Bless Christina, Dad's night-time caretaker. Dad was very unsettled last night and we believe it is because of the pain drugs we were administering in hope of keeping him "comfortable". Dad is very sensitive to drugs, and we have decided that he was actually getting over-medicated. It became gradual, but, once the pain medicine built up in his system, it became too much. We have, through the guidance of the Hospice nurse, backed off his pain med to an as-needed basis. He was also being given something to aid him in sleeping, Ativan, and I think it was doing the opposite of what it was suppoed to do, especially when mixed with the pain med. We hope and pray that tonight he will rest much better with none of those meds in his system. We are also encouraging the fluids and foods that he likes to help get the meds out and for obvious reasons!
Mom had a good night. She only got up once, about 3 a.m., checked on Dad and the caretaker and then went back to bed. She was very disconcerted about Dad's disorientation this morning and knew, without a doubt in her mind, that it was due to Dad's meds. Over the past 5 hours, Dad has calmed down and seems much more clear-headed and calm. Mom has calmed down also. The nurse's aid from Hospice came to check on Dad and to report back to the nurse. The difference in him from 7:00 this morning to 11:30 was remarkable. Dad is resting now in the bedroom recliner and Mom is watching over him. I will encourage her to go to the other recliner once she sees that Dad is settling down.
I have been reading selected Psalms to Dad and that seems to relax him...
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the Lord, "My refuge and fortress, my God whom I trust,"
God will rescue from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague,
Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge;
God's faithfulness is a protecting shield.
You shall not fear the terror of the night not the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon.
Whoever clings to me I will deliver;
whoever knows my name I will set on high.
All who call upon me I will answer;
I will be with them in distress;
I will deliver them and give them honor.
With the length of days I will satisfy them and show them my power.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Rallying!
It's been an interesting day, to say the least! This morning, as you can tell from my post, I thought Dad wouldn't make it through the day. There were a total of 7 visitors, and he rallied as the day grew older! I don't mean that he made a miracualous recovery, but he did stay awake for longer periods of time, even if his eyes were closed, and he acknowledged joyfully each person as they arrived! Jerry heated Dad a hamburger patty with gravy this evening and he insisted on feeding himself and ate all but one bite! That is in direct contrast to yesterday and days prior when he was too weak to feed himself and had no appetite. Is this the calm before the storm, only our precious Lord knows. We will see what tonight and tomorrow bring. I praise God for the outstanding home care assistance we have and for the added blessing of Hospice care. Nothing would make me happier than to cancel Hospice, but we will not make that move too quickly. Not that I am being pessimistic...just realistic.
But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71
Until tomorrow...Love and Peace to each of you.
But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71
Until tomorrow...Love and Peace to each of you.
For Dad
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Because with the Lord there is mercy And fullness of redemption.
Dad had a pretty restless night. He seems to rest well, when he is resting. He will remain on pain medication and some of his other meds are being tapered off or stopped altogether. He isn't able to get up from the hospital bed any longer and seems pretty weak. He will hold the glass of water or smoothie and drink a swallow or two, but doesn't want to eat or drink anything else.
Friends came by this morning and he did say "Ah" when he saw them, so he is recognizing us, but doesn't stay awake for more than a moment or two. When he is awake with his eyes closed, I believe he is hearing us , but he does keep his eyes are closed the majority of the time. I sat by his bed this morning and prayed the rosary out loud. His face relaxed and he raised his eyebrows and almost smiled. Again, that lasted only for a moment, but I know he was hearing me. Mother said praying always relaxed him when he was stressed, so I will do that off and on during the day or at night, especially if he is stressing.
Mother is so stoic, but I can see that this is so hard for her. I can only imagine how difficult it is to see her husband of almost 66 years deteriorating before her eyes. She is supporting Dad's wishes of not prolonging his life and she is doing everything in her power to keep him comfortable. As a woman of faith, I know that she is comforted in knowing God is with her and Dad and all of us through this process.
What would we do without our faith? I am unconsciously praying throughout the day and will go read Dad the Psalms later. For now I will close with Psalm 23...
