Anonymous wrote:Also, when things settle a bit, use this emergency as a fore shadow in to the future as they get older. Being on different continents means they need resources there. You can not be their emergency help. This will likely happen again.
This is a really good idea. I imagine there is a lot of down time while you're there, but it's not worth leaving and coming back. So canvas the area for various levels of assisted living (what if she can't go home after the second surgery?) and any in-home care providers. Meet people. Get info. Set up a few plans for the most likely outcomes. Start cleaning and organizing their house in case they have to move. Make sure wills and EOL directives are in place. For me, getting as much done as possible would make the time away from the kids more palatable.