Can you believe it? My new grand daughter is 3 months old. She is a happy little giggle monster and our precious little princess.
Showing posts with label Photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photos. Show all posts
Friday, July 25, 2014
Look Who is 3 Months Old!!!
Can you believe it? My new grand daughter is 3 months old. She is a happy little giggle monster and our precious little princess.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
9 Months Since Dad's Death…Soaring With Eagles…Updates on my life and Grand kids...
I've really had my Father on my mind so much these past couple of weeks. I've been waiting and wanting him to come to me in my sleep. I have had one night where I saw him in my dreams, he was there, but not connecting with me.
Knowing my Dad, the way I do, and knowing after death the soul no longer experiences time; more than likely Dad is exploring. He was a very curious fellow, loving adventure and exploration. Not having the confines of Alzheimer's, I know he is soaring with eagles.
I will be patient. I know he will come….maybe at the year anniversary of his death….maybe my birthday next month…
Meanwhile I will be thinking of him this Memorial weekend, for all he did for our country and for all he was to our family.
Two weeks ago I returned from California helping my daughter after the c-section birth of her second child, her first daughter. I'd like to share a picture of my precious, first grand daughter, Jordynn.
4-28-14 Remember my grand son Jacob? Here he is with his little sister and I on the day I returned to Nevada. I had the best time staying with them for two weeks. Words cannot express how difficult it was for me to leave. Jacob is now three and a half years old. He is the sweetest and best big brother to his sister. I am so very proud of him.
5-17-14 Sleeping beauty….my most recent photo of my grand daughter sent from my daughter. She is thriving and healthy. God Bless and protect their family.
A couple days after returning home I threw out my back and spent a week in bed with back spasms and back pain. I have not been doing any painting or blogging…
My other grand sons are all doing well too. The almost 12 year old is in an Archery tournament this weekend and did very well. His brother the 10 year old just did a trumpet solo in band and their little brother, who is now 14 months is climbing and running everywhere…keeping the entire family on their toes…he loves playing with his Labradors and helping his Daddy in the yard…
I am very, very, very Blessed. Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone….
Knowing my Dad, the way I do, and knowing after death the soul no longer experiences time; more than likely Dad is exploring. He was a very curious fellow, loving adventure and exploration. Not having the confines of Alzheimer's, I know he is soaring with eagles.
I will be patient. I know he will come….maybe at the year anniversary of his death….maybe my birthday next month…
Meanwhile I will be thinking of him this Memorial weekend, for all he did for our country and for all he was to our family.
Two weeks ago I returned from California helping my daughter after the c-section birth of her second child, her first daughter. I'd like to share a picture of my precious, first grand daughter, Jordynn.
4-28-14 10 days old with proud Grandma
A couple days after returning home I threw out my back and spent a week in bed with back spasms and back pain. I have not been doing any painting or blogging…
My other grand sons are all doing well too. The almost 12 year old is in an Archery tournament this weekend and did very well. His brother the 10 year old just did a trumpet solo in band and their little brother, who is now 14 months is climbing and running everywhere…keeping the entire family on their toes…he loves playing with his Labradors and helping his Daddy in the yard…
I am very, very, very Blessed. Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone….
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Packing up Dad's Things and Remembering. Weekend in Laguna and Visiting Family.
I just returned from an extended trip to California. I helped Mom with some heavy cleaning around her home and we sorted through all Dad's clothes and things she still had in the garage. We donated most of it, but I kept three of his handkerchiefs. I gave one to my sister and I kept two. Dad ALWAYS carried a handkerchief. I can still remember his sneeze and the way he blew his nose... Makes me smile just to think of it...
I took some of his shoe-stretchers for my husband, a letter opener and the noisy cow bell Dad used to hang from the front door when he lived at home. He was so paranoid about someone breaking into the house. He was sure that noisy thing would startle any intruders and would certainly let him know trouble was in progress.
We still have so many of his books in Mom's office. Dad had made book shelves in the closet to store some of them. He had old college class books from Cal Poly on Mathematics, Science, Botany, Fertilization, Drafting, Design; books on Chess, Nature, Gold Mining and lots of How to Fix It type books.
Mom still feels too disrespectful to get rid of them because Dad always held his books with such high regard...
One of the chores I did for Mom was to trim the Pomegranate tree outside her back porch. I started that tree over fifty years ago when I used to steal the fruit off a neighbors tree, bring it home and sit on the back porch, spitting out the white part of the seeds after I had eaten the juicy red parts. The tree is huge and produces so much fruit.
Mom sat on the patio and kept me company, often telling me to stop and rest...which I ignored. I was using one of Dad's old Loppers, which had not been sharpened in several years. Mom said I grimaced the same way Dad did when he trimmed it. I told her I felt Dad was with me, helping guide me as to what branches to cut and which to keep. I really did.
I have fond memories of Dad and I working in the yard together...he would always start by telling me the plants technical name and then it's common name. He would tell me how much water to give it and how to trim the leaves, as if he were talking about a child I needed to know about when I babysat. Some how he always made me feel like we were doing something so important and doing it with honor for living things.
He had me talking to the plants and feeling perfectly sane in doing so. Later, after I moved out into my own apartment, I would leave classical music on for my plants. I am still convinced it is why they all flourished and grew so big and healthy.
I attended one of my son in law's Mother's Memorial. She battled cancer for over a year and died early Christmas morning. It was a wonderful service. My son in law and one of his dear friends worked on an extremely moving video of her life. Very emotional. A young 9 year old girl, unrelated to the family, other than friendship, had adopted Me-Maw (as all the grand kids called her) as her Grandmother-Me-Maw.
She wanted to sing a song in her honor and sang, In the Arms of an Angel. If the song was not enough, her voice was like an angel, and there was not a dry eye in the entire room!
I spent a couple days with my youngest daughter, son in law and my three year old grandson....who was constantly reminding me of his baby sister residing in his Mother's belly and how she will be here soon to play with him...They had all been sick with the flu after the Memorial and my daughter was due to have her shower for my first grand daughter the day before I was to leave. I said a prayer to keep me healthy and not to have my back go out as I disregarded all warnings by family members to not go because I might get sick.
I am happy to say, my daughter and son in law were able to get plenty of rest so she was able to attend her shower and I did not get sick or throw out my back.
I also visited my oldest daughter and my three grand sons. Can you believe the 9 month old is walking already? Or should I say, running? And on his tip toes?? He has a rough time cutting teeth and constantly grunts to communicate.... He sounds like a little cave man, or a baby bear or elephant. Once in a while he lets out a squeal...a laugh...usually when one of his brothers come into the room. The older brother is 11 and the younger one is 9. The baby just lights up with both of them and they get the biggest charge out of the little guy.
It was so good seeing everyone...I miss them so much. I am grateful I am only 3.5 or 4 hours away instead of having to hop on a plane and fly to them.
Mom, my sister Holly, my youngest daughter and I had all planned to spend Martin Luther King weekend in Laguna Beach at the Pacific Edge Hotel. Since my daughter was still sick, she did not get to join us. We had a wonderful, relaxing time, but decided to come home one day early because my daughter felt so bad missing the weekend she insisted on still paying her portion. By leaving early, we paid a little bit less than what our portions would have been if she had come.
My sister and I took a long walk on the beach, taking pictures and walked quite a ways. There were several people walking their dogs on the beach, but on our way back, I noticed a woman walking a huge, white wolf. I brought it to the attention of my sister and she did not believe me. Sure enough, it was a rescued wolf from a sanctuary in Lucerne Valley.
A few months ago, I had been to a Meditation class. I was particularly focused on wanting to connect with my Dad. Instead, I got a visit from a big white wolf who guided me through the woods, lush plants and flowers to a clearing on a bluff above the ocean. I sat with the wolf and enjoyed the view.
I asked the woman if the wolf had a name and she told me his name was Journey. I got goose pimples thinking of my white wolf vision and the title of my blog being Mystical Journeys... It gave me such a good, peaceful feeling, as if it was destiny.
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I took some of his shoe-stretchers for my husband, a letter opener and the noisy cow bell Dad used to hang from the front door when he lived at home. He was so paranoid about someone breaking into the house. He was sure that noisy thing would startle any intruders and would certainly let him know trouble was in progress.
We still have so many of his books in Mom's office. Dad had made book shelves in the closet to store some of them. He had old college class books from Cal Poly on Mathematics, Science, Botany, Fertilization, Drafting, Design; books on Chess, Nature, Gold Mining and lots of How to Fix It type books.
Mom still feels too disrespectful to get rid of them because Dad always held his books with such high regard...