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Because with the Lord there is mercy And fullness of redemption.
Dad had a pretty restless night. He seems to rest well, when he is resting. He will remain on pain medication and some of his other meds are being tapered off or stopped altogether. He isn't able to get up from the hospital bed any longer and seems pretty weak. He will hold the glass of water or smoothie and drink a swallow or two, but doesn't want to eat or drink anything else.
Friends came by this morning and he did say "Ah" when he saw them, so he is recognizing us, but doesn't stay awake for more than a moment or two. When he is awake with his eyes closed, I believe he is hearing us , but he does keep his eyes are closed the majority of the time. I sat by his bed this morning and prayed the rosary out loud. His face relaxed and he raised his eyebrows and almost smiled. Again, that lasted only for a moment, but I know he was hearing me. Mother said praying always relaxed him when he was stressed, so I will do that off and on during the day or at night, especially if he is stressing.
Mother is so stoic, but I can see that this is so hard for her. I can only imagine how difficult it is to see her husband of almost 66 years deteriorating before her eyes. She is supporting Dad's wishes of not prolonging his life and she is doing everything in her power to keep him comfortable. As a woman of faith, I know that she is comforted in knowing God is with her and Dad and all of us through this process.
What would we do without our faith? I am unconsciously praying throughout the day and will go read Dad the Psalms later. For now I will close with Psalm 23...
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Finally back...
Well, it's been a long two weeks since I last blogged and a lot has happened in-between.
Dad went to the hosptial emergency room on March 25 with sever lower abdominal pain. A cat-scan was done and nothing definitive showed up. Dad was treated for his pain for two days and was sent home with pain medication. We do know that there are bladder issues, so the presumption is that the pain is a symptom of what is going on with his bladder.
Over this two weeks, Dad has been to the hospital in Round Rock and the same thing happened...he was sent home with pain medication. Last Thursday, Mom and Jean took Dad to his physician in Marble Falls because he was having a related pain issue and the doctor wanted to put Dad back in the hospital, but Dad refused. He insisted on being taken back home, and at home he will remain. Dad does not want any treatment, other than for his pain. So be it.
It is amazing how quickly Dad has declined over the past two weeks. He is being kept on pain medication 24 hours a day, with a stronger med at night because that seems to be when his pain is worse. We have 24-hour care with him and have, as of today, called in Hospice. None of us know how this will go, but we wanted Hospice to be involved so that we are doing everything right. There will now be a Hospice nurse that visits at least once a week and a Hospice aide who will come 2 times a week, to start with, to bathe Dad. The aide is another pair of eyes to watch for bed sores or any other issue that we might miss.
Dad hasn't much appetite, but I think a lot of that is due to the pain medication. His taste buds have changed over the past few months and very few things taste good to him, and he is very conscious of the consistency of foods. Things like mashed potatoes or soft vegetables don't suit him at all. So, every couple of hours we offer him things that we think he will eat. Mom has been making him fruit smoothies and he will usually drink those.
I have basically moved in , for now. None of us knows what to expect, but Mom is so emotionally and physically tired that I want to be here for the every-day-type decisions and duties and to support her in any way I possibly can. Jean spelled me last night so I could go home and have a night with Ollie and our grandson, Austin. All we can do is take one day at a time, but I plan to be here as long as I feel like Mom needs me. I praise God that I have such a supportive and self-sufficient husband who understands that he married a Momma's baby!
I am so comforted that our precious Lord has Dad in His loving hands and that He knows the perfect time for Dad to join HIm in Heaven. Until then, I faithfully believe that He is guiding us to take the best care of Dad here at home. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." (Psalm 48:14)
I will do my best to keep you posted on Dad's condition. I know you will continue to keep Dad and Mom in your prayers. Jean, Glenda, Danny and I, and all of our famiies are so grateful for that.
Lord, be merciful on our Father and give him peace. Amen.
Dad went to the hosptial emergency room on March 25 with sever lower abdominal pain. A cat-scan was done and nothing definitive showed up. Dad was treated for his pain for two days and was sent home with pain medication. We do know that there are bladder issues, so the presumption is that the pain is a symptom of what is going on with his bladder.
