Changing Plans

My mother is 91 and my father is just shy of that particular landmark. When I started this trip they were both living independently in their own home. While they both had limitations, their abilities were complementary and what one couldn't do, the other could, so things usually went pretty well.

However, a few weeks after we left, dad had a couple of nasty falls that landed him in hospital and it was there assessed that a return home was probably not going to be a good idea. While mum has been coping at home it has been largely due to support from my son Tanwyn and his wife Kristal who live nearby. However, they both have responsible jobs and an active 2 year old toddler to deal with so it has been a big responsibility for them.

I had been contemplating interrupting my trip to return home and help out by staying with mum until more permanent care arrangements could be made. Dad looks like being admitted to a place not far from their home and ideally in time mum can go there too but when that can happen is not clear.

Combine this with the fact that our stay with my brother Tristram and his wife Angie in Newcastle reminded us how little we like manoeuvring through densely populated urban areas, especially with a caravan in tow. (How I detest traffic lights and having to hunt for parking, especially when you will probably have to pay for the spot you finally locate!)

Newcastle ends the land based part of Edward's route and from here on he called in by P&O steamer to the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, before his final port of call in Australia, King Georges Sound. While we had intended to drive to each of these cities. I had also thought of visiting them on one of the P&O cruises that follow this route today. This would give a better sense of the trip Edward made and also mean that in each city we wouldn't have the responsibility of a car, let alone a caravan.

After a little contemplation we came to the conclusion that this latter was a better option and long story short, we are now heading home. We will drop the caravan off in Albany, take care of a few things there, and then head up to Perth to stay with mum until the long term situation for her and dad can be stabilised. I think its fair to say that live ancestors take precedent over dead ones!