Hockey, should have guessed that it would be hockey

It's been almost 3 months since my Dad died and I feel like I have been handling it pretty well, I mean considering that he was becoming just a shell of who he was, and even at the end he was fading in and out of reality and his drugged up state.

I work in the same building as the hospice that my Dad was at. He was on the 2nd floor and I am on the 4th floor in Rehabilitation.

I was concerned about working my first day back in the same building after his death, but really it was fine. I just avoided the 2nd floor. Then I went for coffee with the Unit Clerk, she was wonderful during my Dad's stay and I knew her from her stint as the Rehab Unit Clerk. I went in the hospice and I was fine. It felt uncomfortable, but yet I wasn't breaking down or anything.

Then the other Friday, I was waiting for the elevator, and one of the food services girls recognized me and said Hello. She gave me a big hug, and asked how my Mom was doing. I went into the same well rehearsed answers, fine under the circumstances, and that I thought she was strong considering.

Then she started in, saying how with the hockey season starting, how she really missed talking with my Dad, how she used to bug him when the Canucks lost, how she reminded him of game day, as with his medications he would forget, and how much she was going to miss him, miss him NOW.

One thing I could always strike up a conversation with my Dad about, was hockey. I remember him always joking that Sopel tripped on him hair, and was probably smoking too much dope, because of course, if the guy had long hair, he must've been on drugs.

Even writing this I am getting a little emotional, it's true. Life goes on and so does the NHL, but with one less avid fan routing on our Canucks. I remember really wanting the Canucks to win because my Dad would joke, I guess I will never get to see them win the Stanley Cup. I guess he won't on earth.

But if they do ever win the Cup during my lifetime, he's the first one I am going to think about.

Damn, I guess I should have known it would have been hockey that would remind me of you Dad.

Single Parenting

That's correct, for a couple of weeks I am the single parent. I mean it's not so different from days when the man works late. He is up so early, he will rarely see the kids and then home late that they are already asleep.

But really it's Dad, it's not Mom.

Working, parenting, meals, and chores...Oh MY!
(to the tune of Lions, and tigers, and bears)

GAH!

I had to take out the GARBAGE! In my home I will refuse to do certain tasks, as then I will probably get stuck with them! I absolutely REFUSE to take out the garbage, ABSOLUTELY! Then I had to and although it wasn't that bad, I HATED IT! Another thing to do!

Gosh single parenting sure brings out the exclamation marks!!!!!!!

I must confess, I let the kids get away with things when I am the solo parent.

Last night, I was so exhausted, I let the kids battle for the bed. THE BED, Mom & Dad's bed, when I usually am reeming out the man for letting our oldest cuddle and then do the scoop and transfer (of Jackson to his own bed).

Last night I did it with them both!

Unfortunately I was busted as I sent a pic from THE iPhone to the man in a text message, such an AWESOME feature, and he noted that it was Daddy's side they were on.

Oh I guess they are on your side, I said sheepishly. BUSTARAMA!



Then some things go even smoother, like I don't find stinky Man socks loitering around the house, I don't have a mound of laundry, the kids are bathed and ready for bed (at a descent time), Dad is not winding them up by wrestling with them, I have the bed ALL to myself, well sortof!

But then some things suck, like the kids don't get to wrestle with Daddy, the kids keep asking where Daddy is, the kids keep telling me Dad's at work, the kids try to wrestle with me, I have to do the garbage, I can't run my long run Sunday morning, I don't get Sunday breakfast made for me, and I make too much dinner.

Mostly, I feel even more exhausted and cranky!! <---notice more exclamation marks!!!

I do not know how real single parents do it! I BOW DOWN to you SG'S!