One of the chores I did for Mom was to trim the Pomegranate tree outside her back porch. I started that tree over fifty years ago when I used to steal the fruit off a neighbors tree, bring it home and sit on the back porch, spitting out the white part of the seeds after I had eaten the juicy red parts. The tree is huge and produces so much fruit.
Mom sat on the patio and kept me company, often telling me to stop and rest...which I ignored. I was using one of Dad's old Loppers, which had not been sharpened in several years. Mom said I grimaced the same way Dad did when he trimmed it. I told her I felt Dad was with me, helping guide me as to what branches to cut and which to keep. I really did.
I have fond memories of Dad and I working in the yard together...he would always start by telling me the plants technical name and then it's common name. He would tell me how much water to give it and how to trim the leaves, as if he were talking about a child I needed to know about when I babysat. Some how he always made me feel like we were doing something so important and doing it with honor for living things.
He had me talking to the plants and feeling perfectly sane in doing so. Later, after I moved out into my own apartment, I would leave classical music on for my plants. I am still convinced it is why they all flourished and grew so big and healthy.
I attended one of my son in law's Mother's Memorial. She battled cancer for over a year and died early Christmas morning. It was a wonderful service. My son in law and one of his dear friends worked on an extremely moving video of her life. Very emotional. A young 9 year old girl, unrelated to the family, other than friendship, had adopted Me-Maw (as all the grand kids called her) as her Grandmother-Me-Maw.
She wanted to sing a song in her honor and sang, In the Arms of an Angel. If the song was not enough, her voice was like an angel, and there was not a dry eye in the entire room!
I spent a couple days with my youngest daughter, son in law and my three year old grandson....who was constantly reminding me of his baby sister residing in his Mother's belly and how she will be here soon to play with him...They had all been sick with the flu after the Memorial and my daughter was due to have her shower for my first grand daughter the day before I was to leave. I said a prayer to keep me healthy and not to have my back go out as I disregarded all warnings by family members to not go because I might get sick.
I am happy to say, my daughter and son in law were able to get plenty of rest so she was able to attend her shower and I did not get sick or throw out my back.
I also visited my oldest daughter and my three grand sons. Can you believe the 9 month old is walking already? Or should I say, running? And on his tip toes?? He has a rough time cutting teeth and constantly grunts to communicate.... He sounds like a little cave man, or a baby bear or elephant. Once in a while he lets out a squeal...a laugh...usually when one of his brothers come into the room. The older brother is 11 and the younger one is 9. The baby just lights up with both of them and they get the biggest charge out of the little guy.
It was so good seeing everyone...I miss them so much. I am grateful I am only 3.5 or 4 hours away instead of having to hop on a plane and fly to them.
Mom, my sister Holly, my youngest daughter and I had all planned to spend Martin Luther King weekend in Laguna Beach at the Pacific Edge Hotel. Since my daughter was still sick, she did not get to join us. We had a wonderful, relaxing time, but decided to come home one day early because my daughter felt so bad missing the weekend she insisted on still paying her portion. By leaving early, we paid a little bit less than what our portions would have been if she had come.
My sister and I took a long walk on the beach, taking pictures and walked quite a ways. There were several people walking their dogs on the beach, but on our way back, I noticed a woman walking a huge, white wolf. I brought it to the attention of my sister and she did not believe me. Sure enough, it was a rescued wolf from a sanctuary in Lucerne Valley.
A few months ago, I had been to a Meditation class. I was particularly focused on wanting to connect with my Dad. Instead, I got a visit from a big white wolf who guided me through the woods, lush plants and flowers to a clearing on a bluff above the ocean. I sat with the wolf and enjoyed the view.
I asked the woman if the wolf had a name and she told me his name was Journey. I got goose pimples thinking of my white wolf vision and the title of my blog being Mystical Journeys... It gave me such a good, peaceful feeling, as if it was destiny.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Alzheimer's Awareness Week During the World Series....Wear the Bow Tie!
Alzheimer’s Association bow tie to be featured during World Series
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Thursday, October 10, 2013
Visiting Dad at Riverside National Cemetery...
Today my youngest brother E______ went by Riverside National Cemetery and visited Dad's niche.
The plaque was on and it turned out beautiful.
I had called yesterday to see if it had been placed. Unfortunately their computers were down so I could not confirm it... One of the men told me he had been out to the area where Dad was interred and told me he was pretty sure it had been placed.
My brother took pictures and sent them to all of us via email. I will post them to share with you. You can see what a peaceful resting place it is...
The plaque was on and it turned out beautiful.
I had called yesterday to see if it had been placed. Unfortunately their computers were down so I could not confirm it... One of the men told me he had been out to the area where Dad was interred and told me he was pretty sure it had been placed.
My brother took pictures and sent them to all of us via email. I will post them to share with you. You can see what a peaceful resting place it is...
Dad's wall
Dad's area with bench to sit
Leaving Dad's columbarium
It was a beautiful day...all was peaceful and quiet...My brother spent some time reflecting and visiting. He felt like Dad was smiling down upon him.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Father's Day, 2013
The plan was for all six siblings to come together with Mom and go rally around Dad for Father's Day. We all were to meet in front of the nursing home at 11am. We all arrived except for the second to the youngest brother, S_____ who woke with either "pink eye" or "conjunctivitis". He did not want to take the chance of infecting Dad or any of us...
Two of the brothers went to Dad's room to bring him out front so we could surprise Dad. The brothers returned announcing Dad was getting his shower. We all sat and chatted, catching up and celebrating having our brother B____ from Ohio here with us. I think it has been about 9 years since his last visit.
Before too long, the brothers returned for Dad and wheeled him out onto the nursing home's front, shaded patio. Dad was very happy to see all of us, knowing we were family, but not calling us by name. He would say "my son".....to the brothers, or "this is a very important person to me"...
Dad called me "Holl Doll", despite me correcting him and telling him I was "Donna"....Dad told me, "I know, that's what I said, Holl Doll".... My sister comforted me telling me Dad usually calls her "Donna".
We posed for various pictures with Dad...
After photo taking, we each took turns reading Dad our cards to him. Dad struggles reading, especially with his one eye closed with cancer, and not wearing his glasses.... Light makes his eyes even more sensitive. One of the brothers returned to Dad's room to get his sunglasses.
The youngest brother E____ had been inspired to read a poem he wrote to Dad. It was very moving and made several of us cry. He also blew up a picture of his three white Havanese dogs, with a bubble above each dog's head with the message, "Happy Father's Day".... Dad held the photocopy up close and kissed each one of the dogs. So sweet.
Dad's Hospice CNA came out and stopped to tell us he was so concerned with how Dad had been most of the week...and so surprised to see how Dad perked up when we came to visit with my daughter Jodee on Friday. Dad's appetite jumped from 60% to 100%. I had not met the Hospice CNA so I hugged him, thanked him and told him he was an extension of our family. Others in the family who had not met him, introduced themselves. The CNA put his arms around Dad and wished him a very happy Father's Day and waved goodbye to all of us.
One of the nurses came out front and invited us all to come in the back courtyard as they were having a BBQ. We all gathered behind my brother B_____ as he wheeled Dad through the nursing home and into the back courtyard.
Dad wanted a big hot dog with mustard....so I went to the Activities' Director, who was doing the cooking, and asked for a hot dog. "Sorry, we are just doing burgers, chips, sodas and baked beans...we'll have hot dogs on the 4th of July."
I took a hamburger with lots of mustard, some relish and a little ketchup back to Dad, along with some baked beans and chips. Dad was already sucking on a soda with a straw.....which he had drained! My younger brother had given Dad a Coke. I figured we should steer Dad away from the caffeine so the next soda I gave him was a Sprite.
Dad was anxious to eat his "hot dog" and I was attempting to wait for my brother to bring me a knife to cut it in half and Dad would not wait....he began grabbing at it...so I had no recourse but to hold it up for him to eat. Dad almost bit my fingers as he growled and took a huge bite. I cautioned Dad not to take such big bites, but he totally ignored me. I was doing good if I could get him to finish chewing before he growled and took another enormous bite!
Dad in foreground, wearing black fedora hat, scarfing potato chips....
Dad polished it off along with another soda and asked for another....so while I went to get Dad another hamburger, my brother B_____ fed Dad some baked beans. I think Dad ate two bag of chips and three sodas in addition to the two hamburgers....and still wanted a BIG HOT DOG WITH MUSTARD!
Ever humorous, brother E____ quipped, " Dad, you're gonna' have to wait until the 4th of July for the big dogs with mustard...just a couple more weeks."
