Where are your shoes?

I went to see mom right after work. I arrived to find her sitting in the cozy living room with lots of other residents. They had been listening to someone read, To Kill A Mocking Bird.  This is mom's favorite spot to sit. That's why she was in this room. I don't think she actually listened to the story but who knows... She was looking very content without her shoes or socks on. Residents always are fully dressed with shoes and socks. Obviously she wanted to air out her tooties. It made me smile. I asked her to go for a walk but she wouldn't step on the tile floor beyond the carpet. I found one sock and both shoes so we were on our way before too long. Minus the one pink sock. 

We walked down the hall to the windows to see the pine trees. She was looking at them much but she did give me a hug. I said, "I love you mom." She said, "I like you." When she says that she sounds so sincere. It is very sweet. She ate her egg salad sandwich and ice cream. We looked at some books and I gave her lots of hugs she seems to enjoy cuddles lately. It was a good visit.

Remember When...

We are on vacation in Montana. We've had five days of hiking and biking up the beautiful Rocky Mountains! What a great way to enjoy the mountains. I am especially happy because my back has handled all the exercise! Today, we decided we needed to get a few things done so we got the oil changed. Ken got a haircut. We ate lunch out and did a little shopping. It was a relaxing day. 

Each day we drive by the amazing Hoopers Greenhouse. No chance of hauling a plant back to Wisconsin but we decided to stop to admire the beauty and were we amazed! 25 thousand square feet of plants in perfect condition! The place was spotless. No leaves or dirt or dead blooms!  

As I looked at the massive collection of geraniums, I couldn't help but think of mom. She loved red geraniums, Impatients and Begonias.  A very nice lady came up and started to talk to us and said it was quite a complement to have someone taking photos. I told her we were just passing through but had to stop and look. She preceded to show us a massive Begonia and tell us how to care for them. 

I started to cry! Right out of no where!? I miss my mom and I am sad that she no longer has the passion she once had for her flowers. She no longer works in the dirt or steals a slip to try to start her own plant.  Yes, she seems content, safe and o.k.  at the nursing home but I miss her and I'm sorry for the life she is missing out on.

That's Nice!

I had a good vist with mom. I took this picture and showed it to her. She said, "That's nice."  I think she really liked the picture! She ate two lemon bars, ice cream some fish, green beans and rice.  We walked down the hall and she enjoyed seeing her pine trees. She looked great and smelled good too! She was wearing Loves Baby Soft. Her CNA Chris takes special care of mom.

Sophie is feeling better!

Easter Sunday, Kenny, Dad and I went to have dinner with Mom. The nursing home does it up right in the activity room with flowers, table clothes, colored eggs and a full meal. Unfortunately, mom was under the weather. She had a runny nose and just wanted to sleep. Dad is always concerned bout her eating and really pushed more food then she wanted. She eats because he is feeding her. 

We stayed a few hours with dad and mom both napping.  On Monday, I got to the nursing home by 8:15. Mom was still sleeping. I stayed awhile but it was obvious she was sick and needed to rest.  I called to check on mom the last three days and then went for a care conference today. Dad and Bonnie were there too. It turned out to be a good day. Mom was up feeling better. She ate soup and yogurt, walked the halls and was a little spunky. It was good to see her feeling better.

Dad's 85th Birthday!

Christmas Eve with Mom and Dad

Four Years Ago Today

It is hard to believe that mom has been in the nursing home for four years! 

Today dad and I went to visit and mom was smiling and holding her doll and leaning to dad for kisses! She ate enjoyed her food and reached for cookies and her Ensure. When the C.N.A. came  to take her to the bathroom she agreed pretty easily and when she got in the bathroom she said, "Well come on Donna." It was nice to hear her say my name.  

Taking mom to the nursing home was a very difficult day and the last four years has had it's challenges but today was a good day and that is a blessing! 

On a much sadder note yesterday Diane came to meet me at the end of work. She is a best friend from school days and her mom and my mom were good friends also. Her mom is in the last stages of lung cancer. I visited with them for a few hours...what a difficult time. I pray that God will be with them through this very awful time and bring Karen and her family

peace and rest.