This was the reason for my difficult day yesterday. We dropped dad off at his care home at 2pm. It was the longest morning ever, made worse by having to tell him that 'today is the day, dad'. He knew it was coming but didn't remember that it was yesterday. I felt like I was dropping it on him from a great height. However, as ever, he took it on the chin and we just got on with it. He is very fortunate to be in such a lovely home. His room is in one of the turrets! The furthest left, highest window. You can actually just make him out at the window. We weren't allowed to go into his room, but could wave to him from the grounds. It wasn't an easy moment, but it had to happen. I just hope he can make the best of it; not the easiest of things, when it starts off with 2 weeks of isolation. First visit for me will be on 29th March.
A bit of history on Alastrean House : The house passed to Lady MacRobert in 1934, and was to be used by the MacRobert sons and their families, but they never really had a chance to use it - all 3 of them being killed at a young age in aircraft accidents - 2 during WW2 and one in a civilian accident. After the war the house was used as an RAF centre until destroyed by fire in 1952. After refurbishment it became a retirement home for RAF, and since 2005 it has been a residential care home. The name 'Alastrean' derives from a composite latin phrase meaning ' a place of honour by the hearth of the winged heroes of the stars', but also encompasses the names of all three sons - Alasdair, Roderic and Iain. The history of the MacRobert family is very interesting - the tragedy of the three sons is only a part of it.
Fav for the fascinating building and history, but oh so much love to you today. What a tough day. I can see him there at the window in his new home. I pray he will settle in and be happy there, such a hard transition for you both, especially with the initial isolation. 29th March will be a red letter day for you both.
Oh I’m so sorry that you’ve had to make this decision too. It’s so hard. What a stunning building that is. Thank you for including all of that wonderful history.
Such a stunning castle. Such a difficult time for everyone....your Dad sounds like a wise & strong man & I am sure he will settle in. So hard to be in lockdown & not see each other for a while...Sending warm thoughts to you & yours...
What an emotional day for all of you. I do hope he settles. It looks like a delightful place for him to spend the rest of his days. I am sure he will be well cared for.
I bet it will be the longest two weeks of your life. Will you be able to talk to him on the phone?
It must be difficult for you to see him at the window. He looks like Rapunzel.
It's always difficult when parents have to go into a care home. I know as my Aunt (who had no children) depended on me to find somewhere suitable when she had Alzheimers. My dear mother also landed up in a nursing home for the past couple of months of her life as she had cancer. It is made worse due to Covid and thank goodness Covid wasn't about when my family had to go. I am sure that it is a lovely place for him as it looks fabulous in this photograph
What a sad day for your all. Hopefully once his quarantine is over he will be able to enjoy the beauty and history of his surroundings and you will be able to visit.
What a difficult day for you. I hope it will be a wonderful place for your dad. Two weeks will be a long time to wait to see him face-to-face again. Thanks for the fascinating history of the house.
This is a wonderful image of an impressive building. I think it would lift one's heart to have such beautiful surroundings. Wishing all of you ease in this transition - there is no way it can be anything but hard.
Such a lovely old house and am loving the turrets (does your Dad realise he has a turret room ?) A very difficult time for you and all family. Hope yoour Dad settles in well (after the isolation period) and all will be well.
What a magnificent building - not so sure about the solar panels on the roof but the moody sky makes up for it! My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Such an emotional day for you. Hopefully the 29th will be here before you know it.
It is a beautiful building. The black and white adds to the atmosphere.
When I took my mother to the nursing home, I cried and cried after I got back home. This is a beautiful setting, probably a nicer one than the clinical setting where my mom went.
What a rough day for all - Hopefully two weeks will pass quickly and you'll find that he is doing well in his new setting. That is certainly a lovely home. Thinking of you.
My heart goes out to you and your dad. This is such a hard turning point. Hoping that he adjusts well and that these two weeks go by quickly. All the best. And thanks for your kind words this past month -- I appreciated them.
Oh dear Issi, my heart goes out to you & your dad today. Only just seen this but I guessed why you had had a hard day. Having to look back & see him in the window there, I expect you felt terrible. I pray he settles in well but your dad will have been an independent proud man & won’t take kindly to having to leave his home. I presume poor Fraichie can’t go either. You haven’t mentioned it but it would be unlikely for him to be allowed his little dog there too.
I can remember the guilt when I took my mum into all the different care homes she tried only to refuse to stay a moment longer....thinking if you....on another note he’s certainly living it up in that tower!
Such an emotive day, and viewing your father in the window of his new home was quite moving. I hope he is settling into his new surroundings - the narrative of the building’s history added a greater depth. A challenging time change and my thoughts are with you.
Oh sorry to read about this....but the peace of mind knowing he is being well looked after day and night is worth so much. Hope he enjoys the amazing view from the tower room and soon feels comfortably 'at home'.
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I can imagine how difficult this must be for you. I think we will be heading in that direction with my mother-in-law. You have done a remarkable job in finding a lovely place for him and I will be praying the transition goes smoothly for your whole family. While it seems so bleak in black and white, I hope that by summer when all is green and you can visit properly, you'll be photographing it in color and seeing that this was the right move at the right time. We are all with you!
March 18th, 2021
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I bet it will be the longest two weeks of your life. Will you be able to talk to him on the phone?
It must be difficult for you to see him at the window. He looks like Rapunzel.
It is a beautiful building. The black and white adds to the atmosphere.
I can remember the guilt when I took my mum into all the different care homes she tried only to refuse to stay a moment longer....thinking if you....on another note he’s certainly living it up in that tower!
🥰🥰🥰🥰