Hi Everyone. Hope this finds you well. Happy SPRING!!! I say this tongue and cheek as it's 33 degrees and we are expecting some snow...how's that for spring? I hope it feels a bit more like spring where you are today. I know some of you keep up with me on FB so you might see some of this as repetitive. I seem to use FB as a journal for of some of my adventures.
My week was busy, but went fairly well. Had a bit of time to myself and got to experience a fantastic book store and cafe. It was so much fun to wander the aisles and see what the staff recommended not just the best sellers. I also got to experience the small cafe and people watch. I don't know about you, but when I people watch I sometimes make up stories about their lives. I sometimes wonder if that came from all the book reading I have done over the years. It's truly the only time my imagination is at it's best. I could write books about my observations. What about you? When do you use your imagination?
Papa is a bit tired this week after three days of cyber knife treatment in Boston. He actually stayed in a hotel near my sister's house to help with transportation. He did pretty well and did not suffer any side effects expect it wore him out. The last time he went through this there was a week between each treatment, this time three days in a row was effective, but a bit much. His balance is still a bit off. I heard him say today, "I think I should be practicing with my cane for when I'm walking Lady." I said good idea. Believe me I'm keeping my eye on him and we'll see how long it takes him to start to practice.
Mema had a decent week. We were able to have her room changed to a two person quieter room on the other side of the unit. The room is warmer and much more quiet as she is no longer near the door that opens and slams all day/night. The moving day did not go well as although she was told the day before what would happen, she had not memory and got distinctly upset over her items being moved. When I arrived (late that day) papa and mema were very upset. I got papa to go home with his ride and I took care of moving furniture and decorating with all her items. When I was finished mema and I had a good talk and then I slowly moved her to the new room. When she went in it was as if the stress of earlier never happened. She liked the way everything was set up and recognized the pictures and blankets. She has an up day when she gets dressed and goes to the dining room to be involved with the group. If she has an up day I am almost guaranteed a bed day the next. She will get cleaned up and put on some clothes, but then stays in bed. This morning she was very communicative and ate well. I did run into her doctor this morning and he said she is holding her own as expected. I will not say my life is on hold, but it's a waiting process.
I had an interesting observation yesterday and today at the nursing home. There was a middle aged male nurse working, really nice, retired military and so gentle. I watched how he addressed each person individually when he introduced himself and when he spoke he pulled up a chair to get on their level. He would talk with them and then dispense the medicine. All the patients immediately took the medicine and none gave him any hassle. I had the sneaking suspicion that many thought he might be a doctor. Only because with this generation most doctors were male and nurses were female. As I said, it was interesting from my perspective.
I finally watched the movie "Still Alice" last night. I had read the book, but finally sat and watched the movie. It's hard to watch when you have someone with Alzheimer's disease, but it was so well done and informative in many ways. Not a great way to spend a Saturday night crying over a movie, but perhaps that's what I needed. What do you do when you need a cry?
Had a nice St. Patrick's Day dinner today with papa at the community friendship club. He asked me a couple of weeks ago if I would go with him. I'm glad he wants to go to these things as it gets him out of the house with a social event. Papa had a hard time with his hearing aids, but did fine eating. We sat with some nice people who told me stories about how they knew my mom and dad. They are all happy he has a dog to walk and love to see him out there. I won the last door prize. They won't want me back as I seem to win each time I go. A few of the people mentioned they saw me in church or at the local breakfast restaurants with papa.
I do find my emotions are all over the place. Some days I can be driving down the street and tears will fall. Some days laughter is the best medicine and I look for things to lighten my day. Some days I feel a bit frazzled (not like at work). Some days I feel like I'm not doing enough. Mostly I feel tired as I know I'm not sleeping well. I know things will continue this way for a while. Thank goodness I have a such a strong support system. So many people have reached out to me with words of encouragement and have touched my heart in so many ways. I thank all of you for your support.
I did not finish any books this past week although I am in the middle of two good ones. More about them at a later date.
Well, I am going to end it here for today. I have to get some bills paid. Let's keep fingers crossed that snow does not appear. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"My friends and family are my support system. They tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear and they are there for me in the good and bad times. Without them I have no idea where I would be and I know that their love for me is what's keeping my head above the water." Kelly Clarkson
"Surround yourself with people who provide you with support and love and remember to give back as much as you can in return." Karen Kain