Cranky Pants, updated
During mom’s 5 days at our house, she had a few very cranky moments. I am learning, with Lots of coaching from my daughter, the nurse with the mostly geriatric practice, how to navigate these waters. While getting better, I am far from perfect. The first moment was over the cranberries. As described in a […]
My Husband, The Saint
Daughter #2 called yesterday evening. There was a point in our conversation where mom, who was listening to the conversation, felt she could add value and context to advice I was giving my daughter, regarding her boyfriend’s child, above and beyond my input. I said “No, daughter #2 has passed the information in question on […]
Self Direction
Over the last few days, Mom has asked what she can do to help. I always, Always try to find something for her to do. She is far happier when occupied, and far less likely to start instructing you how to do your task. The challenge is that she is unable to do/accomplish/self-direct the steps […]
Memory Malaise
Since Tuesday evening, when mom moved over to our place for a sleepover of unknown length, her memory has taken an amazing hit. When she is away from her Island home her compensatory skills take a dive. Staying at our place has flushed those skills down the loo. Below are questions asked listed by day, […]
Fire Department & a Sleepover
This morning I instructed mom’s furnace to follow the thermostat programming, rather than hold the house temp at 45 degrees, and vacuumed the detritus I tend to trail into her house once a week via my work boots, while checking the phone messages after blowing the drive, walks and deck, in order to make the […]
Big Wind
My intent was to post this last night, but we lost power: 11/17/2015 It’s blowing something fierce here. Gusts likely to 65-70 knots. I know of what I speak. The power is flickering, candles have been lit to appease the power outage Gods. If we lose power, our sewer pump won’t work, and there’s only […]
RIP to my Dad-in-Law
Today, just before 7am, on the left coast, my father-in-law peacefully took his last breaths, with my mother-in-law holding his hand. He has sheathed his sword, moored his tug, and taken the charter across the lake. We, his family and friends, are devastated by his loss, and joyful in our memories. Photo: left to right, […]
Stealth Trip III
After getting my mom through security at our regional airport on Sunday, I returned to her Island home to do the first real 100% triage of the house. Yes, I’ve been there twice without her (Stealth trips I and II), but they were day trips, born of urgent necessity. This time, I spent the night, […]
Scrambled Eggs
My father-in-law moved from the hospital to hospice yesterday afternoon. I am so incredibly proud of my mother-in-law for being able to gracefully take in the ever shrinking decision making timeline (The doctor says we’ll make the hospice decision in 48 hours, and it turns into 18) with her bottomless well of practicality. My heart […]
Dementia Dance - Travels with Mom 