It's been awhile since I got back from Florida. I had been prepared for my mom not surviving the surgery but I am so thankful that the LORD blessed us with her not only making it but recovering well and there is no sign of the cancer! There is a 25% chance of it coming back but we will take the 75% chance of it not coming back!
Friday, November 13th, Mom had her appointment with her surgeon to find out the results of her biopsies. Friday the 13th! Oh well, we got the good news and I heard something from my Mom's mouth I thought I'd never hear: the words, "Praise the LORD!".
Even though I was prepared in every way for Mom's results, I wasn't prepared for what the LORD revealed to me through my brother. Yes, he was on his best behavior (but had a couple of bad moments). I had attempted to witness to my brother. His response was he told me that he was an atheist and that the reason why would really upset me. I did get it out of him why. He told me about an event that happened to him in Heidelberg when he was 13, I was 18. I am not going into the details but it involved a Catholic Priest who ruined my brother as far as any faith goes. Jim told me that I had abandoned him and that if I wasn't so into my life then that I would have prevented what happened. I was in shock. All I could say was I was sorry for not being there. I was struggling as a teenager in a new school and trying to fit in that I didn't see what he was going through.
I shared a similar event that happened to me in Arkansas at the elementary school with a drunk janitor. He agreed we both had a life event that traumatized us. I can't change the past, I can only move on. He hasn't but he has been seeking counseling. However, he has a hatred for any priest and the Christian faith. I love him, I hate what he is doing but I know that Jesus loves him too. I will continue to pray for him for healing--emotional and spiritual.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Morning Walk
This morning it was 75 degrees and 75% humidity with a little wind so, I braved it and went for a walk. It wasn't too bad as long as I stayed in the shade. There were a lot of squirrels and lizards that crossed my path with no fear. The squirrels love the acorns from the oak trees that line most of my path.
I remember when my Dad would get up at 5:30 am and water the lawn in San Antonio to beat the heat and to feed the squirrels. There was one in particular that would be waiting for him on the porch. He had a name for him but I can't remember.
Walking, I thought it sad that there was only two individuals that were out and about. One old man on a bike and a young man pushing a stroller. No kids outside, nobody doing yard work. Nobody. Sad, this wasn't too bad of a day but everyone is inside. It was so nice to get out and breathe in fresh air with no cigarette smoke, even if it is humid!
Today is Veterans Day and there are no kids outside either. We used to be outside all the time when we were young--it took Mom and Dad three or four times yelling to get us indoors. Now kids are too plugged into their electronics.
Today, my brother is over his spat from yesterday. He is talkative. Just when he gets drunk (which is every day) that he goes ballistic. Mom is finding out that she has pushed herself too much. I had to be the parent and gently tell her that it has only been a week and she needs to let her body heal.
Another day closer to finding out how far the cancer has spread and praying it hasn't...
I remember when my Dad would get up at 5:30 am and water the lawn in San Antonio to beat the heat and to feed the squirrels. There was one in particular that would be waiting for him on the porch. He had a name for him but I can't remember.
Walking, I thought it sad that there was only two individuals that were out and about. One old man on a bike and a young man pushing a stroller. No kids outside, nobody doing yard work. Nobody. Sad, this wasn't too bad of a day but everyone is inside. It was so nice to get out and breathe in fresh air with no cigarette smoke, even if it is humid!
Today is Veterans Day and there are no kids outside either. We used to be outside all the time when we were young--it took Mom and Dad three or four times yelling to get us indoors. Now kids are too plugged into their electronics.
Today, my brother is over his spat from yesterday. He is talkative. Just when he gets drunk (which is every day) that he goes ballistic. Mom is finding out that she has pushed herself too much. I had to be the parent and gently tell her that it has only been a week and she needs to let her body heal.
Another day closer to finding out how far the cancer has spread and praying it hasn't...
Monday, November 9, 2015
Another Day in Florida
Mom is getting better each day but she is pretty tired by 6pm and goes to bed. Today, I made chicken pot pie which was ok but she didn't like the vegetables in it--she likes them very mushy. Sigh, so I made her a TV dinner. Mom admitted to me that she hates to cook and would rather have TV dinners that she can fix quickly. So, Joanne took me to Publix and I bought her a bunch of them.
