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Mon Apr 30, 2012 5:01 pm

Our camping trip didn't happen last weekend. My dad didn't feel up to it. In fact, today he said he might as well sell it. I feel sad about him saying that, and hate to admit that I agree. As we all know, repairs and maintaining is part of ownership, and he is just not up to even changing the oil right now.

So unless he changes his mind in the next few weeks, I'll be posting his beautiful, rust free, 2 owner westfalia in the samba classified section.

Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:39 pm

Sorry to hear that but he knows his body best.. Hope he's still up for the odd fishing trip tho.

Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:17 pm

I hope that spring and the arrival of warmer weather down there bring a bit of zest to his energy level and some optimism to buoy him into heading out.

DougM

Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:17 pm

What is wrong with dad?

Mine is 87. He knows some limits these days, yet does as he pleases. Somedays he is also not up to some things. But give him a few days and is ready.

Do not give up!

Tue May 01, 2012 5:49 am

not really sure, exactly. the Dr.s can't seem to find anything. he is not gaining strength after this big surgery, which was 6 months ago. I don't think it is enough time to expect to be full steam ahead yet at 87. My mom is not good either, he could be stressed or down. a few days ago, we went to a little local pond with grandchildren (great grands for him) and he and mom came in the westy. as we were packing up to go home, He told me he smelled gas driving over. sure enough, one of the lines to the right fuel rail was leaking. tightened it up and it quit. (the lines have been changed). his last westy burned up and I think he realized he isn't up to the maintenence. But yes, he needs to wait before he decides.

Tue May 01, 2012 5:55 am

Debbie you've turned into a reasonably good wrencher and trouble spot identification. Could you sorta do some of the maintenance with him 'supervising' you at least till the sun and dry weather comes. Is the $$ costs a factor? If not, perhaps you can buy some time. Is he doing all the correct cardio things he was taught to do. He does have to actively build himself back up and he knows it, now is the time for firm encouragement. If walking a long block means he can participate then that's what he has to do. Find something to motivate him.

Tue May 01, 2012 6:36 am

well, all true. but I'm running a business, helping them, etc, etc. he can't start cardiac rehab because his bp is crazy and everytime he tries, they send him home. he just isn't doing as well as we all expected.

money is a big part of it too. the van hasn't needed much, but as everyone here knows, it can cost a lot to do a little.

thanks for the encouragement on his behalf. I hope he won't be deciding to sell, but they can camp with us, if he gets stronger.

oh, hehe, in southern NM the sun and dry weather is here now!

Tue May 01, 2012 6:43 am

Well then you tell him the ball is totally in his court! His main priorities are to work on lowering the bp and then get going on cardiac rehab. Only he can do it and HE CAN DO IT.. Tell him this crazy blonde from Canada has said she'll come down there and kick his butt! As a retired RRT he has much to fear from me :lol: Yeh I know you carry a pretty full load as it is.

Tue May 01, 2012 7:11 am

I'd park it for now.
Don't sell.

When my Dad's health began failing a couple yrs ago, we kept things status quo. I honestly think it kept him going some days to just look out at his old truck and dream about the fishing trips.

RIP Dad.

You know.. your Dad might like a simple picnic out of the van.. right there in the yard. Open it up. Roast some dogs.
Don't have to go far to feel the vibe.
Help him enjoy his time remaining.

Tue May 01, 2012 7:21 am

debbiej wrote: not really sure, exactly. the Dr.s can't seem to find anything. he is not gaining strength after this big surgery, which was 6 months ago. I don't think it is enough time to expect to be full steam ahead yet at 87. .

I'm just 68 and had a major surgery last year, not open heart like I am assuming your dad experienced. It took 3-4 months to recover from mine, and it could take your dad a year or more to snap back from his. He just needs to keep interested in doing something every day. Otherwise if you just sit down and watch TV or whatever you get bored with life and then its downhill. Encourage him to keep the van, at least for now.

Tue May 01, 2012 7:27 am

thank you everyone. I'm going to do just that.

Tue May 01, 2012 10:37 am

wmgeorge wrote: debbiej wrote: not really sure, exactly. the Dr.s can't seem to find anything. he is not gaining strength after this big surgery, which was 6 months ago. I don't think it is enough time to expect to be full steam ahead yet at 87. .

I'm just 68 and had a major surgery last year, not open heart like I am assuming your dad experienced. It took 3-4 months to recover from mine, and it could take your dad a year or more to snap back from his. He just needs to keep interested in doing something every day. Otherwise if you just sit down and watch TV or whatever you get bored with life and then its downhill. Encourage him to keep the van, at least for now. :bay_blue: X2 But I had open heart , and yes it took me 6 months to get back into the van and go camping. I'm older then dirt but I'm going to keep driving my van and camping tell someone says I can't! Like God! :D