A Busy Week Behind

Our family has had a busy week of hard decisions, big steps, improved care, and lots of prayer.  I spent the first part of the week back home navigating the road to care for my Mom.  My super husband took on the job of both mom and dad (as Samuel points out).  While I know he's amazing, I asked the kids not to let him do too good of a job.  I didn't want to be welcomed home by my replacement!  I knew they were all in good hands!

Mom’s care
Mom is currently receiving the care she desperately needs and deserves. Getting to this place of care was a challenge, although the Lord was good to orchestrate this path in a more peaceful way than anticipated. I wish I could say it's all sunshine and rainbows, but it's not.  This will be a lengthy process.  Before I left Arkansas on Thursday, the nursing staff gifted me with a visit outside of the normal visiting hours.  Since her hospital stay I’ve been intentional to massage Mom’s arms and hands as a way to hopefully relax her, maybe a way to convey love as she heals. I miss her.  Thankfully we have an amazing friend (translated as "family") and precious family to visit often to give Mom some familiar faces of comfort. My hat is off to these special people!!!  There is a peace from having family giving personal insight on Mom’s stay and her care.  

A Day with Tipper
Samuel and I took Tipper for a reunion with Dad. It was a sweet moment. Dad and Tipper both recognized each other.  They walked around the garden area. I took dog treats for Dad to feed her. No doubt, Tipper’s love language continues to be food. Mostly we sat on the covered patio with an occasional breeze present.  Tipper laid next to Dad and took in the sights of a new place.  I found out recently that she is NOT a big fan of cameras or phones.  Unfortunately for her, she's now in a home with frequent pictures.  We will win her over.  The Lodge community was gracious to allow a Tipper inside and outside the building. She stepped in for a moments for Dad to wash his hands for lunch. We left him at the dining room, so it was a peaceful exit for everyone. I do hope it added a little bit of joy to his day.

Dad and I talked for the full hour. He’s been having some vivid dreams and moments of imagination.  I had to reassure him that Mom and I do not have boyfriends and we're not sliding on cushions down a snow covered hill.  I’ll admit that the sledding part is something I’d definitely consider trying, especially if cooler weather is involved. He’s been thinking of relatives who passed away, including his mom - my Grandma Stell. Dad seemed comfortable and calm as we talked about family. So often Dad recognizes that his memory is failing. The brain is a fascinating thing.  Even in the throws of Alzheimer's, I am often amazed by his reasoning and memory recall. He realizes that his thoughts are not clear and accurate. It’s a comfort though when we have these conversations and he accepts the truth without question. He’s seemingly glad to know the truth. There’s just no way the staff can know all the details of the Stell family and the many stories of Nutters Chapel.  No doubt the stories would entertain for days! I have shared some details with staff so they can accurately answer some of Dad’s questions. The staff does strive to get to know family, deeper than basic care of the elders.

Dad has voiced some concerns of vision changes and imbalance in the previous week.  Some may be progression of the disease.  I realize medications can affect these as well.  It was nice to see him today in such good spirits and interacting with Tipper.  Our conversation was clear and relaxed.  It renewed my hopes that I can take him for day trips to the store our out to lunch.  As he acclimates to this new home life, I'm still hopeful that we'll be able to go on small adventures to explore the new surroundings of Texas!

This is a picture from yesterday (8/24) when there was a 

musical guest.  Dad remembers this man as a "gospel singer", 

When I was there, he was singing Willie Nelson.  

Maybe he entertained with a variety!