She really doesn't like my cooking and I want her to eat. Sure, the sodium level is high in TV dinners but if she limits herself to one a day, at least she is eating. Joanne says there are days when she just has cereal and that's all. My brother was concerned about the salt but like I told him, at least she is eating and she needs to put on weight. Joanne was telling me that he would eat all of the TV dinners. So, I told him that any TV dinners in the frig now and when I leave are for Mom.
Jim has really been civil. He keeps the air conditioning at 68 not 66 like I asked. He's been taking out the trash, doing some washing and making his own coffee to Mom's surprise. Joanne says he will go back to his old self when I leave. I don't know but I do know that there is friction between Jim and Joanne. I've had some good conversations with him--mostly reminiscing about things we did as kids. Thursday, he is taking me to Outback for lunch. I am going to have a serious conversation about Mom. I do think he cares for her but alot of the time, he can't see past himself.
I know now why I have a problem with my weight. Mom has the same food I had when I was growing up. I've had to bring in vegetables, fruits and whole grain products in order to at least attempt to eat good. I know the weight is coming on. It is just sweets, meat and potatoes here. White carbs and take out. I have finally decided that I will have to work double time when I get home. It's too hot and humid even at 6am! It's been 91 for five days! I have been doing an hour on the portable bike pedal floor model....better than nothing!
I am looking forward to the grandkids skyping me tonight--can't wait to see and hear from them!
She really doesn't like my cooking and I want her to eat. Sure, the sodium level is high in TV dinners but if she limits herself to one a day, at least she is eating. Joanne says there are days when she just has cereal and that's all. My brother was concerned about the salt but like I told him, at least she is eating and she needs to put on weight. Joanne was telling me that he would eat all of the TV dinners. So, I told him that any TV dinners in the frig now and when I leave are for Mom.
Jim has really been civil. He keeps the air conditioning at 68 not 66 like I asked. He's been taking out the trash, doing some washing and making his own coffee to Mom's surprise. Joanne says he will go back to his old self when I leave. I don't know but I do know that there is friction between Jim and Joanne. I've had some good conversations with him--mostly reminiscing about things we did as kids. Thursday, he is taking me to Outback for lunch. I am going to have a serious conversation about Mom. I do think he cares for her but alot of the time, he can't see past himself.
I know now why I have a problem with my weight. Mom has the same food I had when I was growing up. I've had to bring in vegetables, fruits and whole grain products in order to at least attempt to eat good. I know the weight is coming on. It is just sweets, meat and potatoes here. White carbs and take out. I have finally decided that I will have to work double time when I get home. It's too hot and humid even at 6am! It's been 91 for five days! I have been doing an hour on the portable bike pedal floor model....better than nothing!
I am looking forward to the grandkids skyping me tonight--can't wait to see and hear from them!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Day 4 After Surgery
I have to post when I get back what I had for yesterday. Somehow I can't cut and paste from the Word Document that I saved it in.
Well, Mom is a little sore--the pain medicine that they injected in her abdomen wore off. She has done remarkable in the past days. She is able to walk with a cane and her attitude has gotten a lot better...she even apologized for her meanness to me in the hospital. She has a good appetite and hasn't taken anything for pain.
So, I sit with her all day and watch movies or Fox News. I get things for her, make her meals, help her up and other things. I don't dare go for a walk because there is no one with her--my brother and sister are asleep in the morning when it is bearable to go for a walk outside. Today, I found a small floor pedal machine that allows me to "bicycle" with out a bike. I have to do something, my knee is getting stiff.
I have noticed the patterns of my family now. Mom watches TV and when she is better she will putt around the house and clean here and there. My brother gets up after noon and sits at the small table next to the kitchen counter, smokes his cigarettes, drinks his beer and stares at the wall--all day. What a waste, I never thought that he would be like this. Lately he will go into his room and do the same routine. He does this because the smoke irritates my lungs. He doesn't have to but I am glad he does it.
My sister is gone most of the day--she has clubs she belongs to and BINGO. When she does come home, she stays in her room, watches her TV, talks on the phone, smokes and coughs. Her breathing is worse than my brother. She tells me this way, she stays out of trouble.
How did this family come to this? Sad. So sad. I am here one more week and a couple of days. There is nothing I can do to change this. At least I've been a help to Mom.
Well, Mom is a little sore--the pain medicine that they injected in her abdomen wore off. She has done remarkable in the past days. She is able to walk with a cane and her attitude has gotten a lot better...she even apologized for her meanness to me in the hospital. She has a good appetite and hasn't taken anything for pain.
