Dad was excited to see Mom as he thought she had been kidnapped. He had called her answering machine last night, talking to my brother S____'s voice on the recorder, "I need to speak to your Mother...she was supposed to come visit me tonight... I am worried about her..."
Mom joked with Dad and asked why anyone would want to kidnap her, telling him they had no money to pay any ransom. Dad laughed, "I have millions, didn't you know that?" (I am sure Dad feels like a millionaire, free of all the worries and stress of the upkeep of their big home... living with the majority of his needs being met....)
Mom laughed, kidding him again, telling Dad she forgot he owned the nursing home.... "Who told you that?, Dad asked....
Mom changed the subject, letting Dad know my sister, youngest brother, mom and I would all be coming to visit him on Father's Day. "Good! I will be riding a horse in the races that day..."
Just then, the Activities Director came in to say hello to Mom... She told Mom about her plans to have the two flat screen TVs on either end of the dining room so she can have the Sports night or play offs and have special parties for the residents. Mom is always complimenting her on how she decorates for St. Patrick's Day, Valentines, Christmas, and all the holidays...
Mom told her to not forget the hay and oats for Sunday... She turned and looked at Mom with a puzzled expression.... Mom shared what Dad had told her about riding a horse in the races on Sunday... She broke into a chuckle, agreeing with Mom and patting Dad on the shoulder... complimenting Dad on what an excellent horseman he was...
Dad's smile turned to a frown, "Someone stole my $1,000 dollar shoes I bought in Seattle... they replaced them some dark slip on shoes...." (which were some my brother had bought Dad, after Dad told him he wanted some...)
During lunch, one particular woman resident, stood up from her wheel chair, yelling for her caregiver. When she stood, she would set off her alarm. Dad's back was to the woman, so he would only hear the alarm going off and being shut off. Dad looked at Mom with a grimace, "That noise really bothers me..." as he rubbed his thigh..."Watch this, I can make it stop, " as he continued to rub his thigh... The care giver came over and sat her down, re-setting the alarm. Dad thought by rubbing his thigh, he had stopped the noise...
Another woman, who apparently hasn't any teeth, always getting a tray with mashed food, frequently bangs her spoon so someone will come and feed her.... She began banging her spoon and in the process hitting the bowl, sending several sprays of applesauce flying into the air. Mom dodged a flying glob before the caregiver arrived to sit her down to feed her....
Another nice Hispanic lady, who often dines next to Dad, was sitting alone when her lunch was served. Generally, either her son or husband is there to feed her. Both Dad and the woman had a large meat burrito for their lunch. Mom had cut Dad's burrito, so she asked the lady if she would like Mom to cut her burrito too. The lady smiled and nodded. Shortly, her husband arrived and went to her. As soon as he approached her, she fired a rapid blast of Spanish at him. He turned and thanked Mom for helping his wife...
Mom turned around to Dad and before she could stop him, he had poured his green beans, tossed salad, Spanish rice, and green jello with marshmallows upside down onto his plate and mixed it all together. He scooped it up into big mouthfuls and polished it all off in short order. He also finished his coffee and milk, turning the cups upside down when he finished drinking them.
Everyone was dropping in to admire the newly opened lunch room. Mom received and gave hugs to several of the staff...
Suddenly Dad spoke up, "One of fellas (male care givers) took me home last night. He tucked me in and opened the window in my room. I slept like a log all night but woke up this morning in my own bed..." then let out a hearty laugh...
"I'm ready for my nap now..." so Mom wheeled him to his room, while his care giver nodded to Mom and followed behind...
" I need some toothpaste and some money... I want every ones' phone numbers too. If no one will call me, I will call them." Mom reminded Dad I call him... "Yes she does...and now that Jerry has retired, I am going to stay with them for a week...."
After Mom kissed Dad and wished him sweet dreams for his nap, she took a baby gift she had brought for the Administrator, who had just celebrated the birth of his third daughter and two remembrance gifts for the other two daughters. He was very appreciative of Mom's thoughtfulness.
3 comments:
Your Mom is very thoughtful. The gifts were nice and the way she thanks everyone is appreciated I'm sure. I can tell your Dad and your family are well liked by the staff because of the way they pop in and say hi. I can tell you that there are some families you love to talk too, and then there are the ones you would just as soon avoid!
that was nice of your mom to with the gifts for the lady with the new baby and her other children, she is a sweet lady indeed!
Glad the dining/activity room is finally completed! I bet it looks great, but of course you will get to see it in a few days! that's neat too with the TVs going up in it. I am always impressed with what is going on there as far as activities, decorations, etc. It does sound like a good place for your dad!
sounds like a good visit!
betty
This is a charming post, Donna. Your mother handles your dad's situation with graceful humor!
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