Thanks for making Daddy's day special!

Yesterday was a success! Daddy enjoyed the day with friends and family and was blown away with all of his cards. He would cry as he read each one. Stephen's family came for the occasion, as did Chad and Holly with their grandbaby, so all of his great-grandkids were there (except one). It was the happiest that I've seen him in a good while!

Bobbie wasn't able to go with us. She couldn't get out of her chair. She is so weak! She was NOT happy when we returned. Time has lost meaning for her, so she thought Daddy had been gone for days (actually, she said "six weeks!") instead of hours. I don't know how we can handle that from here on out, if she doesn't get any stronger. She wants Daddy with her at all times, but we can't take her to church if she can't do anything for herself. Getting old is just tough!

They seem to be adjusting fairly well to their new home. Daddy likes the food, and they play bingo 3 times a week. Of course, they have less independence now, which isn't easy to accept. I need to finish packing up his things and taking them to him today. Tomorrow, Rodney will come help move the rest of his furniture. (Dennis is still down in his back.) I'm hoping it will help to get all of their stuff moved to make it feel more like home. Of course, we won't be able to take nearly all of their things. Paring back is never easy for them! I'm hoping they make new friends quickly. They love having others to play games with.

We enjoyed the day with all of our grandkids yesterday, too! I got several big hugs from Caleb. I love that kid! Ian gave the lesson at the afternoon assembly. First time we've had the experience of listening to a grandson speak at church! I made Daddy's fried rice for the potluck. It was fun watching my grandkids enjoy it...especially little Gracie! Stephen's family came home with us and spent the night, so we got to enjoy them a little longer. It is always a treat to have them here!

We made it up to Alva last week for Vicki's funeral. It was hard "saying goodbye" to her. It about broke my heart to see Gray. He's going to miss her so much! She might have been a little woman, but she will leave a big hole in a lot of people's hearts, including my own.

Well, it is about time for me to start my week. There is still a lot to get done! I hope all of you are enjoying your Memorial Day...hopefully getting to share it with loved ones!

More changes coming

It has been another whirlwind of a week! I was down all day Monday with vertigo. I was dizzy just sitting still, and really felt queasy whenever I had to get up and move. Thankfully it only lasted the one day!

We had another "bug episode" last week with the folks. We had to take them out for the day, so their room could be treated. Toni took her mom home with her, and we brought Daddy over here for the day. Bobbie had a hard time being separated from Daddy, so we ended up taking them both home early to calm her down. Her short-term memory has gotten so bad that Tonette was constantly having to explain everything to her.

While we were getting the folks ready Wednesday morning, the nurse asked to speak to Tonette and I. She said she really believed that both Bobbie and Daddy were at the point where they needed skilled nursing care, so we needed to find a new place for them. After Dennis and I took Daddy home Wednesday evening, we dropped by a couple of places in Weatherford (that the nurse had recommended) and looked around. I set up an appointment for Tonette and I to go back on Thursday to one of them to have a tour and get more details. Then Thursday morning, I was looking at other options online and decided to check out our MW options. I found one place that had very good user reviews, so I drove out to have a look. I was very impressed with the facility and called Tonette and talked to her about her feelings about them possibly living in MW. She was ok with it, so we went to talk to them first thing that afternoon. Then we went to the place in Weatherford and took a tour. Both places were nice, but the one here in town was smaller and "homier". We decided to take the folks to look at both on Friday and let them pick their favorite. Tonette spoke to their doctor's office Friday morning, and they recommended the place here over the one in Weatherford, so we decided to just take the folks to this one and see what they thought. Bobbie really seemed to like it. Daddy was more noncommittal. He knows that (especially because of Bobbie's deteriorating condition) they need to move to a skilled nursing home, but you can tell he is not happy about it. It will be a big loss of independence for him. Tonette and I hope to finalize plans this week and get them moved in early June.

