Beer Steins

So...my family lived in Germany in the early fifties and Dad collected a few beer steins. They're interesting but not anything I particularly want. My brother, Dave, was born there and spent about 3 years there with his family in the mid eighties. Because of Dave's association with Germany, and maybe partly being the oldest son, it was decided some time ago that when the time came, he would get the beer steins. None of my siblings have an issue with that and my dad was pleased with the agreement.

Well, one of the problems with Parkinson's is short-term memory. Dad called last week and asked if I thought the local (Timberville) museum might have an interest in them! NNNNOOOOOOOOOOO! "Dad, remember, we already decided that David should have them"  "Oh yes, well it was a thought as the Coffman family is strong in this area and the steins cross over that family. But no, David should have them."  My mother is a Coffman, and some of them did settle here before heading to Tennessee but the fact that they may have connections with any of the beer steins is so far of a stretch that it defies reason.  The beer steins remain safe...for the moment.

Dad called today and wondered if the Smithsonian or some other museum might be interested in knowing about the beer steins........................................

I'm creating this blog for two reasons...1. because I need an avenue to tell my stories (and sometimes vent a little) about life with aging parents and 2. so that those who may read these entries might find comfort in knowing that there is someone else who knows what they may be going through and respond with their own stories if they so desire.

There are several factors that should be known from the beginning to understand where I'm coming from;

• My dad is 82 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1999. He hasn't been able to drive for about the last 4 years. He has always had an exceptionally keen mind, well educated, traveled the world with work assignments, and has served thousands of people in more ways than can be accounted for. Those who know him, even a little, are aware of this. His mind, due to the disease, is declining. This makes for a lot of frustrating, sad, and sometimes funny situations. He often says "it's hard to watch a mind deteriorate from the inside". 
•  My mom is 78 and had a stroke in 2005. She recovered fairly well with, what seemed at the time, only a lack of peripheral vision. The doctors said she was left with a deminished mental capacity. As the years have passed even this is in decline and she hasn't been able to drive since. Those who know her well notice the differences, those who didn't know her before the stroke don't notice a thing.
• I'm the oldest child, the one they live closest to (about 8 miles) and the one able to take care of things. I couldn't do it without the love and support of my husband, who is often a willing participant in the helping, and 2 of my children who happen to live about 1/2 a mile from my parents.

Sometimes my posts will seem rambling and sometimes there may be background stories...who knows! This'll do for now.