Over this two weeks, Dad has been to the hospital in Round Rock and the same thing happened...he was sent home with pain medication. Last Thursday, Mom and Jean took Dad to his physician in Marble Falls because he was having a related pain issue and the doctor wanted to put Dad back in the hospital, but Dad refused. He insisted on being taken back home, and at home he will remain. Dad does not want any treatment, other than for his pain. So be it.
It is amazing how quickly Dad has declined over the past two weeks. He is being kept on pain medication 24 hours a day, with a stronger med at night because that seems to be when his pain is worse. We have 24-hour care with him and have, as of today, called in Hospice. None of us know how this will go, but we wanted Hospice to be involved so that we are doing everything right. There will now be a Hospice nurse that visits at least once a week and a Hospice aide who will come 2 times a week, to start with, to bathe Dad. The aide is another pair of eyes to watch for bed sores or any other issue that we might miss.
Dad hasn't much appetite, but I think a lot of that is due to the pain medication. His taste buds have changed over the past few months and very few things taste good to him, and he is very conscious of the consistency of foods. Things like mashed potatoes or soft vegetables don't suit him at all. So, every couple of hours we offer him things that we think he will eat. Mom has been making him fruit smoothies and he will usually drink those.
I have basically moved in , for now. None of us knows what to expect, but Mom is so emotionally and physically tired that I want to be here for the every-day-type decisions and duties and to support her in any way I possibly can. Jean spelled me last night so I could go home and have a night with Ollie and our grandson, Austin. All we can do is take one day at a time, but I plan to be here as long as I feel like Mom needs me. I praise God that I have such a supportive and self-sufficient husband who understands that he married a Momma's baby!
I am so comforted that our precious Lord has Dad in His loving hands and that He knows the perfect time for Dad to join HIm in Heaven. Until then, I faithfully believe that He is guiding us to take the best care of Dad here at home. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." (Psalm 48:14)
I will do my best to keep you posted on Dad's condition. I know you will continue to keep Dad and Mom in your prayers. Jean, Glenda, Danny and I, and all of our famiies are so grateful for that.
Lord, be merciful on our Father and give him peace. Amen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
You Raise Me Up! "
"You Raise Me Up"
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
Amen!
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
Amen!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Three times' a charm!
It's true! Three times were a charm...I got to see Mom and Dad three times this past week! Monday they were in Austin, Thursday I spent the afternoon with Mom while Dad went to the deer camp to visit with the guys and Sunday Ollie, grandson Austin and I went to have lunch with them and to pick up a piece of furniture that we had been storing in their back garage! I wish I could go every day, but, alas, that's not possible! In fact, to see them so much in one week is a rarity, but one that I sincerely enjoyed!
Sunday, Mom was at Church and Dad was still asleep when we arrived. Dad wasn't up to going with Mom and was still in bed when she left. We took Austin's bicycle so he could ride on their nice, long driveway while Ollie and I loaded the piece of furniture. By the time Mom arrived, we had the chest of drawers loaded and tied down. so we went to the house while she changed clothes to go eat. Dad had gotten up and was dressed and in his chair when we all went in the house! He'd even shaved himself! Mom bought him an electric razor and he finally has given in and started using it! Hooray for him! That takes one little task off Mom's hands!
Dad did not want to go into Marble Falls to eat with us (he hasn't wanted to go out much I'm noticing), so Mom, Ollie, Austin and I went to the River City Grill for lunch. Mom and Dad love to go there on Sundays after Mass and treat themselves to a Bloody Mary! They're the best in town! Mom was so cute...she put her hand up to her mouth as if to hide what she was saying from me and whispered to Ollie, "Let's you and me have a Bloody Mary!" How could he say no?! Of course, the you know who had to drive home! Lucky for them that I was willing to be the designated driver! LOL!
