I had a busy week as papa was in the hospital a couple of days. As usual, he did not say how awful he was feeling until too late to do anything except hospitalize. He is home and on the mend, but each illness takes a little bit out of him. He has been a little snappish since he got home so I'm doing my best to keep my mouth shut and out of his way. I know he is concerned about remaining at home and independent and I try to assure him as much as I can.
Mema had a good week overall. Her diet was changed from pureed to mechanical soft which means food looks like actual food. It appears she has been eating a bit better since then. She is still under hospice care, but for now she is holding her own at least food wise. Mema has always been a picky eater (even the staff noticed that) and I never force her to eat anything she does not want....she never made me eat anything that I did not want when I was young...just returning the favor. She is definitely resting a bit more and speaking a bit less. She does get a little jealous and embarrassed if I help someone else or if I dance/sing around to make others laugh. She will tell me to "sit down!"
As mentioned previously, I am trying to determine how to incorporate coaching and caregiving. I do actively participate in the caregiver space fb page. There are so many people willing to share. For this reason, I am starting a caregiver coffee break/support group tomorrow morning. I put it out on the FB page and there may be no one that shows up at first, but perhaps one thing will lead to another. I am open to many possibilities. I have also applied for certification in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care. Not sure if it will be approved as I have never formally worked in the health care industry, but all I can do is try. Perhaps some day I'll be a coach/trainer in this particular field.
Do you have a bucket or dream list? Things you have wanted to try or do? I was thinking about these lists last week - not sure why, but I can presume something will be coming up. I look at jobs and think that would be interesting to try (or not try). I look at places both domestic and international and think some day I'll get there (or not interested). What's on your list? Have you made steps to cross something off the list? Is there anything I can do assist/coach you?
I did finish a couple of fun books over the past week. Now I'm reading a couple of books on Alzheimer's. II watched "THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS" Such a fascinating and sad story. It's amazing what the scientific world was able to do with her cells.
A big Happy Birthday shout out to my friend Margaret - I may not have remembered to send a card, but I want you to know I'm thinking about you.
I am going to leave it here for today. I have to run to the store to pick up cabbage as I'm making a boiled dinner and I can't believe I forgot the cabbage. Oh well perhaps then time for a nice relaxing cup of coffee. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path." - Buddha
"Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds." - Marta
"I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be." - Joyce Meyer