Someone made the statement, "I guess you weren't quite ready for it [the move to Arizona]." Is it possible to every be ready to care for an aging parent? To have the roles reversed and see them as the one dependent on you. Are you ever ready as a child to face the illnesses, falls, confusion and future death of a parent? Are you ever ready to be responsible for all their business, home and health issues and still handle your own?
I'm not sure I will ever be ready for what lies ahead but I am willing. Being willing and being ready are two very different things.
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines ready and willing as:
Ready = prepared mentally or physically for some experience or action
Willing = of or relating to the will or power of choosing
No, I am not ready for this responsibility but I have made a choice to care for Dad, and for this house because he desires to remain here.
It was time to return. Ready or Not.
