My heart is breaking. Every day brings death/new life closer to my mom. It is so difficult to talk with her now. It's like I'm pulling her back from somewhere far away. Sometimes I am not able to pull her back into reality.
Today, my tears have copiously flowed. I have not been able to stop them. They arise on their own and seem to take a life of their own. My crying has no effect on my mom. Today she is talking much less. And when she does engage in conversation she usually doesn't understand what is being said.
Amiee from hospice called this evening to check up on mom. She is going to talk with the doctor and see if we should begin liquid morphine. Mom has a doctor's appointment next week on Wednesday. I wonder if she will even be around then.
My mom has lived a life of pain most of her adult life. I'm so sorry that she is having to die in pain. My consolation is in the twinkling of an eye when death occurs she will step into life eternal with her Lord and Savior, free of pain for ever more. I have wished on many occasions I could turn the clock back to August 19th, the day before her fall. We had such a good day celebrating her birthday a day early with the ladies from church.
Maybe, in the deep recesses of my heart, I had an inkling that nothing would be the same again. However, I probably kept telling myself, over and over again, that it would still be...alright. And, deep down in the very fiber of my being, I know, that even now, things are alright. In fact, they are nearing perfection for Mom. It's just us who are left behind.
How grateful I am that we have assurance on where Mom will be. That brings a comfort to my heart, but more importantly it brings peace to my soul knowing that my family will all be together again one day. So even in the midst of my tears of grief, there is great rejoicing. Hallelujah! He is Risen! And because of Mom's trust in Him she will be too!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Beginning Hospice...
I do not know where to begin. My emotions are all over the place. So this may be a very disjointed post. Please bear with me.
Maybe I'll begin on Wednesday of this week. Nana has been struggling, actually, ever since my sister arrived Wednesday night. I had taken Nana in for her scheduled doctor's appointment which went fairly well, all things considered. By that I mean she was still experiencing her cough from the bronchitis and was still having some sleep issues. But sometime Wednesday night something "changed."
Marsha and I attributed a lot of the pressure in her chest from the bronchitis but the mental condition made us wonder about a small stroke. Things continued about the same until the next week when another shift "downward" occurs. We call the doctor and talk with him over the phone. His assessment was medication was most likely causing some of the mental issues Nana seemed to be experiencing. One thing which was very noticable was how much Mom was sleeping in her chair and then having periods of time when she was "on," like giving speeches.
Marsha left Tuesday morning and I waited out the 48 hours to see if stopping one med made any difference. If nothing else, Mom was worse. I called the doctor Wednesday morning and they worked her in. The doctor listened and observed her, and listened to her heart and lungs. He looked up and told me that things have changed with her heart. Now, Nana has had a lot wrong with her heart, for many years, but she has managed to just keep on going. She has pulmonary hypertension, four leaky heart valves, regular hypertension, and an irregular heartbeat, etc. Well, her heart is beating so fast the blood isn't able to get to the heart which explains why she is sleeping so much. He looked at me and said with these changes it was truly the beginning of the end. Well, that's how I really had looked at this whole thing ever since her fall in August. I left the doctor's office feeling okay with things. I wasn't overly concerned, at least not any more so than other visits. I dropped off her new Rx to be filled which would help in the discomfort she was feeling with her heart.
When I went to pick up the med I asked the pharmacist if I could give her a dose right then, and then another in the morning with her regular pills. She is supposed to take it once a day. He told me no that I should just wait till morning. I'm okay with that. We head on over to the restaurant to eat an early dinner. Nana LOVES to go out to eat. And the only time we go out anymore is when she is out for an appointment. It's just too much otherwise.
Well, no sooner were we seated in the restaurant I noticed she was shivering. Now, our high temps during the days have been registering around 20 to 22F. But she was not sitting in a cold place and she was shaking all over. Her breathing became even more labored and she had difficulty swallowing. I asked her how she was feeling. She shared how awful she felt, how much she hurt and how cold she was. We got a box to take her food home with us.
After arriving home the caregiver gets her ready for bed and I come in and take her temp. She has a fever between 100º and 101º. We get her into bed, turn on her warming pad and pile blankets on top of her. This is only after 2 hours after seeing the doctor! She was NOT running a fever while in his office. She becomes more agitated because her breathing becomes extremely difficult.