I noticed Dad slowed down on his last few bites of hamburger... He also started to droop in his wheel chair...a definite sign he was full and ready for a nap. Dad confirmed he was ready for bed when I asked....
While my brothers, Mom and sister were saying their good byes, I slipped away, back to Dad's room and hung his cards on his "wall of love" (where we hang all our cards, photos, notes, letters, etc on the walls around his bed.)
My brother B_____ , Mom and I wheeled Dad to his room....B____ wanted some alone time with Dad to say his good byes as he fly home last Monday morning back to Ohio. Mom and I visited with the nurses until B_____ came out of Dad's room. I went back in to give Dad one more kiss....and Dad asked me as I leaned down to kiss him, "Where is my hot dog with mustard?"
"You'll have it for dinner Dad....in the mean time, get some sleep and dream of it...."
"OK...that sounds good to me..."
"I love you Papa-Doots..."
My sister and her husband invited everyone over to their house in Claremont for a Father's Day BBQ at 2pm....so the party moved to their house...eating...laughter....conversations....great food and merriment continued...
Back row: Four brothers E_____, S______, K_____ and B______
Front row: Donna (me), Mom and my sister Holly (Holl Doll)
Two of the brothers went to Dad's room to bring him out front so we could surprise Dad. The brothers returned announcing Dad was getting his shower. We all sat and chatted, catching up and celebrating having our brother B____ from Ohio here with us. I think it has been about 9 years since his last visit.
Before too long, the brothers returned for Dad and wheeled him out onto the nursing home's front, shaded patio. Dad was very happy to see all of us, knowing we were family, but not calling us by name. He would say "my son".....to the brothers, or "this is a very important person to me"...
Dad, Father's Day, 2013
Dad called me "Holl Doll", despite me correcting him and telling him I was "Donna"....Dad told me, "I know, that's what I said, Holl Doll".... My sister comforted me telling me Dad usually calls her "Donna".
We posed for various pictures with Dad...
youngest brother E___, Mom and Dad
Mom, Dad and brother B___ from Ohio
brother K___, Donna (me), sister Holly (Holl Doll)
and Dad in front
Brother K____'s wife T____ and brother K_____
Five out of the six kids, Mom and Dad
After photo taking, we each took turns reading Dad our cards to him. Dad struggles reading, especially with his one eye closed with cancer, and not wearing his glasses.... Light makes his eyes even more sensitive. One of the brothers returned to Dad's room to get his sunglasses.
The youngest brother E____ had been inspired to read a poem he wrote to Dad. It was very moving and made several of us cry. He also blew up a picture of his three white Havanese dogs, with a bubble above each dog's head with the message, "Happy Father's Day".... Dad held the photocopy up close and kissed each one of the dogs. So sweet.
Dad's Hospice CNA came out and stopped to tell us he was so concerned with how Dad had been most of the week...and so surprised to see how Dad perked up when we came to visit with my daughter Jodee on Friday. Dad's appetite jumped from 60% to 100%. I had not met the Hospice CNA so I hugged him, thanked him and told him he was an extension of our family. Others in the family who had not met him, introduced themselves. The CNA put his arms around Dad and wished him a very happy Father's Day and waved goodbye to all of us.
One of the nurses came out front and invited us all to come in the back courtyard as they were having a BBQ. We all gathered behind my brother B_____ as he wheeled Dad through the nursing home and into the back courtyard.
Dad wanted a big hot dog with mustard....so I went to the Activities' Director, who was doing the cooking, and asked for a hot dog. "Sorry, we are just doing burgers, chips, sodas and baked beans...we'll have hot dogs on the 4th of July."
I took a hamburger with lots of mustard, some relish and a little ketchup back to Dad, along with some baked beans and chips. Dad was already sucking on a soda with a straw.....which he had drained! My younger brother had given Dad a Coke. I figured we should steer Dad away from the caffeine so the next soda I gave him was a Sprite.
Dad was anxious to eat his "hot dog" and I was attempting to wait for my brother to bring me a knife to cut it in half and Dad would not wait....he began grabbing at it...so I had no recourse but to hold it up for him to eat. Dad almost bit my fingers as he growled and took a huge bite. I cautioned Dad not to take such big bites, but he totally ignored me. I was doing good if I could get him to finish chewing before he growled and took another enormous bite!
Dad polished it off along with another soda and asked for another....so while I went to get Dad another hamburger, my brother B_____ fed Dad some baked beans. I think Dad ate two bag of chips and three sodas in addition to the two hamburgers....and still wanted a BIG HOT DOG WITH MUSTARD!
Ever humorous, brother E____ quipped, " Dad, you're gonna' have to wait until the 4th of July for the big dogs with mustard...just a couple more weeks."
I noticed Dad slowed down on his last few bites of hamburger... He also started to droop in his wheel chair...a definite sign he was full and ready for a nap. Dad confirmed he was ready for bed when I asked....
While my brothers, Mom and sister were saying their good byes, I slipped away, back to Dad's room and hung his cards on his "wall of love" (where we hang all our cards, photos, notes, letters, etc on the walls around his bed.)
My brother B_____ , Mom and I wheeled Dad to his room....B____ wanted some alone time with Dad to say his good byes as he fly home last Monday morning back to Ohio. Mom and I visited with the nurses until B_____ came out of Dad's room. I went back in to give Dad one more kiss....and Dad asked me as I leaned down to kiss him, "Where is my hot dog with mustard?"
"You'll have it for dinner Dad....in the mean time, get some sleep and dream of it...."
"OK...that sounds good to me..."
"I love you Papa-Doots..."
My sister and her husband invited everyone over to their house in Claremont for a Father's Day BBQ at 2pm....so the party moved to their house...eating...laughter....conversations....great food and merriment continued...
Front row: Donna (me), Mom and my sister Holly (Holl Doll)
part of our huge family who were able to attend the BBQ
Four generations:
my nephew (Holly's son) and his 3 month old son, his grand father and father
Brother S____ and one of his two sons
(sister's pool in the background in the re-surfacing process)
Mom and nephew's wife posing with stick on mustaches
Cousins... S_______ & S_________
(Brother K's daughter and Holly's daughter)
Yesterday, my sister sent me all her photos and discovered one of them made us all comment and laugh... Dad has always had very dry skin and scratches himself constantly. The wound care nurse at the nursing home does an excellent job of caring for Dad's skin and keeping it greased up with Aveeno, Aquaphor, and Vasoline....
The Hospice Nurse obviously was rushing to get Dad dressed so he could join us on the patio and did not put lotion on Dad....We all stop Dad from scratching his skin (which is so thin and bleeds) so the picture below is Dad taking advantage of itching himself...when everyone was distracted taking the picture... Classic!
Dad taking the opportunity for a forbidden scratch....you just gotta' love him!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
At Last, A Good Visit...Happiness...
Mom and my sister Holly went to visit Dad yesterday, May 27th, on Memorial Day. After the arrived they had to wait a bit as Dad was getting his shower. When Dad was dressed and ready, they wheeled him out front of the nursing home where there is a nice patio and lots of Spring flowers. They parked him so his sun got plenty of warm sunshine and Mom remembered to bring his sunglasses. He gave each of them a warm smile and told them how good it felt...
Dad Memorial Day, 2013
Dad called my sister by name and cooed to Mom, "his beautiful wife, Lynnie..." Mom and Holly chatted with Dad filling him in on family events...My sister told Dad about her first grand son being taken to Big Bear for the weekend with his parents and showed Dad pictures. Dad roared with laughter at the his picture below...
Baby B...my sister's first grand child (boy) decked out for sun and water fitted with his life vest, beanie hat, sunglasses and his "Binkie" (pacifier).
As they talked, Dad dosed and occasionally put his head up and moved his shoulders with pleasure saying how the sun made him feel so good...
What a difference a change of attitude and some warm sun can make in our lives...Once again it reminds me how it is all about the simple and little things in life which make us happiest.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Catching Up With Dad's Visits and Family Updates...
I have just returned from California. Lots happening in our family...my nephew and his wife had their first child, a baby boy Braxton....and my oldest daughter and my son in law had their third son Garrett...my fourth grand child...(all boys). I am not posting pictures of the babies yet as I have not gotten my final permission to do so...but they are both adorable!
I spent the week with Mom while both families bonded with their new little bundles... Mom and I worked on organizing and filing all Dad's pertinent papers in a file and getting her office the way she wants it. We gathered all the family photos and put created a system in several photo boxes.
We found some great old family pics and had so much fun laughing and remembering. I will share and post some pics of Dad in his younger years...
