Thanksgiving

Yesterday, Dad, Kenny and I went to see mom and have dinner with her. The N.H. is very thoughtful in setting up the activity room with tables for families. There were decorations and table clothes and turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. Mom was sitting in the quiet room when we arrived. She considers that her home. Later in the visit when she looked in there she said, "Who in my house?" I'm glad that she thinks of it as home. She seemed clueless that it was Thanksgiving and was confused about Kenny. She was glad to see all of us tho. We looked at pictures and then I took her to wash her hair. It's short so a little volume shampoo and a blow dry and it looked great. She wasn't too interested in eating but dad managed to get her to eat quite a little. She would say she didn't want anymore but then open her mouth like a bird when he had the fork full. We stayed for awhile and sat while dad and mom held hands. She would dose off and then open her eyes and smile at "Pa". She was tired when we left and said, "O.k. go then." and headed to her favorite recliner.

Today, I went again during lunch. She seemed a little distracted today. She doesn't have her glasses and the nurse said she has been up at night. So I'm not sure what is going on. She asked me a few times about grandma & grandpa. I try to reassure her that everyone is o.k. and she said her kids were all grown up. But then she said, "But where is Donna?" "I'm Donna, Mom. I'm o.k. and so is everyone else. This is a good home for you. Everyone would miss you if you left. I'll keep coming to see you." That's kind of how our conversation went. I have a tiredness that feels like I have been crying. That too is probably just part of the process of dealing with this diesease. God is in control.

11 months...

What a roller coaster of emotions this past year has brought. The past week or so I seem to be on a more even keel. There's been a lot going on with work but overall, I seem to be handling it. I wanted to go see mom today but it is freezing rain. It will be over a week since I've seen her and I hate that but work was too busy this week to leave at the regular time. Hopefully, this next week I'll get over a couple times. The N.H. offers Thanksgiving dinner for family so it will be nice to spend that time with her. I miss the old days with everyone at home but I am very grateful for all that we have and that mom is safe and I know that she is in good hands. I pray that for healing in our family. Mom is definitely changing and I hope that everyone has the time to spend with her.