But she keeps saying she has something to say. When I heard that I begin thinking back to my birthday on Friday when she "stood at the podium" and kept telling all of us that she "had something to say", which at that time, did not make much sense to us. But through her struggling breath she finally began sharing how much she has enjoyed living here with Jim and I. How much she loves me (us) etc. She tells me she wants to get through her "good-bye" before her breath runs out. I begin to grasp (after she spelled it out so very clearly DUH!) that she is telling us goodbye.
She is not afraid to die. Not at all. She is ready. At one point when we were praying with her, she reached out her hand and said, "Come Jesus, take my hand, I'm ready...please, take my hand, Jesus." My dearest friend came over and Jim, C and I sang hymns to her and talked with her and sang more of her favorite hymns. When her breathing got so bad, and the pain had increased so greatly, I remembered the new pill and went running to get it. I brought it back and gave it to her, thinking to myself, "I'll just talk to the doctor in the morning and he will tell me when to give it to her next." After awhile she began to breathe a little easier.
She has talked a lot about the group of people/men who have been in her room. I asked her if they were singing to her thinking that she was confused and maybe was thinking of the carolers who had come into her room Christmas eve. "Oh no," she replied. I thought about it for a few minutes and then I said, "Mom, maybe they are part of the "great cloud of witnesses which Hebrews talks about." She looked surprised and then smiled and said, "Oh, maybe so!" As she continued to talk about them off and on throughout the evening I also suggested that they were angels making preparations for her.
It goes without saying that I cried copious tears throughout the evening as she continually hugged and kissed me, telling me how much she loved me. As I fell into bed about 3 a.m. I thought I could not go through such an emotional thing each and every night. My prayers were for myself at first. Slowly as I relaxed, I felt peace and contentment encase my every fiber. I woke up several times but each time I felt comforted and was able to go back to sleep. My mom, however, didn't sleep at all until about 5 a.m. at which time she slept for about 45 minutes.
Thursday continued to be a difficult day for her with pain and discomfort. When I talked to the doctor Thursday morning he told me the fever went along with her blood count which was elevated. He then told me he thought she was ready for hospice.
Today was the day to meet the hospice people. They were so very nice. Very caring and concerned people. I moved through my day with them with joy. I know it was/is the Lord equiping me in each situation. The hospice people couldn't get over how well cared for Mom is and my tenderness with her. After dinner and before we left for Bible study I sat down and explained to Mom that hospice had been called in. She asked questions, mainly about the "symptoms" she is experiencing and why she is. I explained what was going on in her body and how her heart was affecting different things. I also shared that just because hospice has been called in that doesn't mean that she is going to die within the hour, or in the next day or two. It may not happen for several weeks, even several months, reiterating how it is the Lord who determined our days way before we were ever born. I told her that hospice, the care givers and Jim and I were here to make her as comfortable as possible in the time she has left. I even shared about the gal who will bring her harp every week and play for her!! Isn't that the coolest?
When I got through I turned to go into the kitchen and the gal, Nichole, who was the caregiver, had tears running down her face. She said to me, "This probably isn't the correct thing to do, but would you mind if I hugged you? I cannot believe how well you stated everything to your mother and without crying!"
Now, I'm back from about a two hour break because I needed to sit with mom. Another difficult time. Again, tonight, we have a new care giver who kept telling me what a blessing I am to my mother. She kept saying some other things but I couldn't understand all she said. She is from Portugal.
I love to see how the Lord is working throughout my mom's illness. Since she is close to dying, it has allowed my sister and her husband to have spiritual conversations with a foreign friend, and with the care giver tonight I mentioned my brother who had Downs. Come to find out, her youngest child, a little girl named Patricia, who is four years old, is also a Downs. He continually connects us to other people who have a need for Him. I love how personally He deals with each individual's situation, tailoring the fit perfectly.
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledg of God! How unsearchable are His dudgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." ~ Romans 11:33-36.
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not desparing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-11
"I have been reflecting on the inestimable value of "broken things." Broken pitchers gave ample light for victory (Judges 7:19-21); broken bread was more than enough for all the hungry (Matthew 14:19-21); a broken box gave fragrance to all the world (Mark 14:3, 9); and a broken body is salvation to all who believe and receive the Savior (Isaiah 53:5-6, 12; 1 Corinthians 11:24). And what cannot the Broken One do with our broken plans, projects, and hearts? ~ V. Raymond Edman
Maybe I'll begin on Wednesday of this week. Nana has been struggling, actually, ever since my sister arrived Wednesday night. I had taken Nana in for her scheduled doctor's appointment which went fairly well, all things considered. By that I mean she was still experiencing her cough from the bronchitis and was still having some sleep issues. But sometime Wednesday night something "changed."
