We are thankful...

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1


 I picked Mom and Dad up Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, around 10:15 and headed to Jean and Jimmie's house to join all the family.  Dad had shaken his head "no" previously this week that he didn't think he and Mom would be able to go, but Mom said adamantly that they were going, so he conceded!  I know that his concern is strictly for Mother.  

I am sure Mom would have preferred to stay at home in her recliner for the day, but she made herself get up, get dressed, put on some make-up and off we went!  Bless her heart, her legs were so swollen that it was difficult for her to bend her legs to get into the car, but she was determined to go! She spent most of the time there in a recliner and Dad on the couch, but all of their kids, grand kids, respective spouses, significant-others, and great-grand kids were there, and that made the trip worth while to Mom.  There was a total of 30 of us!

Mom and Dad both ate well and seemed to really enjoy visiting with everyone. We were there until about 3:00 and then we headed back home.  Mom catnapped all the way, and seemed very pleased with herself that she had been able to be there with us.  I just can't imagine that she will be able to make a trip like that again since her legs are getting more and more swollen.  We are working on a plan for Christmas so that they do not have to go anywhere. 

Mom's swelling is a product of the disease.  We do keep her legs elelevated when she is in the recliner, but that doesn't solve the problem.  It will continue to get worse, more than likely. Her pain seems mostly to be in her abdomen and she is in a good routine now of taking a time-released morphine pill every morning and night, and boosting that with liquid morphine off and on during the day.  The morphine and her oxygen seem to be keeping her pretty comfortable.  She rarely complains, so it is very had to tell how she is really feeling. As I always tell you, she is an amazingly strong woman!

The hospice nurse calls Mom her "poster child" and says that she has never met a stronger patient in all her years of nursing.  I would venture to bet that she never will!  In closing, I will share this poem about a woman of strength versus a strong woman.  It reminds me of Mom...

A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape… But a woman of strength builds relationships to keep her soul in shape A strong woman isn't afraid of anything… But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of fear. A strong woman won't let anyone get the better of her… But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone. A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future… A woman of strength realises life's mistakes can also be unexpected blessings, and capitalizes on them A strong woman wears a look of confidence on her face… But a woman of strength wears grace. A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey… But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong. --- Copyright © 2005 Dee Cheeks