During my visit last week, Mom and I visited Dad on April 2, 2013...we saw him sitting near the window in the lunch room waiting for lunch. Music was being played and we watched as Dad swayed and moved in his wheel chair...Dad's face looked thin and tight...as we approached, I could see he was well lubricated with lotion or Aquaphor making his face look free of wrinkles.
He recognized us both immediately. He sounded like he had a cold, stuffed up and his voice was slow and deliberate. I asked if he had a cold and he told me he did, but he never sneezed or coughed except when he guzzled his coffee too fast... I noticed his teeth had food in them and were pink...later I found out they had cake and red punch...
We took him out on the patio where I took a couple of pictures...Dad was chilly and told us he did not want us to catch cold so he suggested we go back inside.
The nursing home still had their Easter Bunny out front greeting everyone...
We told Dad about the new arrivals being born ten days apart and showed him pictures of Braxton and Garrett. Dad had to hold the phone about two inches from his face to see the pictures, but when he did, he laughed and kissed their little faces on my phone.
Dad's word of the day was "gravity" and he used it often and always not making any sense to what we were discussing...
He told us he was riding horses up a hill and had to kill people. He didn't want to, but he had to. Dad has mentioned this before on my previous visit with him...so it seems to be on his mind a lot...(I am behind two visits due to it being so close to when I left for California, so I will post them both in this post.) We explained he had to do it because he was fighting for our country and he did what he had to do...
I tried to change the subject and directed his attention outside on the patio, telling him how beautiful the big trees looked with their bright green Spring leaves fluttering in the breeze...Dad is stiff on his left side and has difficulty turning... He glanced at the window and told us what good quality the windows were as there were no holes...
His lunch arrived, smelling delicious as ever...grilled pork chop, white rice, green beans, whole wheat bread and butter, a banana, vanilla ice cream, coffee, milk and a strawberry Ensure. He wanted to start with dessert and ate the ice cream, then polished off every single bite and sucked down all liquids,ending with the slurping straw noise finishing off his strawberry Ensure.
Dad keeps his right eye with the skin cancer shut all the time or maybe it is stuck shut... He kept stretching his crooked hands and fingers out in front of him...commenting on how long his fingernails were and wanted them trimmed. Doctor-Doctor came over and Dad lit up with a huge smile, telling her how much he loved her.
We asked her if she would please trim his nails and she assured us she would. I asked if she could brush his teeth too. She told me they had cake and punch today and Dad had wanted extra helpings. She told us she always brushes his teeth before he goes to bed.
Dad pretty much agreed with whatever we said and repeated what we said...he seemed happy and content...but didn't make much sense when he spoke. Dad continues to lose weight...he weighs 128. I told the charge nurse Dad sounded like he had a cold, so she checked him out and asked his care giver for the day. They ordered a CBC and called me yesterday with the results...Dad's white count was up indicating an infection. She told me she would call his primary and he would decide on the orders and she would let me know...
Mom asked Dad if he was ready for his nap and he smiled at Doctor-Doctor and waved to her as she playfully flirted with him...She told us she would trim his nails and brush his teeth before tucking him in...We kissed him good bye and as we walked toward the front door ran into the Administrator and chatted with him a bit, thanking him for every one's excellent care for Dad.
I went with Mom to her Support Group and was so touched to meet so many brave women caring and fighting for their spouses suffering with this horrendous disease. I shared about helping to care for my mother in law and being my Dad's Advocate. The Facilitator complimented me on my blog and invited the others to check it out. Several of the women wanted the link to my blog as well as my email.
After the meeting, the Facilitator gave me a bag full of Alzheimer's information and pamphlets. I decided I would like to add more information to my blog in helping to select a facility for their loved one, what to look for and what questions to ask and some other information. So stay tuned on that...in the mean time, remember anyone can write me at my email and I will do whatever I can to help.
March 26, 2013
Mom went to visit Dad and found him sitting in the lunch room in his wheel chair wearing his light blue track suit and his perky fedora hat. He perked up smiling when he saw her, telling her he was so glad she came to see him...but did not call her by name.
Mom had spoken with Dad's two care givers prior to going in to see Dad. She wanted to verify if Dad had complained of any pain and both told her no...the male care giver asked Mom to ask Dad again when she saw him. He told her he would give Dad some Tylenol if Dad complained of pain. Mom asked if Dad's doctor had prescribed Vicodin for pain and after checking Dad's chart, confirmed it was correct.
Mom shared with Dad about the birth of their grandson's first son, Braxton being born....Dad kept calling him Jackson...Mom kept repeating Braxton's name slowly until Dad finally got it... Dad rambled on about subjects not connecting with her conversation, but Mom just nodded her head and agreed with him.
Another resident, a woman, who we have never seen with any visitors, constantly yells loud outbursts during lunch, was blasting out angry inaudible noises making it difficult for Mom and Dad to visit. Dad is always so kind when he sees her acting out. He told Mom how much he loves her and how intelligent she is. Dad said she was his attorney... Mom just went along with Dad and agreed...
Dad's lunch arrived looking and smelling delicious making Mom hungry. She fed him beef with tomatoes, onion, celery, in a gravy over rice. The meat was so tender Mom could cut it with the fork; fresh steamed carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, green and Lima beans. Mom made mental notes so she could attempt to re-create it for herself later for dinner. He also had sliced pears with cinnamon, wheat bread with butter, coffee, milk, strawberry ice cream and a vanilla Ensure. Dad ate every morsel and smacked his lips with satisfaction.
Frequently during the meal and their visit, Dad would say the word "water". Mom asked if he wanted a drink of water and Dad told her, "No, I am swimming..."
Mom noticed when Dad drinks his coffee, he always wants to drink it all in one gulp...regardless of how hot it is. We always slow him down, because he also has started to cough. Dad said the coffee makes me gag, so Mom suggested he stopped drinking it..."That's a very bad idea you have." Dad told her... Dad's cough almost sounds fake. His cough is very slow, deliberate and non-productive. He makes a lot of noise, but it is only with the coffee.
Dad did not make much sense and he seemed very tired. Mom asked if he was ready for his nap and he told her he was....Mom wheeled him back to his room and the caregiver came over and took Dad from her and would get him ready for bed...
I spent the week with Mom while both families bonded with their new little bundles... Mom and I worked on organizing and filing all Dad's pertinent papers in a file and getting her office the way she wants it. We gathered all the family photos and put created a system in several photo boxes.
We found some great old family pics and had so much fun laughing and remembering. I will share and post some pics of Dad in his younger years...
Dad played the violin and we still have the one he played...
Dad doing his magic tricks for his fellow Marines
During my visit last week, Mom and I visited Dad on April 2, 2013...we saw him sitting near the window in the lunch room waiting for lunch. Music was being played and we watched as Dad swayed and moved in his wheel chair...Dad's face looked thin and tight...as we approached, I could see he was well lubricated with lotion or Aquaphor making his face look free of wrinkles.
He recognized us both immediately. He sounded like he had a cold, stuffed up and his voice was slow and deliberate. I asked if he had a cold and he told me he did, but he never sneezed or coughed except when he guzzled his coffee too fast... I noticed his teeth had food in them and were pink...later I found out they had cake and red punch...
We took him out on the patio where I took a couple of pictures...Dad was chilly and told us he did not want us to catch cold so he suggested we go back inside.
Happy to see us...
Dad and I
Mom and Dad
We told Dad about the new arrivals being born ten days apart and showed him pictures of Braxton and Garrett. Dad had to hold the phone about two inches from his face to see the pictures, but when he did, he laughed and kissed their little faces on my phone.
Dad's word of the day was "gravity" and he used it often and always not making any sense to what we were discussing...
He told us he was riding horses up a hill and had to kill people. He didn't want to, but he had to. Dad has mentioned this before on my previous visit with him...so it seems to be on his mind a lot...(I am behind two visits due to it being so close to when I left for California, so I will post them both in this post.) We explained he had to do it because he was fighting for our country and he did what he had to do...
I tried to change the subject and directed his attention outside on the patio, telling him how beautiful the big trees looked with their bright green Spring leaves fluttering in the breeze...Dad is stiff on his left side and has difficulty turning... He glanced at the window and told us what good quality the windows were as there were no holes...
His lunch arrived, smelling delicious as ever...grilled pork chop, white rice, green beans, whole wheat bread and butter, a banana, vanilla ice cream, coffee, milk and a strawberry Ensure. He wanted to start with dessert and ate the ice cream, then polished off every single bite and sucked down all liquids,ending with the slurping straw noise finishing off his strawberry Ensure.
Dad keeps his right eye with the skin cancer shut all the time or maybe it is stuck shut... He kept stretching his crooked hands and fingers out in front of him...commenting on how long his fingernails were and wanted them trimmed. Doctor-Doctor came over and Dad lit up with a huge smile, telling her how much he loved her.