Marsha and I attributed a lot of the pressure in her chest from the bronchitis but the mental condition made us wonder about a small stroke. Things continued about the same until the next week when another shift "downward" occurs. We call the doctor and talk with him over the phone. His assessment was medication was most likely causing some of the mental issues Nana seemed to be experiencing. One thing which was very noticable was how much Mom was sleeping in her chair and then having periods of time when she was "on," like giving speeches.
Marsha left Tuesday morning and I waited out the 48 hours to see if stopping one med made any difference. If nothing else, Mom was worse. I called the doctor Wednesday morning and they worked her in. The doctor listened and observed her, and listened to her heart and lungs. He looked up and told me that things have changed with her heart. Now, Nana has had a lot wrong with her heart, for many years, but she has managed to just keep on going. She has pulmonary hypertension, four leaky heart valves, regular hypertension, and an irregular heartbeat, etc. Well, her heart is beating so fast the blood isn't able to get to the heart which explains why she is sleeping so much. He looked at me and said with these changes it was truly the beginning of the end. Well, that's how I really had looked at this whole thing ever since her fall in August. I left the doctor's office feeling okay with things. I wasn't overly concerned, at least not any more so than other visits. I dropped off her new Rx to be filled which would help in the discomfort she was feeling with her heart.
When I went to pick up the med I asked the pharmacist if I could give her a dose right then, and then another in the morning with her regular pills. She is supposed to take it once a day. He told me no that I should just wait till morning. I'm okay with that. We head on over to the restaurant to eat an early dinner. Nana LOVES to go out to eat. And the only time we go out anymore is when she is out for an appointment. It's just too much otherwise.
Well, no sooner were we seated in the restaurant I noticed she was shivering. Now, our high temps during the days have been registering around 20 to 22F. But she was not sitting in a cold place and she was shaking all over. Her breathing became even more labored and she had difficulty swallowing. I asked her how she was feeling. She shared how awful she felt, how much she hurt and how cold she was. We got a box to take her food home with us.
After arriving home the caregiver gets her ready for bed and I come in and take her temp. She has a fever between 100º and 101º. We get her into bed, turn on her warming pad and pile blankets on top of her. This is only after 2 hours after seeing the doctor! She was NOT running a fever while in his office. She becomes more agitated because her breathing becomes extremely difficult.
But she keeps saying she has something to say. When I heard that I begin thinking back to my birthday on Friday when she "stood at the podium" and kept telling all of us that she "had something to say", which at that time, did not make much sense to us. But through her struggling breath she finally began sharing how much she has enjoyed living here with Jim and I. How much she loves me (us) etc. She tells me she wants to get through her "good-bye" before her breath runs out. I begin to grasp (after she spelled it out so very clearly DUH!) that she is telling us goodbye.
She is not afraid to die. Not at all. She is ready. At one point when we were praying with her, she reached out her hand and said, "Come Jesus, take my hand, I'm ready...please, take my hand, Jesus." My dearest friend came over and Jim, C and I sang hymns to her and talked with her and sang more of her favorite hymns. When her breathing got so bad, and the pain had increased so greatly, I remembered the new pill and went running to get it. I brought it back and gave it to her, thinking to myself, "I'll just talk to the doctor in the morning and he will tell me when to give it to her next." After awhile she began to breathe a little easier.
She has talked a lot about the group of people/men who have been in her room. I asked her if they were singing to her thinking that she was confused and maybe was thinking of the carolers who had come into her room Christmas eve. "Oh no," she replied. I thought about it for a few minutes and then I said, "Mom, maybe they are part of the "great cloud of witnesses which Hebrews talks about." She looked surprised and then smiled and said, "Oh, maybe so!" As she continued to talk about them off and on throughout the evening I also suggested that they were angels making preparations for her.
It goes without saying that I cried copious tears throughout the evening as she continually hugged and kissed me, telling me how much she loved me. As I fell into bed about 3 a.m. I thought I could not go through such an emotional thing each and every night. My prayers were for myself at first. Slowly as I relaxed, I felt peace and contentment encase my every fiber. I woke up several times but each time I felt comforted and was able to go back to sleep. My mom, however, didn't sleep at all until about 5 a.m. at which time she slept for about 45 minutes.