We went right back to the house after lunch so we'd have a little time to visit with Dad. We didn't stay long because I was hoping that Mom would get in her chair and have a Bloody Mary-induced nap! Also. there was a chance of rain and we wanted to get the chest of drawers to our antique mall booth before it hit! It's good that we left when we did, because the rain caught up with us just as we were exiting off I-35 in Round Rock to go to the mall!
Praise God for the wonderful rain we got during the night! Mom and Dad had 4 inches, Jean and Jimmie had 3, Danny and Lisa had 4 and we had 2.6 inches! Today's been one of the loveliest days of the year! Everything looks fresh from the rain, the sun is shining gloriously and the temperature is perfect! I am one who loves the rain! I always use a good rain as an excuse to post one of my favorite poems. Bear with me because I am certain I have posted it at least once before...
Who Loves The Rain
Who loves the rain,
And loves his home,
And looks on life with quiet eyes,,
Him I will follow through the storm;
And at his hearth-fire keep me warm;
Nor heaven shall that soul surprise,
Who loves the rain,
And loves his home with quiet eyes.
~Frances Shaw
Beginning Monday, Ollie and I will be setting up for our big show at Cole's in Warrenton, TX. We will be there March 26 - April 7. I will miss posting to you for that duration! If you get a chance, come see us! Cole's is at the corner of Hwy 237 and Fm 954 in Warrenton. Our aisles are named and we are on "Waco Dr". We're there every day, Thursday, March 29 through Saturday, April 7th, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., but be sure to call me at 512/934-3641 if you're coming so I am sure to be there! Sometimes I sneak away and shop!!! SHHHH! Don't tell Ollie!!!
Bell well and happy! Love, Sandi
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Sunday, Mom was at Church and Dad was still asleep when we arrived. Dad wasn't up to going with Mom and was still in bed when she left. We took Austin's bicycle so he could ride on their nice, long driveway while Ollie and I loaded the piece of furniture. By the time Mom arrived, we had the chest of drawers loaded and tied down. so we went to the house while she changed clothes to go eat. Dad had gotten up and was dressed and in his chair when we all went in the house! He'd even shaved himself! Mom bought him an electric razor and he finally has given in and started using it! Hooray for him! That takes one little task off Mom's hands!
Dad did not want to go into Marble Falls to eat with us (he hasn't wanted to go out much I'm noticing), so Mom, Ollie, Austin and I went to the River City Grill for lunch. Mom and Dad love to go there on Sundays after Mass and treat themselves to a Bloody Mary! They're the best in town! Mom was so cute...she put her hand up to her mouth as if to hide what she was saying from me and whispered to Ollie, "Let's you and me have a Bloody Mary!" How could he say no?! Of course, the you know who had to drive home! Lucky for them that I was willing to be the designated driver! LOL!
We went right back to the house after lunch so we'd have a little time to visit with Dad. We didn't stay long because I was hoping that Mom would get in her chair and have a Bloody Mary-induced nap! Also. there was a chance of rain and we wanted to get the chest of drawers to our antique mall booth before it hit! It's good that we left when we did, because the rain caught up with us just as we were exiting off I-35 in Round Rock to go to the mall!
Praise God for the wonderful rain we got during the night! Mom and Dad had 4 inches, Jean and Jimmie had 3, Danny and Lisa had 4 and we had 2.6 inches! Today's been one of the loveliest days of the year! Everything looks fresh from the rain, the sun is shining gloriously and the temperature is perfect! I am one who loves the rain! I always use a good rain as an excuse to post one of my favorite poems. Bear with me because I am certain I have posted it at least once before...
Who Loves The Rain
Who loves the rain,
And loves his home,
And looks on life with quiet eyes,,
Him I will follow through the storm;
And at his hearth-fire keep me warm;
Nor heaven shall that soul surprise,
Who loves the rain,
And loves his home with quiet eyes.
~Frances Shaw
Beginning Monday, Ollie and I will be setting up for our big show at Cole's in Warrenton, TX. We will be there March 26 - April 7. I will miss posting to you for that duration! If you get a chance, come see us! Cole's is at the corner of Hwy 237 and Fm 954 in Warrenton. Our aisles are named and we are on "Waco Dr". We're there every day, Thursday, March 29 through Saturday, April 7th, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., but be sure to call me at 512/934-3641 if you're coming so I am sure to be there! Sometimes I sneak away and shop!!! SHHHH! Don't tell Ollie!!!