I got a message first thing this morning from Tonette that Bobbie had fallen again and was on the way to the ER. They decided to keep her overnight this time, because she was dehydrated (no real injuries from the fall, other than a bump on her head). We took Daddy up to see her tonight after he had supper. We left him there while we went to get something to eat. They ended up having about a 2-hour visit. Tonette is trying to get her mom moved into rehab tomorrow. We are hoping that will help keep her from falling anymore before we move them! She is falling at least once a week lately.

I am really looking forward to getting the folks moved to MW! I can check in on them every day. It only takes me 10 minutes to get there from my house, as opposed to 25-30 minutes that it currently takes. It will be SO much easier to pick them up for church on Sunday mornings! Plus any time they need something or have an "emergency", I can be there in short order. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders just thinking about it! Plus they will be here where we have family that can visit them. I know it will be another tough adjustment for them, but I really believe it will be so much better!

I'm looking forward to Daddy's "party" next Sunday. Bobbie will probably be in rehab. I was nervous about taking her anyway. She has such a hard time getting in and out of our car and is such a fall risk, that taking her anywhere makes me uneasy. I'm thinking the trip will really perk Daddy up, though. I told him today that we were going to HC next Sunday for his birthday. I just didn't tell him that we were planning anything else. Just telling him we were going made him cry. He is super emotional these days. He really worries about Bobbie and is (I think) depressed over how much they both are declining. It is heartbreaking to watch. I can tell that Bobbie is declining every time I see her. Daddy's not quite that bad, but it is very noticeable how much he is losing strength and mobility. Please pray that they will have peace of mind and contentment as they face these new changes.

Starting tomorrow, I am having Daddy's mail forwarded to my house. If anyone wants to mail him anything, please send it here. He will still have his cell phone when they move (with his old Saginaw number), and I will probably get them another landline.

Take care and count your blessings!

Mother's Day 2019

I thoroughly enjoyed my Mother’s Day weekend! Sheila and Matt invited us out Friday night to celebrate. We went to their favorite Italian restaurant to eat (which is quickly becoming one of my favorites) and then back to their house to visit. I love seeing how happy they all are with their new family. Sheila is definitely making her mark on everything. It’s funny how things work out. We’ve “known” Matt for 20 years, but we are just now really getting to know him. I’m so happy that he and Sheila found each other. He is a wonderful husband and dad…and son-in-law! I really enjoy the time that we get to spend with them.

Saturday was spent with Amber, and all of the ladies in her family, shopping for wedding attire. Her mom and sisters (and niece!) had driven out for the weekend. We all went to lunch together, along with Linda (Nana) and then met up with Heather and Maddi at the bridal boutique to dress shop. We all enjoyed little Claire, who was a perfect little angel the whole trip. Amber tried on several dresses, and looked gorgeous in all of them. Then she stepped out of the dressing room, and all of us said, “This is the one!” It was perfect for her! After doing some further shopping for bridesmaid dresses and wedding shoes, we met up with Ricky back in Weatherford for supper and ice cream. It was such a fun day!

Ricky and Amber stayed at Highway yesterday to celebrate Mother’s Day with Leanne and I. We all went out together for lunch and continued our visit. Since we were all together, we were able to start talking wedding plans, which is exciting. I am really enjoying growing closer to these old friends who are now becoming our family!

My Mother’s Day ended on a high note with a long phone call from Stephen. The boys also chimed in their greetings, which I loved! As all of you mothers know, that’s what is great about Mother’s Day. It isn’t the gifts, it is the connection. Spending time with the people who made you a mother, sharing stories, reaffirming your love for one another. That is what makes the day special!

Today is our day off. I enjoyed sleeping in a little later than normal (especially since I was up at 4:00 yesterday morning with a sinus headache!). I’m still having some residual problems from allergies…having a little vertigo this morning. My sweet hubby had bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and had forgotten that I react badly to stargazer lilies. Hence the sinus headache yesterday and vertigo today. He did dispose of the lilies yesterday, but the effects haven’t worn off yet. He is still struggling with his sinus infection. He took his last antibiotic last night, so he’s having to call his doctor to get a refill. This infection is really hanging on with a vengeance! Hopefully he’ll start feeling better soon.

I hope all of you moms enjoyed your special day also. Have a good week and remember to count your blessings!