Thursday continued to be a difficult day for her with pain and discomfort. When I talked to the doctor Thursday morning he told me the fever went along with her blood count which was elevated. He then told me he thought she was ready for hospice.
Today was the day to meet the hospice people. They were so very nice. Very caring and concerned people. I moved through my day with them with joy. I know it was/is the Lord equiping me in each situation. The hospice people couldn't get over how well cared for Mom is and my tenderness with her. After dinner and before we left for Bible study I sat down and explained to Mom that hospice had been called in. She asked questions, mainly about the "symptoms" she is experiencing and why she is. I explained what was going on in her body and how her heart was affecting different things. I also shared that just because hospice has been called in that doesn't mean that she is going to die within the hour, or in the next day or two. It may not happen for several weeks, even several months, reiterating how it is the Lord who determined our days way before we were ever born. I told her that hospice, the care givers and Jim and I were here to make her as comfortable as possible in the time she has left. I even shared about the gal who will bring her harp every week and play for her!! Isn't that the coolest?
When I got through I turned to go into the kitchen and the gal, Nichole, who was the caregiver, had tears running down her face. She said to me, "This probably isn't the correct thing to do, but would you mind if I hugged you? I cannot believe how well you stated everything to your mother and without crying!"
Now, I'm back from about a two hour break because I needed to sit with mom. Another difficult time. Again, tonight, we have a new care giver who kept telling me what a blessing I am to my mother. She kept saying some other things but I couldn't understand all she said. She is from Portugal.
I love to see how the Lord is working throughout my mom's illness. Since she is close to dying, it has allowed my sister and her husband to have spiritual conversations with a foreign friend, and with the care giver tonight I mentioned my brother who had Downs. Come to find out, her youngest child, a little girl named Patricia, who is four years old, is also a Downs. He continually connects us to other people who have a need for Him. I love how personally He deals with each individual's situation, tailoring the fit perfectly.
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledg of God! How unsearchable are His dudgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." ~ Romans 11:33-36.
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not desparing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-11
"I have been reflecting on the inestimable value of "broken things." Broken pitchers gave ample light for victory (Judges 7:19-21); broken bread was more than enough for all the hungry (Matthew 14:19-21); a broken box gave fragrance to all the world (Mark 14:3, 9); and a broken body is salvation to all who believe and receive the Savior (Isaiah 53:5-6, 12; 1 Corinthians 11:24). And what cannot the Broken One do with our broken plans, projects, and hearts? ~ V. Raymond Edman
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Prayer request...
If the Lord brings me and my family to your mind would you take a moment and pray? Hospice is being called in for my precious Mom. The time is drawing to a close. Of course, no one knows when the time will be, whether it is sooner rather than later, except for Him alone.
I prayed last night that her hearts desire to go to Him, and His timing of the end of her days, will come into perfect alignment in His perfect will.
That's all I'll share for now. Thank you dear Friends.
I prayed last night that her hearts desire to go to Him, and His timing of the end of her days, will come into perfect alignment in His perfect will.
That's all I'll share for now. Thank you dear Friends.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
One of those days...
Do you ever experience "one of those days?" That's me today...floundering around on my back while everything around me spins out of control. Thankfully, I have HIM who is always in control. When I am not, He is! 
Saturday, December 02, 2006
She's Home!
She is home! These are some of the nurses and aides who helped to take care of her. There were tears shed by Mom, as well as the staff.
Now, I can honestly tell you that I had no idea what it really was going to entail. My dear friend Pam tried to tell me on several occasions. But I don't think I ever really "got" it. As Pilot used say, "My bad."
I do believe that part of her fear of being left alone, for longer than 7 seconds, is because home is actually a new place for her. It's a new routine, one she isn't used to yet. I'm hoping she will calm down and we will develop our own little schedule.
The big news? She was tired when she got home so we put her in bed for her to take a nap. She slept for about an hour and a half when she called me. I was actually on my way down the hall to her room with some of her clothes. We were unloading the cars (yes, that is plural) of all her "stuff." Imagine my shock, let me say that again, imagine my SHOCK when I find her on the floor!! She had fallen!!! I had not yet unpacked the box which had her bed alarm so it was not on her. I'm sure you can imagine how unglued I became. She hit her head (again) but it really was superficial. Thank the Lord!!!