We asked her if she would please trim his nails and she assured us she would. I asked if she could brush his teeth too. She told me they had cake and punch today and Dad had wanted extra helpings. She told us she always brushes his teeth before he goes to bed.
Dad pretty much agreed with whatever we said and repeated what we said...he seemed happy and content...but didn't make much sense when he spoke. Dad continues to lose weight...he weighs 128. I told the charge nurse Dad sounded like he had a cold, so she checked him out and asked his care giver for the day. They ordered a CBC and called me yesterday with the results...Dad's white count was up indicating an infection. She told me she would call his primary and he would decide on the orders and she would let me know...
Mom asked Dad if he was ready for his nap and he smiled at Doctor-Doctor and waved to her as she playfully flirted with him...She told us she would trim his nails and brush his teeth before tucking him in...We kissed him good bye and as we walked toward the front door ran into the Administrator and chatted with him a bit, thanking him for every one's excellent care for Dad.
I went with Mom to her Support Group and was so touched to meet so many brave women caring and fighting for their spouses suffering with this horrendous disease. I shared about helping to care for my mother in law and being my Dad's Advocate. The Facilitator complimented me on my blog and invited the others to check it out. Several of the women wanted the link to my blog as well as my email.
After the meeting, the Facilitator gave me a bag full of Alzheimer's information and pamphlets. I decided I would like to add more information to my blog in helping to select a facility for their loved one, what to look for and what questions to ask and some other information. So stay tuned on that...in the mean time, remember anyone can write me at my email and I will do whatever I can to help.
March 26, 2013
Mom went to visit Dad and found him sitting in the lunch room in his wheel chair wearing his light blue track suit and his perky fedora hat. He perked up smiling when he saw her, telling her he was so glad she came to see him...but did not call her by name.
Mom had spoken with Dad's two care givers prior to going in to see Dad. She wanted to verify if Dad had complained of any pain and both told her no...the male care giver asked Mom to ask Dad again when she saw him. He told her he would give Dad some Tylenol if Dad complained of pain. Mom asked if Dad's doctor had prescribed Vicodin for pain and after checking Dad's chart, confirmed it was correct.
Mom shared with Dad about the birth of their grandson's first son, Braxton being born....Dad kept calling him Jackson...Mom kept repeating Braxton's name slowly until Dad finally got it... Dad rambled on about subjects not connecting with her conversation, but Mom just nodded her head and agreed with him.
Another resident, a woman, who we have never seen with any visitors, constantly yells loud outbursts during lunch, was blasting out angry inaudible noises making it difficult for Mom and Dad to visit. Dad is always so kind when he sees her acting out. He told Mom how much he loves her and how intelligent she is. Dad said she was his attorney... Mom just went along with Dad and agreed...
Dad's lunch arrived looking and smelling delicious making Mom hungry. She fed him beef with tomatoes, onion, celery, in a gravy over rice. The meat was so tender Mom could cut it with the fork; fresh steamed carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, green and Lima beans. Mom made mental notes so she could attempt to re-create it for herself later for dinner. He also had sliced pears with cinnamon, wheat bread with butter, coffee, milk, strawberry ice cream and a vanilla Ensure. Dad ate every morsel and smacked his lips with satisfaction.
Frequently during the meal and their visit, Dad would say the word "water". Mom asked if he wanted a drink of water and Dad told her, "No, I am swimming..."
Mom noticed when Dad drinks his coffee, he always wants to drink it all in one gulp...regardless of how hot it is. We always slow him down, because he also has started to cough. Dad said the coffee makes me gag, so Mom suggested he stopped drinking it..."That's a very bad idea you have." Dad told her... Dad's cough almost sounds fake. His cough is very slow, deliberate and non-productive. He makes a lot of noise, but it is only with the coffee.
Dad did not make much sense and he seemed very tired. Mom asked if he was ready for his nap and he told her he was....Mom wheeled him back to his room and the caregiver came over and took Dad from her and would get him ready for bed...
Monday, March 4, 2013
Family Updates...
Got a good report from the Hospice nurse today...Dad was in activities when she visited him. He was very upbeat, polite and flirty with her, answering everything she asked with, "Yes, Mam". All his vitals were good, but he told her he had pain. Dad could not explain where it was....and when she inquired further, Dad told her someone told him he was in pain.... I will have to follow up on that...The nurse told me she called Dad's doctor and let him know. The doctor prescribed 5/350 tab of Vicodin for pain as needed. I asked if it could be taken with his Lexapro and Namenda, and she assured me it could.
**********************
My daughter Jodee and her Fiancé Jeff are engaged and will be getting married July 20, 2013. They had a photo shoot for their 'Save the Date' photo and other photos for their wedding. Some of the pictures have their son Jacob in them, but during the shots of just them, her sister, my firstborn daughter Holly and her sons kept Jacob entertained...
I don't usually show pictures of or mention the names of Holly's sons, the ten year old and the eight year old... Holly prefers I don't. Holly is expecting her third son, my fourth grand son this month...
I did however, get the OK to post the picture above of the ten year old, Jacob, Jodee and Jeff's son, and the eight year old walking ahead of their Mom at the park where the photo shoot took place. The boys always look forward to getting together and enjoy one another so much.... I just LOVE this picture.
*******************
My only sister Holly (yes, my daughter Holly is named after her Auntie) arrived today to visit for a week. She and I will drive back together to California to attend her daughter in law's baby shower on the 10th. I will be staying with my Mom a few days and then return home to Nevada on the 12th.
Have a good week everyone...I KNOW I WILL!!!
**********************
My daughter Jodee and her Fiancé Jeff are engaged and will be getting married July 20, 2013. They had a photo shoot for their 'Save the Date' photo and other photos for their wedding. Some of the pictures have their son Jacob in them, but during the shots of just them, her sister, my firstborn daughter Holly and her sons kept Jacob entertained...
I did however, get the OK to post the picture above of the ten year old, Jacob, Jodee and Jeff's son, and the eight year old walking ahead of their Mom at the park where the photo shoot took place. The boys always look forward to getting together and enjoy one another so much.... I just LOVE this picture.
*******************
My only sister Holly (yes, my daughter Holly is named after her Auntie) arrived today to visit for a week. She and I will drive back together to California to attend her daughter in law's baby shower on the 10th. I will be staying with my Mom a few days and then return home to Nevada on the 12th.
Have a good week everyone...I KNOW I WILL!!!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Holding His Own...(& Sharing Grand Son Stories)
I called the nursing home today to check on Dad. He is eating well and gained a pound. He weighs 133. Dad is weighed every Sunday, so tomorrow I will find out if he kept that pound on or lost more.
Super Bowl Sunday they called to tell me Dad lost two more pounds...
Last Tuesday, I called the nursing home to check on Dad and the Supervisor answered the phone. She told me she meant to call me the night before, but it was so late...she wanted to let me know Dad's physician took him off the Aracept and put him on Namenda. I knew he was going to do this as he had told me in his more recent email. Apparently the Aracept has a weight loss side effect, which Namenda doesn't and Namenda is better for the later stages of Alzheimer's.
The supervisor also told me the doctor had lowered Dad's Digoxin from 2.5 to 1.5 and put Dad on Remeron to increase his appetite. I IMMEDIATELY TOLD HER IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE ON DAD'S CHART NOT TO HAVE REMERON.... that is the medication the psychiatrist used to keep switching Dad from it to the Lexapro. The Remeron made Dad agitated, mean, combative and he wanted to leave, calling Mom and yelling at her.
The Supervisor said the doctor had just left so if she hung up she might be able to page him. We hung up and I immediately sent the doctor an email, reminding him of why Dad was not suppose to be on the Remeron.
I called the nursing home back and she told me she reached the doctor and Dad would not be getting the Remeron. Dad's doctor also emailed me, assuring me he stopped the order before Dad got it. He also told me he had done another cryotherapy treatment on Dad and he had tolerated it well.
I emailed him back letting him know I did not think we should give Dad meds to increase his appetite. If he truly is in the later stages of Alzheimer's and slowing down....I don't think we should force him to eat if he does not want to.
I wanted to speak with Dad, but he was sleeping. His male caretaker for today told me he was up in his wheel chair and went to activities today. I thanked him for all he does for Dad and encouraging Dad to eat and join in. We are very, very blessed to have Dad where he is...
************
Sharing stories and pics of my grand sons: The ten year old had just come home from a band performance, having just found out he made Advanced Band (he plays the clarinet)... dressed in dark slacks, a white long sleeved shirt and tie. His Mom told him he looked like an FBI agent and my grandson retorts, "I feel more like James Bond. Take my picture Mom and I'll pose..."
