What to do, what to do!

Jean spent most of Monday with Mom and Dad this week. She took some of Dad's favorite lemon pound cake, which put a big smile on his face she said!

I went Wednesday and arrived early because Mom and I decided we could get some projects done before Dad got up! He surprised us and got up at 10:00! I had been working in the office and was walking down the hall calling to Mom to answer a question. Dad hear me and hollered out at me! He had a huge smile on his face and hugged me so tightly! Hugs from him and Mom are priceless! Dad's days are pretty laid out...he sleeps late, gets dressed, goes to the table and reads the newspaper while drinking a glass of orange juice, eats breakfast or lunch, depending on how late he slept, then heads to his chair for his first nap! He usually stays in his chair most of the time, but does get up once in a while and walk or go see what Mom is doing.

Mom had a huge pile of papers and envelopes that needed to be shredded. She is very conscientious about putting anything in the trash that has their name and address on it. I sorted through all of that, shredded what need to be and brought it all home to go in my recycle bin. Dad came in there in his wheelchair for a while and supervised! I made her new folders for all the months of 2012 for her bills and receipts and got out her 2011 folders that will need to go to the accountant who does their taxes. I also got to take Mom's car to fill it with gas and picked up prescriptions for her and Dad at Wal-Mart. I wish they lived closer so I could do more for her and Dad! We all wish that!

Mom knows that it, in the long run, she and Dad will need to move to Austin. She and Dad talk about it often, but it is such a difficult decision to make. She and I were on the phone today talking about it. One of her fantasies is to live close to a Luby's Cafeteria! I do believe they would eat there almost daily! She likes it that she and Dad can each pick what they are hungry for. She said that, so often, she will cook something and it's not what Dad had in mind! His appetite isn't what it used to be and I think the stroke affected his taste buds. It's really hard to find something he really enjoys eating. Mom is so patient and tries to do the best she can. She has gotten into the habit of driving into Marble Falls and picking up food from different restaurants. That seems to be working well for them for now. She knows that, in Austin, there are unlimited restaurants that will deliver food to them! I know she'd really enjoy that! We all continue to support them in their conversations about moving. Mainly we tell them that we will help them with what they decide to do.

I make a point, often, to sit with Mom and Dad and tell them how much all of us appreciate and love them and how important they are to us. I am so honored to be able to spend time with them. I told them Wednesday that they are such fine examples for all of us in their loving devotion to each other. They both got teary-eyed. That wasn't my goal...I just need them to know that they aren't taken for granted, nor are they a burden on any of us.

Glenda plans to spend Saturday with Mom and Dad. Danny, Ollie and a bunch of the guys will play poker at the deer camp on the 23rd. Dad looks so forward to the steak, poker and camaraderie!

Leviticus 19:32 “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.” Amen!

Thank you for keeping Mildred and Harvey in your thoughts and prayers!