Dad Jobs 2

I mentioned in my original Dad Jobs thread about going down to see our Michael in Bristol. He has Aspberger Syndrome, but is mostly independent.
After dropping out of college a couple of years back he suddenly severed all contact with us and his brothers and sisters after saying many hurtful things. We had no way of contacting him: the channels that we did have he ignored.

He contacted me last week via an email and asked me to go over to his new council flat: he didn't like the wallpaper: most would live with it and do a room at a time: his condition dictated that it all had to come off. In every room. As he has zero practical skills you can imagine the carnage: especially as many if the walls are plasterboard stud walls. He admitted that the decoration advice was an excuse to make contact, but I can't leave him in that state.

Added to this, he has sod all furniture apart from a bed. Not a sausage.

I nearly wept. He seemed lonely and vulnerable. After all the hurt he's caused he's still our youngest son.

All of this is to say that I may be a bit scarce for a while as when I'm not working we'll be doing the 2 hour commute to Bristol to try and set things right, both decor and family-wise.

Wish me luck, and take care y'all.
I'll check in when I can.

:hugs: Keep ur chin up! your doing the right thing!

John, sometimes all we can do is be there to catch them when they fall? Any chance of using the redecorating to reintegrate the brother and sister?


Ain't it funny, how time slips away...

Good luck John. :hugs:

Yep big :hugs: from us too! :broon:

Good luck John and Sue...... Hope all goes well.... :hugs:

Good luck friends :broon:

Hope everything works out well :beer:

Such a roller coaster of emotions there mate, God bless you for being a 'dad' - it's what most decent folk want to be and try to aspire to. Loads of admiration for you

Good stuff John. :broon: :broon:

Good, luck John. I hope it all works out

Hope your trip works out well.I know the older you get the youngsters seem to communicate less & tend to be immersed in their own lives. Do what you can & I am sure it will be appreciated, but forget the lecturer's hat

Hello All,

As I've not been about much due to Dad Jobs Bristol plc I thought I'd say hello and give an update.

After several commutes to Bristol I'm finally getting somewhere: I must admit to depressive despair in the early stages.
When not working, have been enjoying the M42, M5, M4 and M32. Deep joy. And lots of toil and dust at journeys end.

I'm now at the rebuild stages: walls are skimmed ( long forgotten plastering skills revisited) new skirting is fitted, now about ready for woodwork sand and paint, emulsion on walls.
The Ginger Midget is poised with curtains etc.

The end is nigh-ish. For the front room at least.

Kids. Can't live without them,
............ can't murder them and bury them in a shallow grave.

I know we're not a DIY site, apologies for that, but just wanted to catch up.
Hope you are all OK.