Thursday Calls from Dad

Every Thursday around 10:30 to 11:00 AM I get a call from Dad.  This is when my Mother goes to the beauty shop each week to get her hair done and he can talk freely.  I always enjoy the update and our discussions about everything.  I believe I have talked more to Dad during the last couple of months than in my entire life!  The past 2 weeks have been pretty quiet at their house, as the "real Chester" was home.  But today, Dad said she started the day asking if Chester went out the front door.  Dad tried to explain he was there and had not left!  Our discussion then turned toward the status of the "new" house and the MOVE!!  I gave him the news that the real estate appraiser had come on Tuesday and we are very hopeful that we will have a closing date next week.  Wouldn't that be great?  

So then we started talking about the actual move itself.  It's very difficult to tell someone that after all these years of buying and accumulating "stuff", he doesn't need to bring it all with him to Lubbock.  For instance, he said he has about 10-15 nice winter coats that are hanging on a wire/chain in their garage.  I told him he should pick out 2 or 3 that are his favorites to bring with him and sell/donate the others.  "But they are all my favorites and are  good nice coats".  Me:  "Yes but you will never wear all 15 coats"  ...So I finally said, "if you only bring 2-3, then if you see a new one to buy, you can buy a new one."  This same train of thought carried on about tools, lawn sprinklers, dishes, towels,clothes, shoes, etc. etc.  I also tried to convince/reason with him that it is going to be sooooooo much easier to live in the new house, because there will not be so much clutter.  They will be able to wash dishes and put up the clean dishes instead of leaving them on the counter because there is no room in the cupboard.  Don't know if I got through to him or not, but will keep trying.  I love my Dad so much, and Mother too.  We just want them to have an easier life with less clutter and stress.  Time will tell..............