I guess the best place would be back at Thanksgiving when I wrote my last post...oh my! We had the best 3 days with Mom, Josh, Katie, Camden and Hampton. It truly was the best 3 days that Mom had seen in 2 months...what a blessing. I took tons of pictures of Thanksgiving on Thursday, Hampton's birthday on Friday, and Christmas on Saturday, but these 2 pictures say it all...
I will be forever grateful for these wonderful, wonderful days that we had has a family celebrating very special days.
Mom and the doctor made the decision right after Thanksgiving weekend that she wouldn't be going back to her Villa and that she'd be staying in the Health Center permanently. She made such a wise decision 15 years ago when she moved to the Mayflower where they provided independent living, which she's enjoyed for all these years, assisted living and the Health Center . She was in a semi-private room and had several different room mates...she was fine with it, but knowing that she would be there for always I felt like we needed to get her into a private room. We had a "Care Plan" meeting on Monday December 5th, let them know that we really wanted a private room...as it turned out the largest private room have become available that weekend...Oh my...I nearly jumped out of my chair. It's a beautiful room, probably the size of a small efficiency apartment. They got it all painted for her and by the Saturday she was all moved in. That really stepped up the schedule for cleaning out her Villa...I had promised her that we'd have it done by Christmas...we got it all done that week....worked a lot of 10-12 hour days to get it all done...bless Andy's heart, I never would have made it without him. Don't think we'll ever move out of this house, but it did make me realize that I'm not saving anything anymore, well excluding my sewing room. No more papers that I might look at another time, clothes that I don't wear for a while are going to someone who can wear them. Mom had so much "stuff"...we got a 15 cubic yard dumpster and almost filled it. Gave tons of clothes and furniture to charity...she didn't want to have any kind of sale...just wanted people who needed it to have it...we were able to move a few pieces of her furniture and she has all of her pictures of the kids on a library table that we brought over. She's very content and very comfortable...and for that I am more than grateful.
So, to make a long post a bit less long I'll say, we've kind of gotten into a "routine" and I pretty much know where I'm going to be when, but I also know that I'm not going to get too attached to it because it's likely to change...and I'm OK with that. I continue to focus on TODAY, I don't look past that and I don't look back....Thank you my dear friend for that advice...I hear her on my shoulder many days saying "Focus, Focus...Today!" and that snaps me right back where I need to be. Thank you all so much for notes and e-mails checking in on us...I'm hoping to be around blogland a bit more after the first of the year...we'll see how it goes. Right now Mom is doing pretty well, her bloodwork was actually up from last week, and no one has an explanation for it, the doctor has never seen that happen with anyone her age and with this advanced leukemia...I'm calling it our Christmas miracle.
So from our house to yours...We wish you the Merriest Christmas ever...ENJOY!
I saw this quote this morning and just loved it...I think it says it all in looking to the coming year...
“This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and the speak it again.” -Howard W. Hunter
38 comments:
Thank you for the update. I was concerned since you had not posted in a while. I knew you would be busy with your mother. Difficult times. I am glad you were able to get her into a private room. It makes it easier for the family to visit and no worry about roommates that might be difficult.
It is about new baby time too. I don't suppose you will be able to go visit after the new one arrives.
Take care and enjoy spending time with your mother over the holidays.
I know your mom had a very special time with the entire family - precious memories made. :-)
Focus on today - yesterdayis gone - tomorrow is full of promise!
Wishing you peace and joy and special times with your loved ones.
I am so glad you have been able to settle your Mom in where she can be cared for and you can both be comfortable with it. What a blessing--and what a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend you were able to have. That, too, is a blessing.
Howard W. Hunter was in frail health himself, I believe, when he penned those words. Words to live by.
Merry Christmas!
Beautiful quote. Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for the update - I've thought of you many times in the last month and wondered how you were doing. Glad that things have worked out ok with your mom. Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
The only thing constant in life is change, isn't it? Glad that your Mom is happy with her new arrangement.It makes it easier on everyone when you know your loved ones are happy. I'll be sending prayers and good wishes your way for all of you - take care! Merry Christmas!
Life can really be tough at times but you are doing a great job of "Counting your blessings". Take care. Merry Christmas! ~Jeanne
Here's hoping your family finds peace and happiness this holiday season and an uneventful new year. Except for that new baby thing, of course! That is always a joyous event!
Good to hear from you and get an update. These are not easy times, but you have a lot of folk out there keeping all the good thoughts - there's power in that. Wishing you all the best for a merry Christmas and nothing but the best in the new year!
I think of you often and will keep on doing so and sending prayers as well.
You've had so much on your plate-
I hope you have a peace filled Christmas.
hugs (bear hugs)
Diane
I just did that last January with my parents, so I know how that goes. Thankfully my parents have been getting rid of stuff along the way and it was much less painful than it could have been. I, too, have vowed to start giving away now.
