Can We Talk 2

In Hot Water Again

         I thought I might make a few day trips and take one of the children in my family with me. The ones who are potty trained and well-behaved, of course. I have one who doesn't use a car seat any longer. She attends public school. I mentioned it to the 5 year old nephew when all the other kids had gone, and that was a big mistake.

         I have to take my dad who's almost 90 every where I go. He can't ride for more than two hours at a time with out a long break to avoid back problems. He gets worn out, even though he sleeps in the car. I pictured getting him out of the house, and me, too, within a two hour radius. We could sight see, spend the night somewhere and come back the following day. But the boy already had something in mind for "vacation". He wants me to take him to LEGO-LAND in Florida. We're talking a two day drive. My dad isn't going to fly, and I don't think the train will work for him. I suggested Uncle Gary go with us, and he was very excited about his favorite uncle going and building something out of Lego. I was picturing someone to convince Dad to get in the wheelchair and help me push him around.( Dad's dignity won't allow him to use a wheelchair, even though he can't handle extensive walking any more.) But I spoke too quickly. Uncle Gary has failing health and might be too tired on any given day.

         So after his father, my other brother, suggested throwing in Disney World, I suggested taking his Mom and Dad, too. No, he doesn't want them to go. I told him that his mother has never been apart from him for more than two days; she wouldn't be able to handle it yet. Finally, his father said he didn't know if he could go a whole week without him. The next problem, after logistics and parental separation, is patience. In a few months doesn't cut it with a five year old. "Can we go tomorrow?"

         "No, we have to plan. We have to pack. We have to have the car checked. We have to let Grandpa do eyelid surgery and rest for a while afterward." "In a few days?" "No." . . .

         Apparently, a kid in his neighborhood had just spoken with him about LEGO-LAND. So when I opened my big mouth, he just jumped on that opportunity. So I might have my vacation goals set. Just how do I pull it off? A five year old is not the boss. And the old man's welfare has to come first. As for me, If I've got to spend that kind of money, I'd rather go to South Dakota and explore.