We didn't even get dinner dishes done until 9:30 tonight and that was not "we" but Jim doing them while I was in trying to keep mom calm and to answer all her questions, the same questions, over and over again.
After about 4 hours home, I was already rethinking this decision. I admit I need more help. I will have full time coverage. Day and night. That way, I can sit and visit with her etc but someone else will be here to sit with her and keep her company, too. I couldn't even unpack and hang up her clothes in her dressing room, which is in full sight of her bed. She wanted me sitting right next to the bed. There is no way I'll be able to cook dinner, or clean a room, GO TO THE BATHROOM, for crying out loud, without having someone else here.
Jim is so concerned about my health, and will allow it to continue for 2 weeks, IF I get more help in. At the end of two weeks we will need to re-evaluate the situation and see if she has calmed down, accepted the 'routine', etc. In one 10 minute time, I had to take her to the bathroom 3 times!! I finally told her that I had just taken her 3 times in less than 10 minutes. She didn't remember that!
I called my sister right before dinner, so that was only about 2 hours into being home. I told her to pray, pray, pray, and pray some more.
I'm going to bed. There's no doubt about it, I'm tired. I've used proper lifting techniques each time but I'm worn out.
May the Lord above reach down and restore my strength. May He grant me a restful night sleep. Most of all, may He provide me with an abundant amount of loving patience to reach out and minister to my mother. Grant me the grace to minister to her with love, compassion, kindness, and care. Thank you, Lord Jesus!!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A telephone conversation...
One phone call out of eight phone calls within 1 hour. Ya just hafta love her!
Riiinnnng, riiing, ring
Me: Hello?
Mom: Claire?
Me: Yes, Momma?
Mom: Well, it just occured to me that I am over here at the Air Force Academy in our room and you might not know where I am. I thought I had better call and let you know.
Me: Oh, Momma! I know exactly where you are at all times, sweetheart!
Mom: You do?! Oh I am so glad. I was just afraid you would have problems finding me.
Me: Nope! We'll be there shortly to pick you up, okay? You make sure you lie down and rest so you won't be too tired for our big evening out, okay?
Mom: Yes, I see. So you will be here at what time?
Me: At 5:00.
Mom: Well, okay, but if you can come sooner just do that. Don't worry about anything, Claire. We can just go out to eat.
Me: That's right Mom. We are going out to eat...at 5:00. We'll see you then, ok?
Mom: Okay. I'll see you then. You are sure you know how to find me?
Me: Without a doubt, I know how to find you. I love you, Mom.
Mom: I love you. Good-bye.
Riiinnnng, riiing, ring
Me: Hello?
Mom: Claire?
Me: Yes, Momma?
Mom: Well, it just occured to me that I am over here at the Air Force Academy in our room and you might not know where I am. I thought I had better call and let you know.
Me: Oh, Momma! I know exactly where you are at all times, sweetheart!
Mom: You do?! Oh I am so glad. I was just afraid you would have problems finding me.
Me: Nope! We'll be there shortly to pick you up, okay? You make sure you lie down and rest so you won't be too tired for our big evening out, okay?
Mom: Yes, I see. So you will be here at what time?
Me: At 5:00.
Mom: Well, okay, but if you can come sooner just do that. Don't worry about anything, Claire. We can just go out to eat.
Me: That's right Mom. We are going out to eat...at 5:00. We'll see you then, ok?
Mom: Okay. I'll see you then. You are sure you know how to find me?
Me: Without a doubt, I know how to find you. I love you, Mom.
Mom: I love you. Good-bye.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
New pic of Nana
The above pic was taken tonight, October 24, after my Sister arrived for a two week visit.The weight loss shows up in her face, don't you think?
This pic, of course, was taken on August 19, the day before her birthday and the fall.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
OH NO!!!
Marsha and I arrived at Mom's late morning and found out that Mom fell this morning. Someone had left her call button draped across her bed table and it was pushed away from the bed. Mom needed to call for the aide and thought she could maybe reach it. The bed rail had been left down (after having informed the director upon Mom moving in that I wanted the rail up at all times). She is finally on an air bed, which inflates and decreases at different areas all over the bed, to help ease the pressure on her bed sores. This type of mattress is very slick which resulted in her slipping out of bed onto the hard floor. Her arm got caught in the rail and she is bruised from that but otherwise, praise the Lord, she is just sore. Tomorrow she will really feel the effects of the fall, at least, that's been our experience in the past. When we arrived Mom told us how "all of a sudden the room was filled with people, from the administrator and the director of nursing down through the ranks to several aides. It was amazing how fast everyone acted!"
