Starting up a New Month

We've ended the month of January on a good note!  Everyone has stayed healthy and seems to be doing well.  My goal is to have at least 1 long visit with each parent each week.  It's nice to have a conversation and let them visit with the grandkids too.  There are many days though that I simply can't stop to run inside, so I try to drop off a bag of snacks, pictures, a note, or things from their shopping lists.  The kids have gotten helpful with this also.  The staff at both places is amazing and welcome the kids.  My 3 feel comfortable going inside and delivering treats too.  I feel like it's a vital lesson in caring for others.  

Last Sunday, the boys ran in a little bag of snacks to Mom.  They know just where to go and what to say to her.  This is the selfie from their quick delivery.  We all ran into Dad's place because I had some items from his shopping list to deliver.  It was lunch time, so we made a quick stop.

Joey, Hoo Hoo, and Samuel's eye brows

Samuel and Joey with Paw Paw

This morning (2/1), Mom and Dad had another visit.  I took Mom to visit at Dad's apartment.  It seemed like their visit was a welcomed treat on a rainy, cloudy day.  Dad was initially emotional when he saw my mom, fearing she would not remember him.  Since he didn't remember that they visited at the end of December, I was thankful for the Christmas picture in his room.  It jogged his memory and reassured him that they had seen each other recently.  They took a stroll through the garden area and sat in the library to visit.  Mom continues to be very quiet, but Dad was talkative.  It seemed like a nice change of pace for today.

A quick stroll in the garden

It's nice to sit in the beautiful library for a change

Dad was in a joking, funny mood on the 2nd 

trip through the garden.

I've reassured them both that I will continue to make sure they get to visit when they are both comfortable and ready.  I take pictures each time so that I can share with each of them.  Pictures have always been important to Mom.  They've become a crucial part of my conversations with Dad.  I'm thankful it's a helpful and easy way to reassure him of their time together.  I'm hopeful we'll be able to take them out again for Valentine's Day.  Even in the crazy busy pace of life these days, it's a gift to have them nearby and able to visit.  The kids are learning so much from the time they have with my parents.  And it seems to be an encouragement to my parents to have the grandkids involved!