I have to say, I am not sure where the week went. I'm not sure what I was doing, but boy it flew by. Some weeks it feels like I just go from appointment to appointment. Or as I try my darndest to keep up with papa's requests. I am trying my hardest to not say "no" or "can we do this later," but sometimes I think he forgets that while he napped several times I got things done. Oh well, the life of a caregiver is never done so to speak. I have signed up for two educational seminars that pertain to caregiving - perhaps it's my next career.
As I spend part of most days at the nursing home, I get to know the staff and families. Many of the staff are so young and some are so wise. I caught up with a staff member the other day and I said to her, I feel as if I watched many of you grow up. She laughed and said you have. I said to her, I've seen you change jobs twice, get married and now you are expecting, we've been through a lot. A family member heard how long I have been there and she looked at me incredulously. I call her Miss Personality as I've never seen her smile and she yells at staff members and sometimes grouses at other patients as well as her father (who is a patient). I'm sure it's because this is hard and she feels out of control. She actually spoke to me yesterday so perhaps I'm breaking through. Another family asked me for help the other day and then said, "do you work here?" I said NO, but I help if I can.
Papa and I had a nice time a the St. Patricks Day Dinner last week. The food was plentiful and his neighbors always save a place at their table. They had a lovely Irish Band. They played music that was befitting the occasion and some lovely dance tunes for the couples. They played a song that my mom would have loved. One of the attendees looked at me and said, "that's your moms song - always played when she was around." To be honest I almost cried. I found a version of "Southie is My Hometown" on YouTube - technology is sometimes a great thing! Hopefully, I can bring it up on my phone later.
Papa frustrated the heck out of me this morning. It's always the small things that usually become the straw that broke the camel's back. So for most of the day I think we'll stay out of each other's way. I can take a lot, but every once in a while....phew! As I walked away from papa I did laugh because he had to get the last word....he finished with: YOU ARE MY DAUGHTER! Oh well, Sunday dinner already cooking so hopefully we'll have company because I've started a meal for an army.
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.”– Josiah Gilbert Holland
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”– Lao Tzu
“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”– Jack Canfield