Good Week!

This week sure went by quickly! Seems like they all do lately! I went to Mom and Dad's Monday to welcome the new caretaker, Kimberly. She has a very calm, polite personality and a gentle aura. I spent a little time setting up a daily schedule for her in caring for Dad and a list of daily and weekly duties. I think that will help both her and Mom.

Dad was in great spirits! He was able to easily get up and down out of his recliner and to the wheelchair with Brian's help. Thanksgiving Day he wasn't moving around as easily, so he still has days where he is less strong than others. Come to mention it, so do I!!!

Mom and Kimberly have been adjusting to each other all week. It's been a comfortable adjustment. Kimberly called me Friday and said that she believed that she and Dad were bonding and that she loved working with him and Mom. That was nice! Of course, I can't imagine a nicer place to have to work...a beautiful home and property and wonderful people!

Danny visited Mom and Dad on Thursday before he headed to the deer camp. He balanced Dad standing next to him and had Dad walk back and forth across the living room! Danny left a note for the therapists to FOCUS on getting Dad strong enough to get in and out of bed to the wheelchair, up and down out of his recliner and in and out of the restroom on his own, as well as walk with his walker. They have been exercising him faithfully, but not really focusing on making him more independent. That is our ultimate goal.

Mom's been able to go to Church the last few Sundays, and we are so grateful that Brian is there to enable that. Someone has also been kind enough to bring Dad communion about once a week which means so much to him and Mom. We appreciate that so much!

If you would like to do something to help Mom, I have an idea! If you have a tasty casserole that is easy for you to make and freeze, Mom's biggest task is still planning and cooking meals. I plan to make a few things that I can label, freeze and take to her. That way all she or the caretakers have to do is to thaw it and have a meal ready! Now, Mom may not think I should ask this of you, but I don't think she'll complain about the food! The last thing Mom would EVER want to do is to sound needy!!! Just about the only thing Dad doesn't like is broccoli!

The Smith family Christmas tradition will change this year. In years past we have always gone to Mom and Dad's house. This year it will be too much for Mom to handle, so we'll celebrate Christmas Day at Glenda's house. Some of the older grandkids were struggling with the change. We'll have to hold past traditions in our hearts and be open to making new traditions. I read that "Tradition simply means that we need to end what began well and continue what is worth continuing." That supports how I feel about the Smith Christmas...Mom and Dad started our tradition well and we will continue it, even though it will be in a different house, because it is worth continuing! What is important is to be together and share our love with each other. Websters says that tradition is, " the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice." So, it doesn't matter where it happens, just so that it does happen! I look so forward to being with my family on Christmas Day! After all...I am Sandi Claus!!!

Love to all! SC