Pretty good week...

I just hot home from Mom and Dad's house.  Mom and Dad have had a pretty good week.  Mom was in less pain and only had to be drained on Monday.  The Hospice nurse that we began working with retired on Friday, July 27, so there has been a different nurse each time one has visited since then.  They have told us that they are re-configuring their schedules and will assign a permanent nurse to Mom.  Hospice likes their nurses and aides to know their patients.  I like that approach also.

When Mom was drained Monday, the result was less than in the past.  I don't know if that is bad or good, but Mom thought it was good, and that's all that matters!  She has been in less pain this week, and we are so grateful for that.  Being in less pain meant that she used the morphine less, and that meant that she didn't sleep most of the day.  Instead, she has been alert and more herself.  More to be grateful for!  

As when Dad was in rehab after his stroke and in time since, our family's teamwork makes me so proud.  We are all pulling together in support of each other and, of course, in support of Mom and Dad.  It makes me think of a beautiful verse from Proverbs 31:28-29..."Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the City gates."  Yes, sweet Lord, in our eyes our Mom surpasses them all!  She is so modest, that she won't accept our praise.  So, I tell her, "Mom, just say thank you!"  That makes her smile real big, and 
she does!


Mom had a cataract removed from her left several months ago.  She started having  a little trouble with her vision a few months later.  The surgeon told her at that time that her retina could be trying to detach.  She was supposed to be aware of further changes in her vision.  Up until last week she was doing well, but, on Thursday. she told me that she had a black spot in her vision.  I immediately thought of the retina and called the surgeon, who referred to Mom to Austin Retina Assoc.  Glenda took Mom to her appointment on Friday, and the good news is that the retina was still intact.  The retina specialist explained that cancer, in some people, affects their vision.  Mom was asking me about that tonight and I really didn't know any of the details of the appointment.  Mom said that the doctor really didn't have much to say, except that he would send a report to her primary care physician.  I will call the doctor's office tomorrow and get the nurse to explain his findings to me and get a copy of the doctor's report.  

Our cousin Ron Lawson is an oncologist in Memphis TN.  I am going to also contact the lung specialist's office tomorrow and have her reports faxed to him, mainly to get his thoughts and perspective.  Mom and I have been talking about doing this, and I know it will make her feel more secure to have his input.  He and I have been in phone contact, but I have not, nor has he, seen the actual doctor's reports.  I think that Ron's knowledge of Mom's records will be very beneficial and comforting to all of us.  

Thank you all for your thoughts, well wishes and prayers.  We all feel the love that is pouring out and are so very grateful for it. 

Lord God, thank you for our friends and family members who are so much support to Mom and Dad, and my family and me with their love and prayers.  They lift our spirits and help us accept our daily burdens.  We thank you for this precious time with Mom and Dad and pray that You will give them mercy and peace.  Amen.