So, I sit with her all day and watch movies or Fox News. I get things for her, make her meals, help her up and other things. I don't dare go for a walk because there is no one with her--my brother and sister are asleep in the morning when it is bearable to go for a walk outside. Today, I found a small floor pedal machine that allows me to "bicycle" with out a bike. I have to do something, my knee is getting stiff.
I have noticed the patterns of my family now. Mom watches TV and when she is better she will putt around the house and clean here and there. My brother gets up after noon and sits at the small table next to the kitchen counter, smokes his cigarettes, drinks his beer and stares at the wall--all day. What a waste, I never thought that he would be like this. Lately he will go into his room and do the same routine. He does this because the smoke irritates my lungs. He doesn't have to but I am glad he does it.
My sister is gone most of the day--she has clubs she belongs to and BINGO. When she does come home, she stays in her room, watches her TV, talks on the phone, smokes and coughs. Her breathing is worse than my brother. She tells me this way, she stays out of trouble.
How did this family come to this? Sad. So sad. I am here one more week and a couple of days. There is nothing I can do to change this. At least I've been a help to Mom.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Surgery Day
Surgery day. I had a rough night last night with Mom. The laxatives were hard on her and made her weak. As the effects subsided, I managed to give Mom a shower. How heartbreaking to see her so thin. She reminded me of the pictures of prison of war refugees. Mom had to take two showers, one in the night and one in the morning and wash with an antibacterial solution.
We got up early and Joanne made waffles. Poor Mom couldn’t eat or drink. My brother got up to go to the bathroom but didn’t say anything to Mom. I’m trying not to react right now, my concern is Mom but I know it hurt her.
We had to get to the hospital at 9:00am but sat in the waiting room until almost 11am for surgery for 1pm. There was a gal who was sitting by herself, so I struck up a conversation. It bothered me that she was alone. Her name was Mary Ann and she was back in surgery for cancer. She had a total hysterectomy but they think that her cancer came back. We got well acquainted and I told her that I would pray for her which she appreciated and offered to pray for Mom.
I was kind of nervous since Mom had messed up two adult diapers and I had just one left. I asked the receptionist how much longer and she said there were three people ahead of Mom. I told her my situation and she said that she would see about getting her in sooner—she did. Thank goodness.
So we went back and soon after, my sister and her best friend, Maria left to get something to eat and do some errands. I stayed with Mom. I was glad that I did. When the anetheologist came in to talk to Mom, he really had me depressed. Because of Mom’s lifestyle, medical history and age, he didn’t paint a rosy picture of her making the surgery and recovery. I usually like honesty but I didn’t need this much of it. I could tell that Mom was concerned too.
I kissed and hugged Mom twice and pray she survives surgery and recovery. I am in a crowded surgery waiting room nervous, overwhelmed and wiped out. No sleep and lots of worries. In my mind the song “Cast all my cares on You” is playing and I am trying to cast ALL my worries on Him but I am struggling.
The surgeon came to the waiting room after an hour and half and motioned me out to the hall. My heart sunk, I knew this wasn’t going to be good. All the other surgeons walked right into the waiting area and talked to the families. So, I braced myself for the worse. He told me she was doing fine. They removed a 2-3cm tumor that was semi-evasive and took samples of the lymph glands. I was so relieved! He is having her stay until Friday, which I am grateful for due to her age. That will give them time to observe her and I am grateful for that.
So, here I sit still, waiting for her to be moved from recovery to a regular room. I am debating whether to spend the night in her room, will just depend on her and the chair I will sleep on.
So I got the cal that her room should be ready on the ninth floor....I went up to the room to wait 45 minutes for it to be cleaned.
Mom was delivered just after I was allowed in the room. She was alert. The nurse helped me turn the chair into a bed, gave me some sheets, blankets, pillow, socks and toothpaste and toothbrush.
Mom got some sleep, me none. Either the nurse would come in and turn the light on or the IV alert beeped. Mom would wake up and ask me if I got a good nights sleep at 2am and 3 am! So I'd tell her the time and she would go back to sleep.
I was exhausted by morning but glad that Mom made it through the night with no complications.