So she grabbed the camera... He touched his tie, cocked his head to one side, and posed like he was alertly walking... She snapped the picture....
Chuckling, my daughter commented on his pose, and my grand son says, "I like my cereal shaken, not stirred." (After Bond's famous line, "I like my martini, shaken, not stirred.")
She forwarded his comment and the picture to me via text on my phone and my husband and I cracked up. Both my daughter and I were laughing when I called her after receiving the text. What a character! Our family is blessed with a WONDERFUL sense of humor.
The ten year old's brother, the eight year old, is catching up to his older brother in height and clothes size. He is wearing a size 12, the same as his older brother. The ten year old complained to his Mom, "Hey, I am suppose to be the alpha brother, I don't want to share my jeans with him."
The eight year old overheard his comment and quipped back, "Then you better eat more popcorn like I do, instead of all those vegetables."
The ten year old rolls his eyes up at his Mom and said, "See what I have to deal with? I can't wait for G****** (his soon to arrive brother the end of March or beginning of April) to get here...then I'll have someone to share the load." If I ever want to write a children's book, I got plenty of material and dialogue!
The eight year old is fearless, gregarious, also has a sharp wit and often figures out difficult video games when his older brother is stumped....which ticks the older one off despite being proud of his younger brother, calling him a wizard.
The ten year old is into all sports, everything & anything, doing everything well, except for his biggest challenge of keeping quiet in class. Both boys do very well in school. The ten year old is not fond of sports, but loves making music, creative writing, computers and video games. He is more reserved, but can hold his own often making comical or poignant observations.
Little G***** will arrive soon...their little brother, my fourth grand son and our tenth shared grand child...(My older daughter Holly, prefers I don't post pictures or their names at this particular time...)
Here is my latest pictures of little Jacob, my youngest grand son... so far. He is 2 years, 5 months.
Swinging at the park in January on Mom's day off...
My youngest daughter Jodee and Jacob in February, just before Valentines Day, at Disneyland.
I will be visiting in California for my oldest daughter Holly's baby shower, babysit my husband's two grand daughter's a few days, visit Dad, family and drive back with my daughter Jodee as she will be attending a trade show here in Vegas. We have shopping and planning to do for her upcoming wedding in July....
Everyone have a great, safe and happy weekend.
~dkb~
Super Bowl Sunday they called to tell me Dad lost two more pounds...
Last Tuesday, I called the nursing home to check on Dad and the Supervisor answered the phone. She told me she meant to call me the night before, but it was so late...she wanted to let me know Dad's physician took him off the Aracept and put him on Namenda. I knew he was going to do this as he had told me in his more recent email. Apparently the Aracept has a weight loss side effect, which Namenda doesn't and Namenda is better for the later stages of Alzheimer's.
The supervisor also told me the doctor had lowered Dad's Digoxin from 2.5 to 1.5 and put Dad on Remeron to increase his appetite. I IMMEDIATELY TOLD HER IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE ON DAD'S CHART NOT TO HAVE REMERON.... that is the medication the psychiatrist used to keep switching Dad from it to the Lexapro. The Remeron made Dad agitated, mean, combative and he wanted to leave, calling Mom and yelling at her.
The Supervisor said the doctor had just left so if she hung up she might be able to page him. We hung up and I immediately sent the doctor an email, reminding him of why Dad was not suppose to be on the Remeron.
I called the nursing home back and she told me she reached the doctor and Dad would not be getting the Remeron. Dad's doctor also emailed me, assuring me he stopped the order before Dad got it. He also told me he had done another cryotherapy treatment on Dad and he had tolerated it well.
I emailed him back letting him know I did not think we should give Dad meds to increase his appetite. If he truly is in the later stages of Alzheimer's and slowing down....I don't think we should force him to eat if he does not want to.
I wanted to speak with Dad, but he was sleeping. His male caretaker for today told me he was up in his wheel chair and went to activities today. I thanked him for all he does for Dad and encouraging Dad to eat and join in. We are very, very blessed to have Dad where he is...
************
Sharing stories and pics of my grand sons: The ten year old had just come home from a band performance, having just found out he made Advanced Band (he plays the clarinet)... dressed in dark slacks, a white long sleeved shirt and tie. His Mom told him he looked like an FBI agent and my grandson retorts, "I feel more like James Bond. Take my picture Mom and I'll pose..."
So she grabbed the camera... He touched his tie, cocked his head to one side, and posed like he was alertly walking... She snapped the picture....
Chuckling, my daughter commented on his pose, and my grand son says, "I like my cereal shaken, not stirred." (After Bond's famous line, "I like my martini, shaken, not stirred.")
She forwarded his comment and the picture to me via text on my phone and my husband and I cracked up. Both my daughter and I were laughing when I called her after receiving the text. What a character! Our family is blessed with a WONDERFUL sense of humor.
The ten year old's brother, the eight year old, is catching up to his older brother in height and clothes size. He is wearing a size 12, the same as his older brother. The ten year old complained to his Mom, "Hey, I am suppose to be the alpha brother, I don't want to share my jeans with him."
The eight year old overheard his comment and quipped back, "Then you better eat more popcorn like I do, instead of all those vegetables."
The ten year old rolls his eyes up at his Mom and said, "See what I have to deal with? I can't wait for G****** (his soon to arrive brother the end of March or beginning of April) to get here...then I'll have someone to share the load." If I ever want to write a children's book, I got plenty of material and dialogue!
The eight year old is fearless, gregarious, also has a sharp wit and often figures out difficult video games when his older brother is stumped....which ticks the older one off despite being proud of his younger brother, calling him a wizard.
The ten year old is into all sports, everything & anything, doing everything well, except for his biggest challenge of keeping quiet in class. Both boys do very well in school. The ten year old is not fond of sports, but loves making music, creative writing, computers and video games. He is more reserved, but can hold his own often making comical or poignant observations.
Little G***** will arrive soon...their little brother, my fourth grand son and our tenth shared grand child...(My older daughter Holly, prefers I don't post pictures or their names at this particular time...)
Here is my latest pictures of little Jacob, my youngest grand son... so far. He is 2 years, 5 months.
Swinging at the park in January on Mom's day off...
My youngest daughter Jodee and Jacob in February, just before Valentines Day, at Disneyland.
I will be visiting in California for my oldest daughter Holly's baby shower, babysit my husband's two grand daughter's a few days, visit Dad, family and drive back with my daughter Jodee as she will be attending a trade show here in Vegas. We have shopping and planning to do for her upcoming wedding in July....
Everyone have a great, safe and happy weekend.
~dkb~
Thursday, November 22, 2012
I Am So Grateful...Happy Thanksgiving...
Google images
I am so grateful
for our health
our family
our children
our grand children
our friends
our dog and grand pups
our life
so many
have
so much less
this is the day
to focus on
our many blessings
and to let those
who mean the most
know and feel
how much
they mean
to our lives.
I am grateful
for another year
with my Father
He lives in the oblivious bubble
of Dementia/Alzheimer's
but we are so grateful
the disease has
brought joy
happiness
and an outgoing nature
to him
Many experience
much worse.
Each November
we celebrate his birthday
and at 92
we are so very, very
grateful
to have him with us.
I am grateful
for all my blogging friends
despite my
break in blogging
they remain loyal
concerned and supportive.
May each and every one
of you
have a blessed
safe
and wonderful
family/friend gathering
today
giving thanks
the best way for you
and may you all
be safe and healthy.
Happy Thanksgiving
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Wisdom in Windows...
Mom, Jerry and I went to visit Dad yesterday before we left California to return to Nevada. We had one and a half days to do our laundry and repack for our trip to Missouri to visit friends.
When we arrived at the nursing home we were happy to see the re-landscaping and new front patio were finally finished. Everything looked so nice....here are a couple pictures of the front...
We found Dad playing Bingo in the dining room, waiting for lunch. He had his glasses on and a handsome cap. We wheeled him outside to the back patio and settled in around a table in the shade...
When we arrived at the nursing home we were happy to see the re-landscaping and new front patio were finally finished. Everything looked so nice....here are a couple pictures of the front...
Front entrance and front patio
Front right front patio and part of parking lot
We found Dad playing Bingo in the dining room, waiting for lunch. He had his glasses on and a handsome cap. We wheeled him outside to the back patio and settled in around a table in the shade...
Dad and Mom
Dad
Dad and me
Dad was in rare form...he had ask Mom to bring money the last time she visited him...he asked again, right away. Mom acted dumb and told him it was K______'s or E_____'s job.
