February 13, 2026

I got to my parents’ house late last night. Dad was waiting up—sitting in his chair, watching the Gaithers on TV.

Walking into my childhood home without Mom—knowing she was just two miles away but couldn’t be there—made me overwhelmingly sad. It took everything in me not to break down. I wanted to be strong for Dad.

We talked for a couple of hours. He needs help setting up Zoom for his water license classes. We went over some upcoming doctor’s appointments in March. I told him I’d be in Atlanta and could take him, but I could tell he didn’t want to go there. He’s hopeful that things will be back to normal, and he and Mom will be able to go together. It’s 3 weeks away, so maybe. I pray that happens.

This morning, I got up early and went to Lara’s to see Mom. We tried to book massages, but nothing was available, so we spent the time talking and went out to lunch instead. I helped her get the Game Show Network set up through Lara’s Sling account—hopefully that doesn’t cause any issues. But honestly, at this point, I don’t care if it does.

The saddest moment came on the drive back.

We were on Lake Cassie Road, approaching Sisters Lane. I kept driving straight, and Mom instinctively reached over, placing her hand on my arm and the steering wheel.

Aren’t you going to turn?” she asked.

It was automatic for her—that turn leads to her house.

I looked at her, and she immediately realized what she’d done. She pulled her hands to her mouth and said, “Oh no… I wasn’t thinking.”

How heartbreaking is that???

After dropping her off at Lara’s, I picked Dad up and took him out for an early dinner. We drove around for a while, ran a few errands. He seemed upbeat—more than I would expect in his situation.