We've been going through her room here at home and cleaning out some "stuff," as well as getting her king size bed out of the room. We are making room for the hospital bed once she comes home. She still wonders if she will ever make it home and we keep assuring her that we are fully expecting her to recover enough to do so. Regardless, early December she will be home, one way or another.
We've been going through her room here at home and cleaning out some "stuff," as well as getting her king size bed out of the room. We are making room for the hospital bed once she comes home. She still wonders if she will ever make it home and we keep assuring her that we are fully expecting her to recover enough to do so. Regardless, early December she will be home, one way or another.
Update on Nana
We received excellent news on Sunday. News that sent our spirits soaring. Mom has not been doing well at all. She hasn't been able to eat. Nothing tastes right to her. She has been experiencing a ton of nausea and overall generally feeling bad. With all the belching she has been experiencing I went and talked with one of the nurses. I asked him if she could be checked for an ulcer. He said he would have blood drawn and see if she had "h pylori" (sp?). I reminded him that not all ulcers are of the bacteria kind. There are those which are caused by acid reflux. So, if the blood work came back negative I wanted to make sure they continued to seek out what was making her so ill.
Sunday morning I went to be with Mom while everyone else went on to church. The results of the blood work was in and she does have H Pylori. This is really great news because it is treatable with an antibiotic! We feel sure once she is over this setback she will begin to improve by leaps and bounds!
Mom still has a long way to go but we are so encouraged after finding out what has been wrong. We are rejoicing!
Sunday morning I went to be with Mom while everyone else went on to church. The results of the blood work was in and she does have H Pylori. This is really great news because it is treatable with an antibiotic! We feel sure once she is over this setback she will begin to improve by leaps and bounds!
Mom still has a long way to go but we are so encouraged after finding out what has been wrong. We are rejoicing!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Mountains first snow of the season!
We have had a definite change in temperature over this weekend. It brought lots of rain to the valley floor but the mountains received their first snow fall of the season! These are pics which Pilot took while hiking today with Pilot C up in Pilot's beloved mountains!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A Chance to Win!!!
A Blogger's Dream Come True
All of you bloggers out there have a chance to win a totally new design from Susie at Bluebird Blogs! Here's the quote from her page....
All of you bloggers out there have a chance to win a totally new design from Susie at Bluebird Blogs! Here's the quote from her page....
Autumn is my favorite time of the year, and it's just right around the corner. To celebrate the beginning of the season, I'm having a contest for 2 lucky people to win a totally free, completely customized blog design from Bluebird Blogs.
Information on how to enter:
- Send an email with your name and blog address to bluebirdblogs@gmail.com.
- Entries will be accepted from 7:00pm EST on Thursday 9/14/06 until 11:59pm EST on Friday 9/22/06.
*Bonus* - Mention this contest in a post on your blog and receive 5 extra entries into the drawing!
The winner will be announced on Susie's Bluebird Blog on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006. Good luck to everyone!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Finally!!!
Oh Happy Day!!!
We are pleased to announce that Pilot passed his final check ride today which makes him "Mission Qualified!"
It has been a very long road of intense preparation for two years to reach this destination. We salute you Pilot for achieving your goals. And for all your future plans may you always realize that even when you are "the Pilot" you truly are the co-pilot to God!!! May all your missions be successful!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
A Spiritual Revolution...
Repentance means altering one's habits of thought, one's attitudes, outlook, policy, direction, and behavior, just as fully as is needed to get one's life out of the wrong shape and into the right one. Repentance is in truth a spiritual revolution. ~ j.i. packer
Update on Nana
I'm glad to report that Mom is back mentally once she got started on the antibiotic for the UTI. :) This is such a relief to me! And another relief is my sister will be arriving in a few hours! What a relief it will be for me to have her here.
The progress of her walking is very slow and the pain is still very intense. If the Lord brings her across your mind, would you pray for her recovery? It sure would be appreciated.
I'm exhausted. So I'm heading to bed. I have an early morning appt. so I can't sleep in!
The progress of her walking is very slow and the pain is still very intense. If the Lord brings her across your mind, would you pray for her recovery? It sure would be appreciated.