Bell well and happy! Love, Sandi
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Decision is made...
As I told you when I last wrote, Mom and Dad had made the decision to pursue finding a house in Austin. We did find a newer beautiful 1-story house that was 3 minutes from mine and Ollie's, with a lovely view and plenty of floor space for Mom's furniture. The floor plan was great and we all thought this was the one! Mom and Dad came to look at it and they, too, thought it may be the one. It sat up on a big hill with very little around it. Mom's one concern was that, because of where it sat, it may be more conducive to getting struck by lightning. Other than that, the house was ready for them to move right in...no barriers for Dad and Mom wouldn't have to get rid of any of her furniture. We all prayed and prayed that this was the right place and the right thing for Mom and Dad to do. There were so many things to consider...would we find someone like Jerry that they both would really like and who is so much help to Mom (when she lets him come), would they recover from the loss of their place, would their place sell, and on and on.
I was not sleeping well with all my concerns, nor were Mom and Dad. One morning I woke and knew I had to go talk to them immediately and face to face. I got in the car as soon as I got dressed and headed to their house. I was on the phone with Danny much of the way. It's amazing how supportive my siblings and I are of each other and how emotional we all are, especially when it comes to Mom and Dad! In fact, Mom and Dad marvel at how the four of us, Jean, Glenda, Danny and I, communicate with each other, especially when there is something going on with them! We have a very tight network! Danny and I, at that time, were distraught over whether moving Mom and Dad to Austin was the right answer. As I was on the phone and driving, there was a huge billboard between Liberty Hill and Bertram that I had never seen. It simply read, "I WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. I LOVE YOU! JESUS" I bawled when I read that sign! Of course, I told Danny that had to be a message to us! No matter what, God was with us and He would guide us! And, of course, that is what happened! Was there any doubt?!!
I continued on my way to Mom and Dad's, knowing in my heart that God would put the right words in my mouth to convince them that moving was the right thing to do. See, I was still thinking selfishly that the best thing for Mom and Dad was to move to be near me. As I parked my car, I could see my Mom standing in the kitchen in her robe. I called her so that I wouldn't scare her when I went to the door! I said, "Hi Mom! I'm in your driveway!" She went right to the window to see for herself! She laughed and couldn't believe I really was out there! I went in and was very emotional about my concern for them. Mom was so precious and grateful for my concern. She went right down the hall and woke Daddy so he, too, could hear my concerns. The three of us were tearful together, I for wanting so badly for them to be closer to me and they for their uncertainty. Now I know that their tears were because they didn't know, at that point, what they wanted to do.
That morning, Mom and Dad agreed that they would pursue buying the house near me. Through electronic documentation, they made an offer on the house, and after some negotiating, came up with a price and signed a contract. The next step was to have the house inspected. I met the inspector at 8:00 on Monday, the 16th, and he spent over 3 hours looking it over from roof to slab. Mom and Dad, Leslie and Kim, Glenda, Clint, Mollie, Jean and I met for lunch that same day and then most of us went to the house. What I had to tell them all, however, wasn't good news. There were two major problems with the house, one that was repairable and one that wasn't. There were french doors that led outside from the den that needed to be completely replaced because of water damage. That was repairable. However, Mom's fears about lightning striking the house were valid. The inspector had mentioned that there was a problem with the electrical panel outside. Leslie helped me take the door off the electrical panel. There were clear signs that there had been a major electrical issue...some of the wires looked burned and, once the cover on the breakers was removed, the inside of the panel was charred...most likely from a lightning strike! That, in itself, was enough for us to know that we indeed did not have the best house for Mom and Dad. Mother also said that she did get the feeling of being at home in that house and that it was really too big and more money than they wanted to spend.
