I always try my best to please him and take care of him so when he is always so critical of whatever I did so it did hurt since all he does is praise my brothers who aren't here doing a thing. I was shocked when he asked me to get a present for my DH for his birthday-it was an item at Sam's Club and in limited supply so he got it early since his birthday isn't until the end of Sept. He usually just ignores his birthday so I was quite pleased since my DH treats him better than my brothers. He agreed to this job of caring for dad so he deserves a lot of praise for being willing to give up the freedom to travel, do what we want when we want, share me and my time with dad as I spend quite a bit of time doing that, so I felt like this was well deserved.
As many of you know being a caregiver is not an easy job and usually thankless but it is nice to hear those 2 little words-Thank You. We certainly don't take this on for monetary reward but we won't resent things nearly as much when we feel appreciated. Just these little acts this week has taken away all the hurt and makes me want to do more for dad.
So Spark friends, remember to appreciate those who are there for you. I certainly appreciate all of you-you are here when I need a shoulder to cry on, lean on or vent. Thank you.