Our past few weeks

Thought that I might give all whom may read this an update on our past month.

A few weeks back Matt graduated from elementary school. Matt will move on to middle school in the fall, and he seems ready to make the change. When we attended his graduation, we sat there and realized that as one exits the elementary school, another one will enter. That puts us there for another 6 years. This fall Lilianna will start Kindergarten. Now that we have all of the children home for the summer, we are searching for fun, and entertaining things to do. Our most famous saying is "MOM, I'm bored." With that thought, I know they will be ready to start school in September. We have been enjoying the summer days and evenings staying outside until way past our bedtimes. (There is NO bed time in the summer.)

I continue to attempt to get home weekly. Last weekend, Karen Segal, Mom's first cousin was in from CA to visit. It was great to hear mom and Karen reminisce about old times. It was really special for Karen to visit. Mom was able to get outside and enjoy the weather, before we get into the real heat of the summer. Lilianna and I were up for Friday evening and Sat. Lilianna wanted to play games with mom, so we played "go fish" and I think mom won. On Saturday, Ron and Steph and family came..... which always makes for a great day. Mom did really well. Still at times in some pain, but usually when she was shortly due pain medication.

This weekend I again headed up for Friday evening and Saturday. This time I took Zach with me. This way, each child gets a chance to be with Grandma and Pap with no competition. During last week, mom seemed to have a break-thru with her medication. The pain medication that she was on was not keeping the pain under control. With the nurses orders, she was switched to a time-release pain medication which lasts for 12 hours. The nurse indicated that Dad should start the medication Friday evening. She had a good night, and then got her second dose this morning. We were really wondering how she would do during the day, and how the medication would help control the pain. Well, I will just put it this way.... she had a really wonderful day. Thomas, Sally, Riley, and Lauren Annabel were in to see mom and dad. They came at lunch time and we all enjoyed a pot of mom and dad's "convention chicken noodle soup". Up to this point, mom has enjoyed each of her visits. But when her pain takes over, the visit is usually over. We only know, when mom gives us that clue. BUT today seemed a little different. We all enjoyed spending the afternoon together. Mom was very much part of the conversation, sharing her side of the stories. She was even great at sharing memories from the past years together with the Annabels. Mom really did well, and enjoyed spending the afternoon with Tom and Sally. (And the kids had a great time together as well) After Tom and Sally headed on their way home, I was certain that mom would be really tired. Zach and I were also getting ready to head home, but we were being quiet as to not wake mom. When I went to leave, I realized that Mom was not sleeping. As I peeked in to say good-by, I asked mom, "How are you feeling?" She said, "I don't know what this medicine is, but I really feel fine." She then told me how wonderful it was to be able to enjoy an afternoon of visiting with such a special couple. I had to second her comments. It was really special, and although she may have overdid it, she really enjoyed her time with Tom and Sally. Really, the day was special for all of us. Mom's new medication at this point seems to be agreeing and having a positive effect.

Well, I will let this be all for now. I do not have any pictures at this point. I will tell you, I wish I had a picture of mom in her yellow shirt. When I got to mom and dad's yesterday, mom had a BRIGHT yellow shirt on. (one that I picked out of a catalog) She kept complaining that "THIS" yellow is not my color. Finally, Dad put her in her "comfortable" pink color, and she was much herself. ( I will spare mom the picture of her in that bright yellow, you get the picture)

Smiles.

I can not believe that my last post was May 12.... since then, a lot has come our way. We are all trying to process, and sort out what has been handed our way. We are all very grateful for all of the love, care, and concern everyone has expressed. Even if you have not personally spoken with one of us, it is amazing to think of so many thoughts coming our way. There comes to us strength in just that thought.

Dan, Kate, Zolani and I were up for Friday - Saturday. Dad had set up the nurse/aid to come in and help on Friday, so that he could get out to do some errands. Margaret and Bill brought me home and had a lunch and a visit with mom. She was her perky self, but soon "wilted". As Dad was out on Friday afternoon, mom did very well. She was up a bit, and then soon retired to her bed. Most of her day is in bed, with several times to get up, stretch her legs, take a short walk to the chair, where she sits for a short time, and then she is ready to head back to bed. She gets up for every meal, and eats like a champ. On Friday evening, when Dad got home, he was packed with groceries. I just figured that he had something planned for dinner, (Because he usually does). However, he had not given dinner a thought. To keep things simple, I suggested spaghetti. As mom was wheeled to the table, she said "I sure hope there is something good for dinner!" ( I was immediately worried) She then peered into the pot of spaghetti and said, "Boy, that will do just fine!" I think she enjoyed every bite. Mom eats very well, and for that we are delighted. Eating is something that she still really enjoys, and she looks forward to each meal. (even if I am the cook)

As we were together this weekend, we were able to capture a few smiles. Babies seem to do that to each of us. The last time we were together, only a week ago, Zolani would NOT go to anyone. However, this weekend, he seemed to be happy sitting with Mom, and looking at Dad. This delighted Mom.

This will have to be all for now. I will try to post more often.