Danny talked to Mom a long time on the phone that night, the final decision was made and the contract was cancelled. She was so afraid to disappoint me and the rest of us by deciding against the house. Danny assured her that we all just wanted them to be happy and okay and that we all knew that wasn't the house for them. So as not to overwhelm her with conversation about the house that night, I waited and called her the next morning to make sure she knew that I wasn't upset with her and to make sure she knew that I supported her and Dad in any decision they made... I just wanted them to be happy and safe. Danny and I both told Mom that, if they were happiest in their home, then just stay there and we won't talk any more about moving. Mom was relieved and elated! She and Dad both slept better Monday night than they had since they started the conversation again about moving! So, for now, Mom and Dad's lives will remain status-quo! Yes, Mom loved the idea of her and Dad being closer to her kids and having more options for food delivery or restaurants, but, for them, there's no place like home!
I went there yesterday and spent the day. Mom and I had a little time to ourselves before Dad woke up. She seemed totally happy with their decision. A bit later Dad got up, got dressed and came into the breakfast room. I went to him and hugged him and he held onto me for a good while with the most loving hug. I knew what he was telling me! He appreciated what I had done in helping them with the house and he was thanking me for accepting their decision. They are perfectly capable of making that decision and any decisions concerning their well-being. I sure don't blame them for wanting to stay in the home they so dearly love. So...the subject of them moving is officially closed!!!
There are a few things that Mom wants to do for their house now that she knows they will be there, hopefully, for a long time!. The carpet in their bedroom is deep-plush and it is very difficult for Dad to maneuver his wheelchair in there and very hard for her to push him in the wheelchair. She wants to have the carpet removed, have hardwoods put in there and a very low-pile carpet in the master bathroom. She and Dad also want a split-king bed that has separate controls t raise and lower the head and foot of the bed.
Mom and I got a chance to go see about those two things in the afternoon. Thursday night was poker night at the deer camp, so Leslie picked Dad up about 3:00 to go out to the ranch and take Dad for a ride around the ranch in the Kabota, visit with all the guys, eat steaks, and play a little poker. So Mom and I had a little time to go do some things in Marble Falls, She had a 3:15 doctor's appointment and then we went to the furniture store to check out their beds. I suggested that she have the floors done before getting the new bed so they wouldn't have to move it. She agreed and will make an appointment to have the bedroom measured and get the flooring ordered. Glenda is going out there tomorrow and will encourage Mom to keep working on this project! We all know how easy it is to keep putting things like that off! So, it will be my mission to do everything I can to make their lives as easy and comfortable in their home. Please continue to pray for them!
Happy St Patrick's Day to all of you! This Irish blessing is for you!
Amen!!!!!
I was not sleeping well with all my concerns, nor were Mom and Dad. One morning I woke and knew I had to go talk to them immediately and face to face. I got in the car as soon as I got dressed and headed to their house. I was on the phone with Danny much of the way. It's amazing how supportive my siblings and I are of each other and how emotional we all are, especially when it comes to Mom and Dad! In fact, Mom and Dad marvel at how the four of us, Jean, Glenda, Danny and I, communicate with each other, especially when there is something going on with them! We have a very tight network! Danny and I, at that time, were distraught over whether moving Mom and Dad to Austin was the right answer. As I was on the phone and driving, there was a huge billboard between Liberty Hill and Bertram that I had never seen. It simply read, "I WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. I LOVE YOU! JESUS" I bawled when I read that sign! Of course, I told Danny that had to be a message to us! No matter what, God was with us and He would guide us! And, of course, that is what happened! Was there any doubt?!!
I continued on my way to Mom and Dad's, knowing in my heart that God would put the right words in my mouth to convince them that moving was the right thing to do. See, I was still thinking selfishly that the best thing for Mom and Dad was to move to be near me. As I parked my car, I could see my Mom standing in the kitchen in her robe. I called her so that I wouldn't scare her when I went to the door! I said, "Hi Mom! I'm in your driveway!" She went right to the window to see for herself! She laughed and couldn't believe I really was out there! I went in and was very emotional about my concern for them. Mom was so precious and grateful for my concern. She went right down the hall and woke Daddy so he, too, could hear my concerns. The three of us were tearful together, I for wanting so badly for them to be closer to me and they for their uncertainty. Now I know that their tears were because they didn't know, at that point, what they wanted to do.
