Thanks for your kind words and I agree with your comments about Santorum and your candidates. You are also correct that it is not good election politics to mention social security.
However, I give Santorum props for mentioning it even though it is certainly a tactical error. We need someone who will tell us the truth. Sadly, even if that person had the inspirational manner of Ronald Reagan they would probably be a one term proposition in our current environment.
I have respect for anyone who takes care of their parents or elders and truly believe that we would be a better nation if more people chose this. It pains me that our society tells older parents to struggle on their own instead of contributing to their legacy - grandchildren.
I have known many elderly people and was often saddened by how lonely some were. I remember thinking that one would really enjoy the company of another. It would also help them financially.
I think that should be part of the discussion. When you add up all the bills and cut that in half it’s much easier to make a small check go further!
You’re welcome.
ITA.
I give him props too and his words were taken out of context but he probably sunk his campaign. I hope he hasn’t and we will see. I’d have no problem voting for him in the general and I know he’s a good man, patriot. He’s not my first or second choice in the primary.
Parents/Caring for our elderly: Things have changed it seems. My Dad was very vocal about not being in a nursing home, or even a hospital. He died in a hospital hours before he was supposed to go home on hospice. I will always regret that but fortunately I get solace from being with him as he died. He wasn’t alone which is something he feared. I had four little kids at home and traveled back and forth, spent many nights, helping my Mom care for my Dad. For years. Fortunately, I have a wonderful husband and many good friends who helped.
My Mom was really independent, and she caused us, her kids, to worry constantly but it was worth it in keeping her happy and independent. She fell and it took her hours to crawl across her house to reach the phone to call my best friend who lived around the corner. Hours of pain and finally getting to the phone to call a neighbor/my best friend...she and her mom went to the house (that’s how things were done in my old neighborhood...family/friends took care of each other). They called my oldest brother who lived 2 miles away and me who lived 45 min away...Ambulance came and my friend went to hosp with her and I met them there.
After a broken hip, surgery, rehab, she came to live with us. She hated being dependent on anyone especially her daughter. She used to say I had my own family, little kids, etc. and she didn’t want to be a burden. I think that’s what bothers/worries older people...being a burden. They aren’t a burden. I know many friends whose parents have their assisted living or nursing home picked out. That wasn’t an option for us. I’m not saying it’s wrong, people do what they can, but it wasn’t an option for us. I quit my job, one I just started, to take care of my Mom...I was able to do that because my husband has always been the primary income. Same as when I quit my job when my first child was born...my husband was the primary income and I was able to be a SAHM for 14 yrs. I went back to work part time then full time then quit to be the primary caregiver to my Mom.
My career got screwed up and we’re paying for it now, lol, but I wouldn’t change anything. Not being a SAHM or being the “primary caregiver” for my Mom once she moved in with us. She was cared for by me, my husband and my four kids around the clock. We benefitted far more from that for sure.
We were able to do that and everything else because of my husband’s job/career/income. Some people can and just won’t. I don’t understand that.
I grew up in a time or place when family took care of family. I joke with my kids about which one I’m going to live with...my husband says he’ll be dead so he won’t be an issue, lol.
Joking aside, our parish school has a mission...one of a few missions, kids write letters to parish shut ins. I didn’t realize how many elderly have no one there for them even in this community. Our 8th grade hosts a senior luncheon every Christmas and it amazed me that this is one of the few social interactions some of our parish seniors have. The highlight of their year is this Senior luncheon. Something is wrong there.
I bring Communion to shut ins (those who can’t get to mass for whatever reason) and most just want someone to talk to/visit with. They just want compamy.