The next morning I left to go back to the house to sleep. After an hour, my cell rang and I was pleasantly surprised to hear Grace's voice. Wayne was taking them to school and had them call me on the speaker. I loved it! I really miss those two! Miss Wayne too!
We got up early and Joanne made waffles. Poor Mom couldn’t eat or drink. My brother got up to go to the bathroom but didn’t say anything to Mom. I’m trying not to react right now, my concern is Mom but I know it hurt her.
We had to get to the hospital at 9:00am but sat in the waiting room until almost 11am for surgery for 1pm. There was a gal who was sitting by herself, so I struck up a conversation. It bothered me that she was alone. Her name was Mary Ann and she was back in surgery for cancer. She had a total hysterectomy but they think that her cancer came back. We got well acquainted and I told her that I would pray for her which she appreciated and offered to pray for Mom.
I was kind of nervous since Mom had messed up two adult diapers and I had just one left. I asked the receptionist how much longer and she said there were three people ahead of Mom. I told her my situation and she said that she would see about getting her in sooner—she did. Thank goodness.
So we went back and soon after, my sister and her best friend, Maria left to get something to eat and do some errands. I stayed with Mom. I was glad that I did. When the anetheologist came in to talk to Mom, he really had me depressed. Because of Mom’s lifestyle, medical history and age, he didn’t paint a rosy picture of her making the surgery and recovery. I usually like honesty but I didn’t need this much of it. I could tell that Mom was concerned too.
I kissed and hugged Mom twice and pray she survives surgery and recovery. I am in a crowded surgery waiting room nervous, overwhelmed and wiped out. No sleep and lots of worries. In my mind the song “Cast all my cares on You” is playing and I am trying to cast ALL my worries on Him but I am struggling.
The surgeon came to the waiting room after an hour and half and motioned me out to the hall. My heart sunk, I knew this wasn’t going to be good. All the other surgeons walked right into the waiting area and talked to the families. So, I braced myself for the worse. He told me she was doing fine. They removed a 2-3cm tumor that was semi-evasive and took samples of the lymph glands. I was so relieved! He is having her stay until Friday, which I am grateful for due to her age. That will give them time to observe her and I am grateful for that.
So, here I sit still, waiting for her to be moved from recovery to a regular room. I am debating whether to spend the night in her room, will just depend on her and the chair I will sleep on.
So I got the cal that her room should be ready on the ninth floor....I went up to the room to wait 45 minutes for it to be cleaned.
Mom was delivered just after I was allowed in the room. She was alert. The nurse helped me turn the chair into a bed, gave me some sheets, blankets, pillow, socks and toothpaste and toothbrush.
Mom got some sleep, me none. Either the nurse would come in and turn the light on or the IV alert beeped. Mom would wake up and ask me if I got a good nights sleep at 2am and 3 am! So I'd tell her the time and she would go back to sleep.
I was exhausted by morning but glad that Mom made it through the night with no complications.
The next morning I left to go back to the house to sleep. After an hour, my cell rang and I was pleasantly surprised to hear Grace's voice. Wayne was taking them to school and had them call me on the speaker. I loved it! I really miss those two! Miss Wayne too!
Friday, November 6, 2015
Discharge Day!
I went to see Mom today and the white board that the nurse's station has that usually has instructions for them on it had the words, "You Are Loved". That was perfect for me. I went into Mom's room and she was all dressed and ready to go but she said that nurse has to take out this IV thing in my arm.
Usually it is hours before you are discharged after the doctor gives his ok but I went up to her nurse out side of her room and explained that we don't have a ride between 11 and 3--my sister has an event to go to. The nurse did awesome--she made it happen within the hour and we were on the road.
Of course the only thing that Mom said was, "Jim called me last night." She doesn't know that I asked my brother to call her. I told her I got some sleep last night and her remark was what? She forgot that I stayed up with her on the night of the prep-cleansing and the first night of surgery, so I told her.
Sigh, but she got home and lit up her cigarette--that was the main reason she was so cranky, I think!
I made her a cup of tea, she changed her clothes, started the washing, warmed her rice bag and right now is asleep in her recliner. She hardly slept in the hospital.
There was a point in our conversation that she said something mean to me and I told her point blank to stop being mean to me and Joanne....she stopped.
