When I married, I moved only 30 minutes away from my dad’s apartment. Seven years ago he suffered a mild stroke and that short car ride was too far. We both agreed he should live with my family so he wouldn’t be alone.
We enjoyed having my father with us, but about a year ago he had another stroke. I worried about not being able to give him the care he needed and we agreed he should move into a nearby assisted living facility. At first it was really difficult being apart. Even though I visited him several times a week, it wasn’t the same.
One day I asked a friend’s advice and she suggested that my father and I join a class at his facility to spend more time together. We signed up for a low-impact exercise class. Now we see each other more often and we’re both in better shape. It’s a perfect combination!