I'm exhausted. So I'm heading to bed. I have an early morning appt. so I can't sleep in!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Friday Feast
Feast One Hundred & Ten
Appetizer
Name 3 things that you are wearing today.
My capri's, a top and my sandals
Soup
Who was the last person you hugged?
I hugged my Mom upon leaving the care center but then I hugged my hubby when I got home. :)
Salad
What do you like to order from your favorite fast food place?
I really like Fries and fry sauce to dip them in. But then again, I do love really good onion rings...very crispy!
Main Course
What time of day do you usually feel most energized?
Usually, my best time of day is in the morning unless I've stayed up too late the night before. There are times, however, when I can get really energized around 9:30 pm and accomplish a lot before I fall into bed. If I'm on prednisone, for my asthma, then I'm energized all the time, 24/7 but just feel really crappy the whole time. But I do accomplish a ton when I'm on prednisone. *sigh*
Dessert
Using the letters in your first name, write a sentence. (Example: Sweet unusual spaniels are nice.)
Catchy lyrics always intrigue recluse experts.
Appetizer
Name 3 things that you are wearing today.
My capri's, a top and my sandals
Soup
Who was the last person you hugged?
I hugged my Mom upon leaving the care center but then I hugged my hubby when I got home. :)
Salad
What do you like to order from your favorite fast food place?
I really like Fries and fry sauce to dip them in. But then again, I do love really good onion rings...very crispy!
Main Course
What time of day do you usually feel most energized?
Usually, my best time of day is in the morning unless I've stayed up too late the night before. There are times, however, when I can get really energized around 9:30 pm and accomplish a lot before I fall into bed. If I'm on prednisone, for my asthma, then I'm energized all the time, 24/7 but just feel really crappy the whole time. But I do accomplish a ton when I'm on prednisone. *sigh*
Dessert
Using the letters in your first name, write a sentence. (Example: Sweet unusual spaniels are nice.)
Catchy lyrics always intrigue recluse experts.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
 |
2.... Most of the aides and nurses are very caring. 3.... Most of them seem to be understaffed as compared to a hospital. 4.... The people who are living there need to be treated with dignity. 5.... Actually, the food is quite tasty. And, they don't charge me if I eat right along with my Mom. 6.... It doesn't seem that the patient information (like, what is wrong with them) gets passed down to the aides who will be caring for the patient. Thereby resulting in more pain for the patient. 7.... Some Care Centers are cheerier than others. 8.... This particular CC doesn't have an "odor" which is typically associated with CC's. 9.... The people in the CC still need to have friends and visitors come to see them. 10.. It's always nice to send a card on a regular basis. 11... It's nice to drop in with flowers too. They could be ones grown in your own garden. 12... It's nice to say "hi" to the other residents too. Some of them are starved for visitors. 13.. Remember someone could see Jesus shining through you! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Monday, September 04, 2006
Uh oh...Out of control?
I know. It's late and with all that I have to do during the days I do need to be in bed. I had good intentions. Everything seems to be swirling around me. So much coming at me from all directions. It has been difficult for me to focus. I function much better when everything around me is in order. So really, it is no surprise that I am still up and going strong.
You see, it began once I arrived home from seeing Mom at the rehab center. By the time I finished talking with my sister (who DID give me strict instructions to wash my one load of clothes and then go. to. bed!) and I walked through door, I had every good intention of doing just that. I started the clothes washing and unloaded the dishwasher, fixed Pilot Dad's lunch to take to work and remembered that tomorrow is garbage day. I opened the refrig to clean out any old stuff (like Mom's little tidbits of leftovers) and it began. I kicked into high gear. There was no controling it! From the refrigerator I moved to my mom's bedroom. I thought I would just make room in a drawer for her holders of meds. Well, that led to bringing a garbage bag in and...and...I just couldn't help myself! I emptied this drawer where she had stashed a bunch ofgarbage er, stuff that she will never miss. Then I moved to the top of her desk. And then it was to a tv table tray that some "overflow" was on. It seemed like I was out of control but let me assure you I wasn't!
I cannot tell you how much better I feel! I can honestly say it is the best I've felt since this whole awful fall took place on August 20. My mind is clear. There has been a weight lifted, albeit maybe it's only for a short while.
The more I see of mother the more I feel it is going to be a very long process. Oh, don't get me wrong. I do see progress. Progress every single day, but it is in very small increments. Now, I do realize that she is 90 years old and frail so I should not expect huge strides each day (no pun intended). Honestly, I feel she will be able to come home again. I pray to that end, anyway, knowing that it is the good Lord who is sovereignly in control. I just don't see her coming home anytime soon. More like...months.