Mom has always said that Jim was her only son to Joanne and Joanne replies that you have two daughters too! But Mom is from the age and country where sons are more valued. It is her but I am not going to give into negative feelings about it, I am pleased to help her now whether she appreciates it or not.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Prep Day
Today is the day Mom has been dreading--prep day for surgery. After 9am, she has liquids only. At 1, she takes 3 laxatives, at 3 she has to drink a Miralax solution with Gatorade-64 oz. And at 7 more Miralax. She is only 95# and I remember how light headed I was when I went through it for surgery.
I worried about how frail she is. This morning, I will be her shadow making sure that she drinks clear liquids and her laxatives on time. I woke up at 6am and made her bacon, eggs and hashbrowns. At 8am she had cereal, so I hope that will keep her stamina through this.
Well...64 oz of Gatorade and Miralax and 5 pills of Ducolax and Mom is in the bathroom...it is going to be a long night.
It's a good thing that I am here to monitor Mom. Joanne took off this morning and just got back at 6pm. My brother slept until 1pm and went and got beer and proceeded to get drunk. I have had to give Mom her Gatorade/Miralax solution every 20 minutes since 1pm and her Ducalax every 4 hours. And I am the one watching her like a hawk as she struggles with diarrhea. I don't want her to faint and hurt herself.
It is odd that the air conditioner has decided to stay at 72 degrees all day. My brother didn't have any breathing problems at all but waited until I left with my sister tonight to get some sandwiches to turn it down to 66 degrees. I pointed this out to Mom. While I was away (this was before the laxatives had any effect) he got upset with Mom about the temperature and claimed he couldn't breathe. My Mom got onto him too. She told him to leave it she has to take a shower later and will freeze. He turned it down to 66 degrees. When Mom told me about it, I turned it up to 68 but it has stayed at 71 degrees in actuality. Thanks LORD!
I think that Mom will hate me soon...I make her drink water after the diarrhea hits so she stays hydrated. Gonna be a long night. She has to shower with the special soap tonight and in the morning and at 8am we go to the hospital. Sleep? Probably not!
I worried about how frail she is. This morning, I will be her shadow making sure that she drinks clear liquids and her laxatives on time. I woke up at 6am and made her bacon, eggs and hashbrowns. At 8am she had cereal, so I hope that will keep her stamina through this.
Well...64 oz of Gatorade and Miralax and 5 pills of Ducolax and Mom is in the bathroom...it is going to be a long night.
It's a good thing that I am here to monitor Mom. Joanne took off this morning and just got back at 6pm. My brother slept until 1pm and went and got beer and proceeded to get drunk. I have had to give Mom her Gatorade/Miralax solution every 20 minutes since 1pm and her Ducalax every 4 hours. And I am the one watching her like a hawk as she struggles with diarrhea. I don't want her to faint and hurt herself.
It is odd that the air conditioner has decided to stay at 72 degrees all day. My brother didn't have any breathing problems at all but waited until I left with my sister tonight to get some sandwiches to turn it down to 66 degrees. I pointed this out to Mom. While I was away (this was before the laxatives had any effect) he got upset with Mom about the temperature and claimed he couldn't breathe. My Mom got onto him too. She told him to leave it she has to take a shower later and will freeze. He turned it down to 66 degrees. When Mom told me about it, I turned it up to 68 but it has stayed at 71 degrees in actuality. Thanks LORD!
I think that Mom will hate me soon...I make her drink water after the diarrhea hits so she stays hydrated. Gonna be a long night. She has to shower with the special soap tonight and in the morning and at 8am we go to the hospital. Sleep? Probably not!
Monday, November 2, 2015
Waiting
I'm not good at waiting. It is definitely a challenge for me. Today I got up, put a roast in the crockpot for dinner and went for a short walk. I knew it was going to be real short when my glasses fogged up. The heat and the humidity was unbearable but I made it for a half a mile.
When I came back we had to wait for my sister to return from having her car serviced. She was taking us to the hospital for mom's pre-op. Waiting for her was edgy since she was late getting back. Ok, so we got to the hospital to wait in a very crowded waiting room for over 2 hours! We were to see the insurance gal then had to wait for them to take Mom's blood work and urine sample. Then wait to talk to the nurse about Mom's medical history and what to expect in surgery.
Mom got on the scale just before her blood was drawn--it was in kilograms so, I got my trusty cell phone out and converted it to pounds--I gasped, she weighs only 95# fully clothed! Mom needed help understanding how to get the urine sample. You know your Mom is getting old when you have to go into the bathroom with her to make sure she does it right.