Dad said, "No, I asked YOU to bring me money the last time you were here, don't you remember?"
Mom asked what he needed the money for....
"I need money when I go out on a date..." We all began laughing....so he laughed too.... I suggested he put it on his tab, and that seemed to please him...so we changed the subject...
Mom asked how old he was...."Oh, I'd say I am about 52".....
So I asked, "How old do you think I am Dad?" "Oh....you are about 89".... We all burst into whoops of laughter... I asked how I could be 89 if he was my Dad and was 52? He looked a bit perplexed, but laughed with us....Mom reminded him he would be 92 in November.
Age is just a number I said, it is all in how you feel....
I asked how he felt and he told us he felt good and happy. The word of the day was "windows"...almost every topic of conversation had the word windows in it... He told us he was in charge of inspecting all the windows after all of them were installed.
The eyes are the window to the soul....so the windows must represent the goodness inside... Yes! Dad agreed... "And it keeps us insulated."
Looking at me Dad said, "You are sure well insulated." Oh man, we all about fell out of our chairs laughing at that one! Course Dad laughed his "shadow laugh" along with us...which made us laugh even harder!'
I did my best to show Dad pictures of my little grand son Jacob's 2nd birthday party on my camera, but he was having difficulty seeing it....even holding it about an inch from his eye....He was able to see pictures on my droid smart phone easier because I could enlarge them for him to see. He loved seeing the grand kids and my daughters....telling me he sure wished he could see them....
We talked about how fast everyone is growing and getting older....and Dad assured us good windows make all the difference....
Dad held up his crooked fingers and showed us how he tries to straighten his fingers...I stopped him from pulling on his fingers and showed him my crooked finger, telling him it ran in the family. We had my husband hold up his hands and my Dad always marvels at Jerry's hands, telling him how wonderful and strong they were...
One of the girls came out carrying Dad's lunch tray which smelled so delicious...we all had not eaten breakfast and were STARVING for lunch.... Dad had a boneless pork chop, fresh zucchini mixed with corn, rice, shredded carrots with mandarine oranges, bread and butter, coffee, milk, chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream. Our mouths were watering...
I fed Dad and he ate every bite except he did not like the carrots and oranges...took two bites of it and told me he didn't like it.
We could tell Dad was getting tired...so we wheeled him back to his room. Jerry was walking ahead of us to open the door back into the nursing home and Dad remarked how "perfect his legs were". When we got to Dad's room, "Blondie" said she would tuck him in. We all said good bye and I told him I would see him soon. Dad shook Jerry's hand and told him how glad he was to see him.
It was a great visit and we all loved seeing Dad so happy...
Friday, September 21, 2012
Two Years Old.....
We called our little grand son Jacob yesterday to wish him happy birthday. He turned two. He was with his Mom and Dad at Chucky Cheese celebrating... We are headed to California for his party this Sunday and will return on Monday...
2 years old September 20, 1912
Look at that sweet face and those stylin' clothes!
His Dad put this caption on this picture...
"Dada? Is it still behind me?"
We have had a ton of company and finishing more home projects... In October will be more company every week....and the end of the month I go to California for the 7 year old's 8th birthday and to celebrate my Dad's 92nd birthday...
Hugs to you all....
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Happy and Frisky....
Mom visited Dad yesterday. She waited until the church service was over before going in to see him. Dad so enjoys the services and music. Mom spoke to one of Dad's male nurses while she waited. He told Mom the Psychiatrist had been there to visit Dad and all was fine....(which hopefully means there are no problems with Dad's happy pills....)
"Pickles" was Dad's caregiver yesterday, so she told Mom how much Dad had enjoyed his shower and shave that morning. Dad was always meticulous in his daily hygiene, always clean shaven and smelling wonderfully fresh. Dad had told "Pickles" afterward, "Thank you, I feel WONDERFUL!"
When Mom greeted Dad she could tell by his expression he was not sure who she was.... She took him outside to wait in the fresh air until his lunch was ready. She filled Dad in on the latest family news....my nephew's work accident mangling his dominant right fingers and having to be taken to USC medical center to have his fractured finger's tendon re-connected. Luckily, he will not need further surgery and should recover mobility in three months. She told Dad about my niece's new job and Mom's plans to come visit us for 4.5 days in October. Dad smiled and seemed happy.... Mom said Dad did not seem to register his relation to anyone she was discussing...
She called me so I could talk with Dad. He sounded very happy but slow and confused. We all make every effort to make sure, no matter how confused or disjointed his conversations are, we smile, nod and do not let on he is not making sense. Mom has learned in her support group how upsetting it is for Dad or anyone with Alzheimer's/dementia, when they do not feel they are being understood....
I think Dad knew who I was.....but when I greeted him with my cheerful, "Hi Papa-doots" , my pet name for him, he laughed and told me, "I like that..." (like it was the first time he ever heard it) and kept chuckling...
He cooed and spoke in loving tones telling me how much he missed me... I told him the sound of his voice and his laughter made my day....which made him laugh again....
I told him I would come to see him in a couple of weeks and he told me "good".... Usually when I tell Dad I will see him, he hears I am coming, but does not hear-- how long, so he wants to hang up....as if I am coming right over....
I could hear Mom telling him his lunch was ready and she did not want his food to get cold. I told him I loved him, Blessed him, wished him a happy, tasty lunch and to enjoy his visit with his "Lynnie" (his nickname for Mom...)
Mom took a picture of Dad while they were outside, but she will need my sister Holly's assistance in getting it from her phone to the computer....so when she emails it to us, I will post it...***** Mom just emailed me the picture she took on 9-8-12 today (9-16-12) so I have updated the post with his photo****
Mom wheeled Dad back inside and got him settled at a table. He was served meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, cubed beets, custard pudding, ice cream, milk, coffee, juice, whole wheat bread and butter. Dad ate everything except a few bites of meat loaf.
Mom asked if Dad would rather go back outside or to his room to take a nap. Without hesitation, Dad chose a nap. As Mom was wheeling Dad back to his room, they met Pickles in the hallway. She asked Dad if she could help him into bed, and Dad replied loudly, "YES! I'LL HAVE YOU!! Mom and Pickles both burst into laughter....Dad laughed too....Pickles apologized, explaining "her English was not too good..." Dad just smiled, he didn't seem to mind at all....
"Pickles" was Dad's caregiver yesterday, so she told Mom how much Dad had enjoyed his shower and shave that morning. Dad was always meticulous in his daily hygiene, always clean shaven and smelling wonderfully fresh. Dad had told "Pickles" afterward, "Thank you, I feel WONDERFUL!"
When Mom greeted Dad she could tell by his expression he was not sure who she was.... She took him outside to wait in the fresh air until his lunch was ready. She filled Dad in on the latest family news....my nephew's work accident mangling his dominant right fingers and having to be taken to USC medical center to have his fractured finger's tendon re-connected. Luckily, he will not need further surgery and should recover mobility in three months. She told Dad about my niece's new job and Mom's plans to come visit us for 4.5 days in October. Dad smiled and seemed happy.... Mom said Dad did not seem to register his relation to anyone she was discussing...
Dad September 8, 2012
I think Dad knew who I was.....but when I greeted him with my cheerful, "Hi Papa-doots" , my pet name for him, he laughed and told me, "I like that..." (like it was the first time he ever heard it) and kept chuckling...
He cooed and spoke in loving tones telling me how much he missed me... I told him the sound of his voice and his laughter made my day....which made him laugh again....
I told him I would come to see him in a couple of weeks and he told me "good".... Usually when I tell Dad I will see him, he hears I am coming, but does not hear-- how long, so he wants to hang up....as if I am coming right over....
I could hear Mom telling him his lunch was ready and she did not want his food to get cold. I told him I loved him, Blessed him, wished him a happy, tasty lunch and to enjoy his visit with his "Lynnie" (his nickname for Mom...)
Mom took a picture of Dad while they were outside, but she will need my sister Holly's assistance in getting it from her phone to the computer....so when she emails it to us, I will post it...***** Mom just emailed me the picture she took on 9-8-12 today (9-16-12) so I have updated the post with his photo****
Mom wheeled Dad back inside and got him settled at a table. He was served meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, cubed beets, custard pudding, ice cream, milk, coffee, juice, whole wheat bread and butter. Dad ate everything except a few bites of meat loaf.
Mom asked if Dad would rather go back outside or to his room to take a nap. Without hesitation, Dad chose a nap. As Mom was wheeling Dad back to his room, they met Pickles in the hallway. She asked Dad if she could help him into bed, and Dad replied loudly, "YES! I'LL HAVE YOU!! Mom and Pickles both burst into laughter....Dad laughed too....Pickles apologized, explaining "her English was not too good..." Dad just smiled, he didn't seem to mind at all....
