Thursday, June 20, 2013

Mom & the Nursing Home: Part 2

worth clicking to enlarge...

She is doing fine. I think she is glad she can relax, not have to try so hard, knowing she will be taken care of.

She is staying up for more of the day, sitting at a table with several other women who sometimes don't make a whole lot of sense and my Mother seems relaxed about that too. She is playing games and listening to songs she has known most of her life.

I took this picture yesterday at the nursing home cook out. The sun was bright and there was no shade so they gave all the residents hats. I think my Mother liked that too.

I have a lot on my plate: surgery, a condo that has to sell and hasn't, an expected grandbaby any day, filing for medicaid, figuring out why our dog Chase is howling (and waking us up) every night. 

My worse fear may become a grateful relief. My Mother seems happy. She is in a nice place with nice people. I won't get any more calls in the middle of the night to come and stay with her so she'll stay safe. I won't have to be her only universe. 

My Mother at 97 is pushing herself to fit in and enjoy herself. "Why not?" she tells me. "A person would be crazy not to try."

I think this will be one of my favorite pictures of my Mother for all time.

love
kj

25 comments:

  1. Gad you're more comfortable, knowing you mom is safe and well-cared-for. Now, if we can just get that condo to sell! And poor Chase; I wonder what is bothering him?

    Blessings and Bear hugs!
    Bears Noting
    Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

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    1. Hi rob, chase is a nervous nelly. He has lived a life of strict routine and now he has US!

      Love
      kj

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  2. A very nice picture of you mom. I'm so glad she's doing well in the home. That's a blessing. A load off your mind, as well.

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  3. There is a light shining in those eyes KJ. She seems very much at home and I am glad for that. As you say it does mean that you don't have to be her whole universe which eases the load somewhat I'm sure.

    How about moving Chase's bed to be in the bedroom? Could be that hearing you guys breathing will soothe him. O'course he'll never want to go back to his usual sleeping quarters after that!

    Hope the condo sell soon. Hope you are revving that faith up too ... like I am. Big hug xx Jos

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    1. Ha jos! Chase's bed is in the bedroom, right below me! Not working anymore for reasons known only to him :-)

      I am thrilled about my mother. I wouldn't have freely pursued it , but the move is the right thing for her

      Love
      kj

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  4. Glad your mom is adapting in comfort to new. May she find the place to be home. Jaysus you know this grandmother thing isn't your first rodeo either I am fairly certain you'll be in the top 45 people to call and give the news to...so relax kiddo. The condo...what can I say, two years ago my kid bought one (1500 sq ft) in a very good burb for 15k. And finally the knee...well i left my advice on the last post.

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    1. Thanks for the reminders I need, mark xo!

      I am taking brave pills and the weekend has been calm So much improvement here. 15 k for a nice condo? That is great!

      Love
      kj

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  5. I am so happy that your mom is settling in - that is a wonderful comfort. Yes...you have lots of other joys on your plate to deal with, but deal with them you will, I'm sure.
    Japan says "hello"

    xoxo

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    1. Welcome home Mim. Bike trail, kayaking or laundry today? :-)

      The nursing home us working out. I am so relieved

      Love
      kj

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  6. Kj, That is a beautiful picture. So glad mom is doing well.
    I left you a message in my comments about the painting, I have taken it off the shop until I hear back from from you. xoxo

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    1. Okay Annie, we're off and running!

      Love
      kj

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  7. KJ, I dearly love this picture of your mom. And I am doubly glad that she is in a good place with nice people. Life is hoppin' at your house, isn't it? Sending hugs (and excitement for that new baby!). xox

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    1. Yup, Pam, hopping. Surgery in July? I'm abut shocked ! And still hoping my August has at least poolside and maybe beachside in it

      I saw your new post yesterday. Oh yippee. Come to Boston xoxo

      Love
      kj

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  8. I have only met your remarkable Mum once...but, she inspired me so much.....her smile, her humour, her courage....she is a TRUE example to all of us. She loves you KJ...and knows what a wonderful Daughter you are. You are still looking out for her - and she is in a safe haven.

    ♥ Robin ♥

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    1. Robin, I am glad you met her xo. She is still the same, really, thoughtful and committed to enjoying her life. Quite an inspiration for me too

      How was your trip? It sounded like a true vacation and a lot of fun

      Love
      kj

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  9. Gorgeous picture of your beautiful Mother.. Very inspiring kj x

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    1. Thank you, Robyn. The tracks on my Morher's face humble me....

      Love
      kj

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  10. "Why not? A person would be crazy not to try." What a great outlook. Its nice to know that when you have to accept other limitations there is still something worth struggling for. She sound very wise and I love her photo...she is quite beautiful. Hope all the other stressors get wrangled in as well as this one did,soon!

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    1. Zoe, my 'Mother wants to be here. It is so affirming to see. Thank you for your good wishes; I am going to enjoy the first two weeks of summer and when the surgery comes I will get myself back in shape.

      !
      Love
      kj

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  11. If I could could chose how to get older it would be like your Mom.
    What a beautiful wise woman :)
    There is a lot on your plate but nothing you can't handle dear!
    ♥M

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  12. Marianne, I agree. So much i have come to respect how my Mother lives her life and how hard she tries

    Lots going on for you too. So I express the same confidence for both of us xoxo

    Love
    kj

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  13. Where have I been and how did I not comment on this??? Please excuse my intermittently low functioning brain. I am so happy to read about your Mom settling in. What a blessing. I LOVE her comment about fitting in and enjoying! That's the truth! Bad Alice is already scouting out my future group home! I have reassured her that I will LOVE the people who care for me. My Dad has turned the corner in his grief and adjustment and what a GIFT it was to visit him this past weekend. Looks like we are at the same point with our parents; may it last a long, long time.

    **blows kisses**
    Deb

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    1. hi deb! so glad for all four of us!!!!

      i am praying things will stay this good most of the time now. wouldn't that be such a relief for everyone?

      it is always a pleasure to hear from you. i was thinking last night i want you to write short stories.,.....

      love
      kj

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  14. Kudos to your mother!
    She certainly is demonstrating resilience, and how nice for her to be happy and safe.
    Brenda

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