Best of luck with all that you have going on.
What a lovely quote! It's good to hear that you had such a nice Thanksgiving with your mother, and now Christmas is here! My Dad moved into an independent living apartment last year, and got rid of a ton of stuff that he didn't need/use. When he unenxpectedly passed away in October, we were blessed not to have to deal with that. And I think it's freeing - less is more! Merry Christmas to all of you!!
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
Oh Carol, you are in my thoughts. These things are never easy transitions. I am sure you are exhausted. I remember when my mom had to clean out my grandma's house, and it was so much stuff...just exhausting. I will continue to pray for your mom and your family. What precious pictures you shared with us.
It sounds like a happy Christmas for all of you! You already have some great holiday memories that have been made.
My parent's made the move to assisted living last year, and I know exactly where you are coming from with weeding out possessions! And, doesn't it feel great?!
Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and made lots of good memories. I hope 2012 is full of love, joy and hope for you and yours! Merry Christmas!
What wonderful Thanksgiving memories for you all....family is just about everything I think. So glad you have her settle and getting in to your routine. BIG GIANT HUGS to all of you, a very Merry Xmas wish, and good thoughts for 2012. I love that quote, and if it's ok I would love to repost it on my blog.
Nice to see that you are back and things are begining to get normal again. Wishing you a blessed holiday.
So glad to hear from you and get an update. I have also realized that it is foolish to hang on to unused things. My dear Mom has been my example as she has methodically reduced the stuff in her place over the last couple of years. I am so thankful to her and tell her so often. At 83 she still lives fairly independently for which I am also thankful. But we strive to build memorable moments every day knowing the time is growing shorter. Happy holidays to you & your family and may the new year bring many wonderful memories yet.
Have a beautiful and blessed holiday :)
Hugs - Karen
Thanks so much for the timely inspiration. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year, Dear.
Merry Christmas to you and to those you love. Here is wishing that 2012 is full of peace and joy.
Carol, these decisions are so hard. I'm glad that your Mom will be someplace safe and where she has a little privacy. It's wonderful that you had such a special Thanksgiving together. I hope there will be many more holidays to celebrate. Merry Christmas.
So glad your mom is doing well....and that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! A treasured memory, for sure!
Have a very merry Christmas!
oh, don't leave a cliffhanger for a title!! I saw that and the photos of your Mom and my heart sunk! shaken off, OK Better! I am so glad to have read this post! I agree it is a Christmas miracle! Enjoy the times! And a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and all of your loved ones!
We've all missed you so much, Carol! It's so good to see you again. I love those pictures of your mom and Hampton and Camden - precious. And, you're just such a Sweetie to take such good care of your mom - I know it's been really hard - and I'm hoping that things are all better for you soon. I love that quote - thanks so much for sharing it! I'm wishing you and Andy and your mom the most wonderful Christmas ever! Hugs!!
Your family is taking such good care of each other. It is the best way to live life!
Thank you for the wonderful quote...I'm going to keep that in mind this year. God's peace and joy to you!
Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!
I am so glad you posted I have been thinking about you and hoping everything was ok....
Kathie
I've been checking your blog every so often to for an update. I am so glad that Thanksgiving and the private room worked out beautifully. One day at a time, that's all that any of us are given, and sometimes we have to slow down into minutes and/or hours at a time. Sending you love, hugs and wishes for peace, hope, and joy in---one day at a time. Happy Holidays, dear Carol!
I'm so glad your mom is doing well and if she's anything like me that private room will make all the difference. :) Merry Christmas! blessings, marlene
Merry Christmas! Enjoy the time with your family. I know you've been busy. Be sure to take time to rest and relax when you can.
So good to see this post! Its so hard when we have to try to make decisions and work things out for our folks, glad this is working out and shes happy!!!
Sounds like the dust has settled for a while. Pleased to hear that your mom is settled in her new and private home. A very wise friend who thought to remind you to live in the moment - it's really what we should all try to do, but it's so easy to forget. Maybe I should tattoo it to the back of my hand, lol. So glad you enjoyed the kids during the holidays - my goodness how the little kids have grown!
Oh Carole. It sounds like you've had a very busy holiday season. I hope you found time to have a little fun with the grandchildren -- and some time for you!
Merry Christmas Carol. I wish the best for you and your family. Many things you said really made me think...about keeping only what we need (sewing room excluded for me, too)! I love the quote you shared at the end, too.
Oh, Carol - It is good to have you back and really, really good to hear that your Mom is doing so well in her new digs!!! I hope 2012 is your best year yet and that your Mom will have peace and love throughout the year!! xoxoKris
Carol, I'm so happy for your Christmas Miracle. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs
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