Getting Back To Luxe Living…

Dealing With Loss And Refocusing

After a long hiatus, we are finally back and focused on reinventing our lives and… bringing the “luxe” back.

Over the last year, we have been concentrating on caring for our precious 94 year old Dad. After our Mom passed 4 years ago and we moved from Florida to South Carolina, we have had Dad with us for half of the year. The remaining 6 months he spent in Michigan.

Thankfully, he loved it here so much that he wanted to be here all year round. Unfortunately, after this decision was made, Dad found out he had a terminal cancer and needed extra care.

He still was well enough to enjoy walking in the park, going out for lunch, enjoying sitting outside (including a little porch sitting’), and spending time at our dock. Even when he was not feeling well, he always had a positive attitude and zest for life. How lucky we were to have this quality time with him.

We opted to have him here at our home, so that we could ensure that he was cared for properly. What we thought was the best solution, was to let Dad keep his dignity and hire a qualified caregiver. Well, we were so fortunate to have a special gal come into our lives that loved and cared for Dad until he died. She made each day special for him and has become like family to us.

Our Prayers Were Answered

Our prayers were answered, when Dad passed away a little more than a month ago, he passed in his sleep and did not have any pain or suffering. Having him with us at home, and at peace until the end was the best that we could have hoped for him.

Self Care And Respite Are So Important

One piece of advice that I would give everyone, is to always stay focused on your “self care”. One of the ways that I was able to keep on track was by taking a short respite trip every couple of months. I would just go away for one night, stay in a beautiful Inn less than an hour from home, and just CHILL! I am fortunate that I could do this, but you may be able to opt to go to a friends for an overnight. You just need a short change of pace. Trust me – this is the best thing you can do for yourself AND your loved one.

My favorite place in just a 45 minute drive from our home to Beaufort, South Carolina. It is such a charming and special town full of beautiful shops, a lovely riverfront park, AND The Rhett House Inn.

I selected a room that is light, bright and blue and white. Not knowing that this room has been enjoyed by such people as Barbara Streisand, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, I chose it only due to the cozy decor. Overlooking the beautiful garden was an extra bonus, and the porch was just outside the room. Many naps took place on the hammock outside.

Sharing Is Caring

When Dad passed and I had already booked my next stay, we decided that it would be great to share my special “getaway” with my husband. I just thought he should see what all of the excitement was about.

We headed out in the morning and joined a historic walking tour throughout the area. Beaufort is rich in history and is such a beautiful place. Moss draped trees, beautiful mansions, charming downtown, great restaurants and such friendly people. After the tour lead by Janet (who is incredibly knowledgeable AND entertaining), we headed to lunch at Lowcountry Produce & Cafe, then, checked in to The Rhett House for some sweet tea and a little porch sittin’ (and a short nap). We had dinner at one of my favs overlooking the riverfront called Saltus River Grill. In the past, I always sat at the bar,  since I was dining alone. This time we opted to get a nice table and enjoy the yummy food and vibrant atmosphere.  What a great way to recharge and reconnect! Now, we are ready and looking forward to getting back on track and remembering all of the good times spent with our Dad. We miss him so much, but were so lucky to have him for 94 (almost 95) wonderful years.

It’s Time To Get Back On Track (As Dad Would Want Us To)

Anyway, it is time to get back to our lives and some sort of normalcy – hence, getting back to doing what I love and sharing some “luxe” lifestyle features with you all. It truly is challenging adjusting to not having the responsibility of caring for our loved one, but life must go on.

We are focusing on some fun posts over the next few weeks. Spring Is In The Air, Meals On The Marsh, Topiaries Everywhere, Vignettes Throughout Our Home, Porch Sittin’ And Sweet Tea, A Bedroom Re-do, Farmers Market Bounty, Out And About, Health & Fitness, Recipes….AND more!