I have to admit the guilt about leaving papa and mema was/is intense. So grateful that my sister and her family are there in my absence. Papa was insistent that I go on a break. He said he did not want me to feel "obligated" to be there after 14 months. I responded, I want to be here papa and if you want to stay at home then I will continue to be here. That seemed to satisfy him for a bit. We will take it one day at a time. He also insisted I leave Lady with him as he can walk her himself (would not allow me to arrange a dog walker). Papa tried to prove himself capable of being alone when he cooked lunch the other day. He made a big pepper/onion omelet for us to share. He did all the prep work and then left the clean up for me. I have to admit it was not as good as was in the past, but he ate every bite and has not done that with any meal in a few weeks. He was completely exhausted when done and took a nice long nap. He is finally getting some appetite back which I hope means energy will be close behind. He needs to put a little meat on his bones. He starts PT tomorrow to regain some balance and stamina.
Mema had a good week. I saw her at different times of the day and let her know I was going away. She has brought tears to my eyes several times over the past couple of weeks as she has told the staff - this is my daughter Marie. After not hearing my name or status for close to a year I was so grateful. I know these are short bursts of memories for her, but I'll take them. She is eating a little better and makes the best faces when she does not like it. It will be interesting to see if there are any changes when I get back.
As I drove down 95 yesterday my mind was all over the place - still in Plymouth and thinking ahead to Sterling. I had a wonderful drive yesterday with music all the way. I realized that sometimes music for me is just background noise and I don't even hear the words and then wham! the words seep in and I'm really listening. I mostly had the radio on, but at one point I listened to the Pentatonix Christmas CD - really loud as I so love it. I'm sure my car dancing/singing gave some others on the road a good laugh. I made the best driving time for me (8 hours 10 minutes), stopped four times and did not hit any traffic - helps that it's not summer yet. When I drive I keep my phone either in my pocket or on the console. So lucky my phone is synced to my car so it auto responds to text messages - I almost wish it did the same to FB messages - so when the car stops I get the alert of messages. If there is a lot of traffic I won't even answer the phone as I want to focus on the traffic. I am amazed at how many distracted drivers there are speeding while checking their phones, reading, leaning down, etc. I am constantly amazed at how some drivers just want to hang out in the passing lane - which then aggravates the people around them.
My week is filled with doctors, dentists, car stuff, paperwork, perhaps cleaning out some stuff and hopefully lots of time to check in with friends and former colleagues. I know I can't see everyone individually, which would be perfect, but I hope to spend some time with several. For those I do not get to see, I apologize in advance and wish our schedules could align some how.
Not sure how much reading I'll get done this week although I brought a few books with me. I also brought several books that I have finished to pass them on. What are you reading?
I am going to leave it here for today. Have to finish tax paperwork for my businesses - not much to do since I am barely keeping them alive. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices." Robert Braathe
"The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you." John E. Southard
"It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment." Naomi Williams