That morning, Mom and Dad agreed that they would pursue buying the house near me. Through electronic documentation, they made an offer on the house, and after some negotiating, came up with a price and signed a contract. The next step was to have the house inspected. I met the inspector at 8:00 on Monday, the 16th, and he spent over 3 hours looking it over from roof to slab. Mom and Dad, Leslie and Kim, Glenda, Clint, Mollie, Jean and I met for lunch that same day and then most of us went to the house. What I had to tell them all, however, wasn't good news. There were two major problems with the house, one that was repairable and one that wasn't. There were french doors that led outside from the den that needed to be completely replaced because of water damage. That was repairable. However, Mom's fears about lightning striking the house were valid. The inspector had mentioned that there was a problem with the electrical panel outside. Leslie helped me take the door off the electrical panel. There were clear signs that there had been a major electrical issue...some of the wires looked burned and, once the cover on the breakers was removed, the inside of the panel was charred...most likely from a lightning strike! That, in itself, was enough for us to know that we indeed did not have the best house for Mom and Dad. Mother also said that she did get the feeling of being at home in that house and that it was really too big and more money than they wanted to spend.
Danny talked to Mom a long time on the phone that night, the final decision was made and the contract was cancelled. She was so afraid to disappoint me and the rest of us by deciding against the house. Danny assured her that we all just wanted them to be happy and okay and that we all knew that wasn't the house for them. So as not to overwhelm her with conversation about the house that night, I waited and called her the next morning to make sure she knew that I wasn't upset with her and to make sure she knew that I supported her and Dad in any decision they made... I just wanted them to be happy and safe. Danny and I both told Mom that, if they were happiest in their home, then just stay there and we won't talk any more about moving. Mom was relieved and elated! She and Dad both slept better Monday night than they had since they started the conversation again about moving! So, for now, Mom and Dad's lives will remain status-quo! Yes, Mom loved the idea of her and Dad being closer to her kids and having more options for food delivery or restaurants, but, for them, there's no place like home!
I went there yesterday and spent the day. Mom and I had a little time to ourselves before Dad woke up. She seemed totally happy with their decision. A bit later Dad got up, got dressed and came into the breakfast room. I went to him and hugged him and he held onto me for a good while with the most loving hug. I knew what he was telling me! He appreciated what I had done in helping them with the house and he was thanking me for accepting their decision. They are perfectly capable of making that decision and any decisions concerning their well-being. I sure don't blame them for wanting to stay in the home they so dearly love. So...the subject of them moving is officially closed!!!
There are a few things that Mom wants to do for their house now that she knows they will be there, hopefully, for a long time!. The carpet in their bedroom is deep-plush and it is very difficult for Dad to maneuver his wheelchair in there and very hard for her to push him in the wheelchair. She wants to have the carpet removed, have hardwoods put in there and a very low-pile carpet in the master bathroom. She and Dad also want a split-king bed that has separate controls t raise and lower the head and foot of the bed.
Mom and I got a chance to go see about those two things in the afternoon. Thursday night was poker night at the deer camp, so Leslie picked Dad up about 3:00 to go out to the ranch and take Dad for a ride around the ranch in the Kabota, visit with all the guys, eat steaks, and play a little poker. So Mom and I had a little time to go do some things in Marble Falls, She had a 3:15 doctor's appointment and then we went to the furniture store to check out their beds. I suggested that she have the floors done before getting the new bed so they wouldn't have to move it. She agreed and will make an appointment to have the bedroom measured and get the flooring ordered. Glenda is going out there tomorrow and will encourage Mom to keep working on this project! We all know how easy it is to keep putting things like that off! So, it will be my mission to do everything I can to make their lives as easy and comfortable in their home. Please continue to pray for them!
Happy St Patrick's Day to all of you! This Irish blessing is for you!
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
Amen!!!!!
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