Best Behaviour

It's almost February, not sure what happened to January.  Merv has known for over a month that he will go into permanent care.  After visiting the facility with him four weeks ago I answered every phone call with trepidation.  I thought the call to say they have a room for him would come quickly but it's still an unknown.
I have booked future respite because I just don't know when that dreaded call will come.  I have said to myself I have to say "Yes".
The sad fact being you only secure a room when someone leaves.  They usually leave because they have departed our world.  That is the sad fact of a care facility; it is usually the last port of call before you are called home.  Yes, I know that's just how it is.
Since our tour of the care facility and a nice little chat with the Admissions Officer, Merv has been on his 'best behaviour'.  At least this has made life a little less stressful but there's no backing down now.
Of course it might just be the continuous tennis keeping Merv better mannered!  I suppose we will never know but whatever it is I'm happy for it.
Merv has new glasses, visited the dentist and awaiting another filling next week.  He has endured a trip to the podiatrist and on Tuesday it will be the hairdresser.  It only takes a few minutes there as he has little hair.  We bought him a new JVC TV with built in DVD player for his new room.  He has a new digital radio.
I'm running out of things to do before he goes.  There are as usual still clothes to buy and labels to sew but I think a few fun outings are now needed.
This move of course is not the end by any means.  After he moves into the care facility I will still take him out for the day.  I look forward to sharing fish and chips with him at Cicerello's on the foreshore.  Long walks (wheelchair) along the foreshore and other places of interest.  I won't have to worry about his washing, his shopping and cleaning up after him.  There will be more time to enjoy just being with him. No longer his carer but once again his wife.
Merv can no longer enjoy scones with jam and cream as he used to.  Instead I crumble the scone and layer it with strawberry jam then smother it with cream,  A de-constructed Devonshire tea!  Merv loves it.
It's time for the Australian Open men's final.  Merv has devoured his cheesecake and drank his Milo using his special 'Safe Straw'.  He's going for Roger Federer.  Whether he wins or not won't really matter, he just enjoys the tennis.  Winter Olympics begin Friday 9th February......