I went to Mom and Dad's Thursday and, as planned, my housekeeper/friend, Dora, went with me! After introducing her to Mom and Dad she immediately went to work. Dora had to be back in Austin by 3:30 to pick up her kids, which was perfect. It gave us a time goal to work around. Mom's favorite restaurant is Rosie's Tamale House on Highway 71, just west of Austin in Bee Cave. She doesn't get to go there often, so we decided to go there for lunch since we had plenty of time! They eat out in Marble Falls often, so Rosie's was a welcomed change! Our plan worked great! I called Glenda and asked if she wanted to meet us there. I didn't tell Mom and Dad until the last minute and they were pleasantly surprised! The four of us took our time and thoroughly enjoyed our Mexican-Food lunch! Mom and Dad's favorite thing to order is called "Willie's Plate." On the way there Mom was so excited about getting to eat there that said she thought she could eat two Willie's Plates!!! I often contemplate how much of our lives and our lives' pleasure is centered around food! However, cooking is such a stress/chore for Mom. This was really a treat for her!
While we were eating, old friends of Mom and Dad's had been dining there also and didn't see them until they were leaving! Delbert McKinney used to rope with Dad. It had been over two years since they had seen each other. In fact, he and his wife Ellen didn't know about Dad's stroke. Delbert and Dad used to rope together when Dad was team roping. Delbert was a header and Dad was a healer, so they partnered up at local ropings. Delbert reminded all of us that he was Dad's header at the roping where Dad won his big fancy saddle that hangs in his office! After spending a few minutes catching up with each other they left with promises to go visit Mom and Dad. I sincerely hope they do soon because even that short visit seemed to perk up both Mom and Dad!
We got back to the house about 2:15. Perfect timing...Dora had just finished up, so we grabbed our things, said our goodbyes and headed back to Austin. If you have been to Mom's house, then you know that her house is never very unkempt or dirty. Dora told me that, now that she had seen how clean Mom kept her house, the next time she cleaned it the cost would be much less because it wasn't very dirty! Now, if a housekeeper tells you that, that's pretty good!!! Mom enjoyed the fact that Dora vacuumed the window blinds, cleaned all the light fixtures, swept the corners and ceilings for hidden cobwebs and did extra things that Mom just doesn't have time to do! That was exactly what I hope she would do! Of course, Mom is VERY particular and was able to find a couple of things that didn't meet her approval, but they are very fixable, so I hope she will let Dora come once a month or so! It was huge progress that she agreed to a housekeeper even once!!! Thank you God Dora helping Mother!
Danny had spent time at Mom and Dad's last week. Dad was exercising his legs at the bar on the wall and Danny asked Dad if he could walk without holding on. Dad gave Danny a quizzical look and tried! Low and behold, he could! He was a little unsteady at first, but he did walk a short distance without assistance! Even Mom was amazed! We are never going to give up encouraging Dad to make personal progress! Dad's walking unassisted was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless! All through the power of God!
Jean visited Mom and Dad on Monday and went with them to Dad's doctor's follow-up appointment with the urologist. An extra pair of ears and the ability to ask our own questions is good! Glenda visited Mom and Dad on Saturday and encouraged Dad to go outside for a walk in the sunshine! She asked Dad if he would like to try to ride a horse and his reply was a loud laugh! She made sure he knew she was serious and he said that he would like to try! I am researching facilities in their area that have the capability and equipment to handle handicapped riders. There were two places that offered horseback riding and lessons for adults. I have emailed both of them to see if they can accommodate a handicapped adult. Horseback riding can be VERY therapeutic for the handicapped! If you haven't read about it, you should look it up on the Internet. It is very beneficial for physically and mentally handicapped children and adults!
So far we think it would be better to take Dad to a facility rather than have a horse at their place. It would be an added stress for someone to have to tend to it. One step at a time! Believe it or not, Dad has always wanted a mule! Yep, a mule! If horseback riding works for him, I would someday LOVE for us to surprise him with a mule!!! How I would love to see the look on his face to see a mule tethered to their fence! That's a wild idea, I know, but fun to think about! Anyway, if any of you know about handicapped horseback riding facilities in the hill country, please let me know!
Please keep in mind that Mom and Dad are always welcome visitors! You don't have to stay long, just go whenever you can! I think early afternoons are the best time to go. Call Mom (830/693-3957) to be sure they don't have a doctor's appointment or other commitment!
Thank you for reading and I'll leave you with this thought...
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
Author Unknown
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