The nurse was amazing and really thorough in explaining things. We found out that Mom 's xray was normal, something that was worrying me. She does have a compressed spot in her spine which explains her back pain.
I was really distraught with Mom's medical history and weight that I attacked the candy bag when I got back home. Not good when I don't want to gain weight. I hope I can keep it together. Tomorrow, I get up and make a hearty breakfast for Mom before she starts her liquid diet. I am so afraid that she will dehydrate and faint. So I will be Mom's shadow tomorrow.
I guess the highlight of today was just before we left, I was asking questions of Mom from the book "Conversations with My Mother". I'm filling it out so we have something about her to keep in the family. The question was our favorite vacation. Jim and Joanne chimed in and said we never had any, we moved alot. However with a little discussion we all remembered a few vacations. We joked about them and laughed--it was good to reminisce with Mom and my siblings. To laugh and forget the challenge ahead.
When I came back we had to wait for my sister to return from having her car serviced. She was taking us to the hospital for mom's pre-op. Waiting for her was edgy since she was late getting back. Ok, so we got to the hospital to wait in a very crowded waiting room for over 2 hours! We were to see the insurance gal then had to wait for them to take Mom's blood work and urine sample. Then wait to talk to the nurse about Mom's medical history and what to expect in surgery.
Mom got on the scale just before her blood was drawn--it was in kilograms so, I got my trusty cell phone out and converted it to pounds--I gasped, she weighs only 95# fully clothed! Mom needed help understanding how to get the urine sample. You know your Mom is getting old when you have to go into the bathroom with her to make sure she does it right.
The nurse was amazing and really thorough in explaining things. We found out that Mom 's xray was normal, something that was worrying me. She does have a compressed spot in her spine which explains her back pain.
I was really distraught with Mom's medical history and weight that I attacked the candy bag when I got back home. Not good when I don't want to gain weight. I hope I can keep it together. Tomorrow, I get up and make a hearty breakfast for Mom before she starts her liquid diet. I am so afraid that she will dehydrate and faint. So I will be Mom's shadow tomorrow.
I guess the highlight of today was just before we left, I was asking questions of Mom from the book "Conversations with My Mother". I'm filling it out so we have something about her to keep in the family. The question was our favorite vacation. Jim and Joanne chimed in and said we never had any, we moved alot. However with a little discussion we all remembered a few vacations. We joked about them and laughed--it was good to reminisce with Mom and my siblings. To laugh and forget the challenge ahead.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Progress
My brother insists on my Mom and sister keeping the house at 66 degrees. Since Mom has no fat on her, she sits in her chair in the livingroom freezing. I brought Mom a gift from one of my coaches--a rice bag. I heat it up in the microwave and Mom loves it on her back. Annie, my daughter's mom-in-law made a throw for her. I have been wearing a sweater to keep warm.
Wayne told me that I need to shut off the vent above my Mom's chair which I did and another thing I could do is change the filter. Well, I asked my brother when it was last changed and he said it probably needs it. Then he said it's supposed to last three months. To which I said that he keeps it at a below normal setting and it is working double time to keep that temperature. He told me that he'd get a new one but not the $25 one they recommend, the $7 one. I told him that he needs to get the right one and it is Mom's money anyways. I walked away from the conversation and went in the living room. No sense of escalating this.
So, Jim came into the living room later and asked, "Would a smokeless ashtray work?" He was referring to the fact I can't breath when he is smoking in the kitchen. For him to even consider that was a big thing (but somehow I think Mom will be paying for it).
Before we went to dinner, I had the next door neighbor take our picture. I told my brother to get out front, we are taking a family picture to which he replied, "does that include me?" "Of course--you are part of this family, why wouldn't you?" I responded. So we took our picture. I can't load it on my tablet into this blog, so I will have to wait until I return to Florida.
So, we went to dinner. I ate crab cakes, Brussels sprouts and wild rice....not bad. And we went to the grocery store and I got skim milk, fruit, whole wheat bread and bran cereal. Sigh, I can't eat like I did when I lived here.
We got home and I looked at the thermostat and it wasn't 66 degrees--it was 68 degrees! Two degrees ain't much but it is a big deal with my brother and I'll appreciate it. Keep those prayers coming--they are working!
