Make no mistake. I've cared for a lot of people. From being a companion to giving baths... but I've never had  to deal with a situation as I find myself in now.

Being a caregiver, 24/7. Every day, I have the same arguments with my father. He wants to drive, he hurts, he's angry at life for his condition, etc.

I try to find ways to deal with the problems, for him. As well as the stress for me. Lately, I've been resorting to driving myself to Louisville and back, making a pitstop at the local gas station for junk, getting in the care and eating all the bad stuff my belly can hold, and playing the worst music and a level that should make my ears bleed.

Last night, Dad bluntly asked me if his memory was failing, and I told him "yes"... it was an honest answer.

I've taken away his driver's license and his keys... he has no business attempting to drive when he's wearing both a Fentynal patch and taking oxycodone. Not to mention that he's frail and loses his balance (has had 2 falls in the last two weeks) his last fall, he fell off the front porch into the bushes and hit the water faucet so hard, that he broke it off.

Getting him to eat is a challange too. But for anyone finding themselves in a similar situation... check out Carnation.com... and order Carnation VHC (Very High Calorie).. it's a bit pricey, but can be a lifesaver when dealing with cancer. I can get him to drink about 3 cans per day (each can has 560 callories) and he will eat one meal, usually dinner.

I look forward to putting 2008 behind me. Two floods and cancer is a bit much for one family to deal with in the same year.