The other good news is now that it is Tuesday morning, it is just one week till my sister arrives. And just a couple of weeks till Pilot and Pilot's former roommate arrive. His roommate (I'll call him Pilot 2) has never seen the Rockies so they are coming out to go hiking AND Pilot is requalifying on his little plane in which he got his private pilot's license in what seems like eons ago! Do you realize what that means? We will get to fly again with Pilot!!!
So, in the midst of all the daily "getting through" there are blessings falling all around me for which I am so grateful. It comforts me tremendously knowing that all of "this" has first passed through His hands before it ever touched my mom or me or our family. And because He has allowed it to touch me, then I know that I will be able to move through it victoriously, as long as I keep my eyes on Him.
Okay. NOW I am heading off to bed to get some sleep. I have to get up early for my 8am appointment. Catch you all later!
You see, it began once I arrived home from seeing Mom at the rehab center. By the time I finished talking with my sister (who DID give me strict instructions to wash my one load of clothes and then go. to. bed!) and I walked through door, I had every good intention of doing just that. I started the clothes washing and unloaded the dishwasher, fixed Pilot Dad's lunch to take to work and remembered that tomorrow is garbage day. I opened the refrig to clean out any old stuff (like Mom's little tidbits of leftovers) and it began. I kicked into high gear. There was no controling it! From the refrigerator I moved to my mom's bedroom. I thought I would just make room in a drawer for her holders of meds. Well, that led to bringing a garbage bag in and...and...I just couldn't help myself! I emptied this drawer where she had stashed a bunch of
I cannot tell you how much better I feel! I can honestly say it is the best I've felt since this whole awful fall took place on August 20. My mind is clear. There has been a weight lifted, albeit maybe it's only for a short while.
The more I see of mother the more I feel it is going to be a very long process. Oh, don't get me wrong. I do see progress. Progress every single day, but it is in very small increments. Now, I do realize that she is 90 years old and frail so I should not expect huge strides each day (no pun intended). Honestly, I feel she will be able to come home again. I pray to that end, anyway, knowing that it is the good Lord who is sovereignly in control. I just don't see her coming home anytime soon. More like...months.
The other good news is now that it is Tuesday morning, it is just one week till my sister arrives. And just a couple of weeks till Pilot and Pilot's former roommate arrive. His roommate (I'll call him Pilot 2) has never seen the Rockies so they are coming out to go hiking AND Pilot is requalifying on his little plane in which he got his private pilot's license in what seems like eons ago! Do you realize what that means? We will get to fly again with Pilot!!!
So, in the midst of all the daily "getting through" there are blessings falling all around me for which I am so grateful. It comforts me tremendously knowing that all of "this" has first passed through His hands before it ever touched my mom or me or our family. And because He has allowed it to touch me, then I know that I will be able to move through it victoriously, as long as I keep my eyes on Him.
Okay. NOW I am heading off to bed to get some sleep. I have to get up early for my 8am appointment. Catch you all later!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Focus!
O VERCOME BY HIS FAITHFULNESS
V ERTICAL THINKING
E NTRUSTING HER (AND ME) TO HIS CARE
R ELEASING EVERYTHING TO THE ONE WHO IS ABLE
W ISELY KNOWING MY LIMITS AND HIS POWER
H UMBLING ACKNOWLEDGING MY NEED BEFORE HIM
E NLARGING MY FAITH
L EAVING EVERYTHING IN HIS HANDS
M ORE GRACE AND MERCY EXTENDED
E TERNALLY GRATEFUL
D EPENDING ON HIS STRENGTH
V ERTICAL THINKING
E NTRUSTING HER (AND ME) TO HIS CARE
R ELEASING EVERYTHING TO THE ONE WHO IS ABLE
W ISELY KNOWING MY LIMITS AND HIS POWER
H UMBLING ACKNOWLEDGING MY NEED BEFORE HIM
E NLARGING MY FAITH
L EAVING EVERYTHING IN HIS HANDS
M ORE GRACE AND MERCY EXTENDED
E TERNALLY GRATEFUL
D EPENDING ON HIS STRENGTH
Wednesday night sunset....
We had a fast moving storm come through yesterday evening which left our skies with a multitude of different images at sunset.
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