Wayne told me that I need to shut off the vent above my Mom's chair which I did and another thing I could do is change the filter. Well, I asked my brother when it was last changed and he said it probably needs it. Then he said it's supposed to last three months. To which I said that he keeps it at a below normal setting and it is working double time to keep that temperature. He told me that he'd get a new one but not the $25 one they recommend, the $7 one. I told him that he needs to get the right one and it is Mom's money anyways. I walked away from the conversation and went in the living room. No sense of escalating this.
So, Jim came into the living room later and asked, "Would a smokeless ashtray work?" He was referring to the fact I can't breath when he is smoking in the kitchen. For him to even consider that was a big thing (but somehow I think Mom will be paying for it).
Before we went to dinner, I had the next door neighbor take our picture. I told my brother to get out front, we are taking a family picture to which he replied, "does that include me?" "Of course--you are part of this family, why wouldn't you?" I responded. So we took our picture. I can't load it on my tablet into this blog, so I will have to wait until I return to Florida.
So, we went to dinner. I ate crab cakes, Brussels sprouts and wild rice....not bad. And we went to the grocery store and I got skim milk, fruit, whole wheat bread and bran cereal. Sigh, I can't eat like I did when I lived here.
We got home and I looked at the thermostat and it wasn't 66 degrees--it was 68 degrees! Two degrees ain't much but it is a big deal with my brother and I'll appreciate it. Keep those prayers coming--they are working!
Sunday
Last night we had a handful of trick or treaters which was fine. My brother sat on the porch handing out candies. He was drunk but manageable besides I would over hear him with the kids and it was obvious that he loves doing it. He is so like Dad in mannerisms, attitude and looks. Now, I understand Mom, she does miss Dad. She kind of has him in Jim.
Last night Mom had a time getting warm in her bed. She has two beds in her room, both hospital beds and I sleep on one. So today I bought her an electric blanket and hope that she is warmer tonight. Joanne and I went to Kohls and Walmart to get the blanket and look for a bunny for Grace. Grace only wanted a stuffed bunny from Florida. Little did I know it is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. My sister has all her friends looking for this elusive bunny to no avail. However, the LORD smiled down on us--we found one small one at Walmart! Now to get a t-shirt for Hunter and I will probably get one for Grace too.
Joanne's best friend works at Universal Studios and Disney World. So she will get me what I want there with her discount. I don't want to go anywhere. I'm here for Mom not sightseeing.
I know now why I packed on the pounds when I was growing up. Mom has meat and potatoes no veggies, no fruits. She can't have fruit. The bread is white bread not whole wheat. The milk is whole milk. So, I bought some fruit and a couple of bags of salad. I might have to buy some whole wheat bread as well. I'm glad I brought scottish oatmeal....nothing but high sugar cereal here.
Today, I found some old pictures and it was fun going through them with Mom and Jim. Lots of memories.
So tonight I take out the family to dinner at Red Lobster. Mom has her presurgery tomorrow. She has her prep liquid diet and laxatives Tuesday and Wednesday the surgery.
Time marches on. I'm glad I came.
Last night Mom had a time getting warm in her bed. She has two beds in her room, both hospital beds and I sleep on one. So today I bought her an electric blanket and hope that she is warmer tonight. Joanne and I went to Kohls and Walmart to get the blanket and look for a bunny for Grace. Grace only wanted a stuffed bunny from Florida. Little did I know it is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. My sister has all her friends looking for this elusive bunny to no avail. However, the LORD smiled down on us--we found one small one at Walmart! Now to get a t-shirt for Hunter and I will probably get one for Grace too.
Joanne's best friend works at Universal Studios and Disney World. So she will get me what I want there with her discount. I don't want to go anywhere. I'm here for Mom not sightseeing.
I know now why I packed on the pounds when I was growing up. Mom has meat and potatoes no veggies, no fruits. She can't have fruit. The bread is white bread not whole wheat. The milk is whole milk. So, I bought some fruit and a couple of bags of salad. I might have to buy some whole wheat bread as well. I'm glad I brought scottish oatmeal....nothing but high sugar cereal here.
Today, I found some old pictures and it was fun going through them with Mom and Jim. Lots of memories.
So tonight I take out the family to dinner at Red Lobster. Mom has her presurgery tomorrow. She has her prep liquid diet and laxatives Tuesday and Wednesday the surgery.
Time marches on. I'm glad I came.
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