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Only the Shadow Knows....
Mom and my sister Holly went to visit Dad yesterday. They found him snoozing my the nurses station in his wheel chair. They wheeled him out to the front patio of the nursing home and found some shade....
Dad kept his "bad eye" closed the entire visit...my sister suspected he would not allow the staff to hydrate it.
Dad was acting very odd and kept doing his evil laugh...it sounds like the laugh he used to do when he would imitate The Shadow from the old radio program days...one of his favorites...and he used to say, "Only the Shadow Knows"....and then let out with an evil laugh....
His favorite topics of conversation were sex and my sister's forehead.
He told them there was a whale spouting blood and they made him a steak from it for his breakfast...and blasted his evil laughter over them...
He had a nice neat hair cut and seemed happy...just very odd. If they stopped talking or asking Dad questions for any reason, Dad closed his other eye and dozed off...
They called me to talk to Dad to see if they could divert his weirdness....He did sound odd...."Hellll-llllooooooooo Donnnnnnnnn-nnnnnnnnnaaaaaa (evil laugh)"
I ignored it and greeted him happily with my usual, Papa Doots....
He did more evil laughter and told me he was looking at this beautiful women....more evil laughter....
I asked if Mom and Holl Doll were visiting him....
Oh yes, and she is so beautiful I want to kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss her....(very loud evil laughter)
There were a few more exchanges but Dad was really off his beam and obviously feeling extremely frisky and inappropriate...
Before I could say good bye, my sister took the phone away from him ....then there was silence but I could see I was still connected to Holly's cell phone so I waited...
Pretty soon Holly came on the line and said Dad had pushed the mute button. She told me I was being a good sport but she had to put a stop to it....
They wheeled him inside to the front lobby and Holly took a four minute video of Dad babbling...but the self piano was playing so it drowned out what Dad was saying.... She took the picture above of Dad and Mom.
Mom and Holly decided it was time for Dad to get ready for lunch, so they wheeled him into the lunchroom and got him situated at a table. Doctor-Doctor brought Mom and Holly some coffee and Dad's delicious looking lunch of BBQ chicken, beans, corn, peaches, whole wheat bread, milk, juice and coffee. Dad ate well.
He laughed and smiled and seemed very happy. They said their good byes and left him to be prepared for his afternoon nap...
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Come Out With Your Hands UP!...(and Letting it Go!)
My brother E____ visited Pops (E's nickname for Dad) yesterday. He found him "counting sheep" in his bed in his room.
Pickles brought in Dad's lunch to him in bed. When Dad woke up and saw E____, Dad laughed and said E____ was his best friend and he loved him...
Apparently Dad had thrown up earlier and he wanted a fruit plate to eat...my brother helped him eat it with a spoon as Dad was sitting up in bed. Dad laughed as he saw blood on his napkin, from the sore on his upper lip, after wiping his mouth...
After he finished his food he told my brother how happy he was, several times. He was very jovial and smiling ear to ear. Dad told him he likes it when he gets sick because it gets rid of what is making him feel so bad...
E____ took Dad's picture....happy and smiling as usual....
Pickles brought in Dad's lunch to him in bed. When Dad woke up and saw E____, Dad laughed and said E____ was his best friend and he loved him...
Apparently Dad had thrown up earlier and he wanted a fruit plate to eat...my brother helped him eat it with a spoon as Dad was sitting up in bed. Dad laughed as he saw blood on his napkin, from the sore on his upper lip, after wiping his mouth...
After he finished his food he told my brother how happy he was, several times. He was very jovial and smiling ear to ear. Dad told him he likes it when he gets sick because it gets rid of what is making him feel so bad...
E____ took Dad's picture....happy and smiling as usual....
Dad chatted away for about twenty more minutes, laughing and telling my brother how happy he is...my brother laughed with him, but couldn't really get a word in edgewise as Dad was talking non stop...
E____ had to return to work as they hugged and kissed good bye... Dad was ready for another snooze. E____ thought the visit was better than he expected....
The nursing home is in the middle of a residential area...usually very pleasant and quiet. As my brother walked out the front door, he heard a helicopter hovering above announcing,
"COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!"
My brother noticed a police officer about 100 yards away....
E____ was quite happy and relieved when he realized the police did not mean him....he began to see more police and found out later they were looking for some thug...
I called the nursing home yesterday trying to talk with Dad...having the usual problems...and after reading my brother's email, I called them again this morning. I asked the male nurse why I was not being informed about Dad's vomiting. He told me they do not call if he vomits one time after a meal, because he may have eaten too much or too fast... If he throws up several times or it is a dark color, then they call....(Sorry if this is too much information....)
I asked if I could speak with Dad and he told me he would call me when Dad was finished with lunch....(that's what they told me yesterday too....and they didn't call.) I know they are busy, so I called again at 1pm and was able to chat with Dad for about fifteen minutes...
"Hel-loooo Donna"
Hi Papa Doots!
(Dad laughs....)
I love you Dad....
"I love you too...."
How are you?
"I am just fine. I threw up but now I feel so much better...."
You threw up after lunch?
"Yes I did...I knew I was going to get sick and so I vomited and I feel much better...."
Did you eat too much?
"I had a good lunch. They have good food..."
Try to eat slower Dad...
"Oh yeah, I eat slow, but if you get sick, you gotta' let it go!"
(We both laughed....) "They clean it up good too!" ( Laughs again...)
(Dad continued to discuss his getting sick...so I changed the subject....)
Did you visit with E_____ yesterday?
"YES I DID! HE LOOKS SO GOOD! He's such a great guy...."
(Dad talked non stop, sounding very happy, but it was very difficult to make any sense of what he was saying...but it was good visit with my brother...)
Have you seen K_____ ? (my second to the oldest brother)
"Yes, he came too but he is not here now...he is working outside and taking care of Brutus..." (my brother K____owns a trucking company and Brutus was Dad's favorite dog who died over forty years ago...)
Jerry and I send lots of love and hugs to you Dad...
"Oh good....and I'd like to come visit you again...we have lots of fun..."
Yes we do! I think we better wait until it is cooler because it is 112 here now....
"Yeah, that's a bit hot....I better let you go...I know you are busy..."
I'm not too busy for you Dad...we can talk as long as you want....
"I think I want to go back to sleep if I can..."
OK...have some sweet dreams Papa Doots...I love you...God Bless you...
"God Bless you too...."
Talk with you soon...
"OK...bye bye..."
I feel relieved....I hate it when I can't hear his voice....no matter how short the phone call....
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Look Who is Almost 2 Years Old....
I have not posted much about my youngest grand son Jacob in awhile...Yesterday afternoon my daughter called to tell me she finally got an iPhone so she would not have to wait until her Fiance got home to face time with me...so we face timed and I got to see Jacob...even if he kept asking for Boompa (Grandpa...my husband) and Izzy (our dog) and me, Teataw....I was spinning my mac book back and forth so he could see all of us...and he thought it was great fun!
He also likes to throw kisses back in forth....with sound effects....we both laugh when we do this...
Jacob also loves to play hide and seek with me and to stick his cute little foot up to the screen so I can smell it...then pretend to make a sour face and tell him he has stinky feet.... That makes him belly laugh!
Here is a recent picture my daughter Jodee posted yesterday of Jacob on Facebook...entitled, "my little man"...
Jacob will be 23 months the end of this month and turn 2 years old next month. Of course we will travel to California for his birthday....
He is going to Daycare now....and he loves playing with the other little kids...and doing all the activities, but he has had a rough month and a half catching various colds, coughs, etc being exposed to other kids...
I just love his spiked hair...looks so cute.... He reminds me so much of my older daughter, Holly's sons...they all look like brothers instead of cousins.
Thank you Lord for all our many blessings....
He also likes to throw kisses back in forth....with sound effects....we both laugh when we do this...
Jacob also loves to play hide and seek with me and to stick his cute little foot up to the screen so I can smell it...then pretend to make a sour face and tell him he has stinky feet.... That makes him belly laugh!
Here is a recent picture my daughter Jodee posted yesterday of Jacob on Facebook...entitled, "my little man"...
He is going to Daycare now....and he loves playing with the other little kids...and doing all the activities, but he has had a rough month and a half catching various colds, coughs, etc being exposed to other kids...
I just love his spiked hair...looks so cute.... He reminds me so much of my older daughter, Holly's sons...they all look like brothers instead of cousins.
Thank you Lord for all our many blessings....
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