On Friday, Dad had been napping in his chair in the bedroom. When he was ready to get up, Mom went and helped him to his feet and waited until he got his balance, as she routinely does. She went back to the kitchen and, a few minutes later, she heard him call for her. Because of the intensity of his call, she hurried back to the bedroom and found him laying on the floor...he had fallen. She wasn't able to get him up by herself and called Joaquin to come help her. Praise God that he was near enough to quickly drive there. The nearest neighbors on both sides of their place were out of town. If she'd been unable to reach Joaquin, she'd have had to call 911 for help. Dad fell on his already "bad" side. Through God's blessings, he is okay, just very sore. Mom checked with the pharmacist who told her to give him Tylenol for pain, not Ibuprofen, since Dad is on a regimen of aspirin with his Coumadin every day. I know it scared both of them tremendously. Mom called me on Saturday to let me know about the fall and to tell me that it is time for them to move into Austin where they us kids closer.
Now that Mom and Dad have made the decision, I believe that they are at peace with moving. Mom is excited about having quicker access to food delivery and about being able to eat at Luby's more often! We are looking at houses in my neighborhood, not a garden home or independent living. Both made Mom and Dad feel claustrophobic or like they were living in a prison! I have an appointment to see one house today and Jean and Mom are going to spend some time on Thursday or Friday with our realtor, Mike. The change will be so good for them. No doubt, they will both be sad to leave their place that they love so dearly, but, once they get settled, they will see how much more their kids and grandkids, etc., as well as fiends and family, can visit them when they live in Austin. My siblings and I want them to be happy and safe. We pray that this move is the right thing for them and that we are patient and loving throughout this process.
"Blessed Breath of God, of Life, breathe through us now. In this moment, we feel the sweet and merciful fullness of God in us. We have the wisdom, grace and love of God filling our soul.
Precious God, as we watch our aging parents change and move through the cycles of life, we are filled with emotion. Help us to be patient and loving adult children in this experience. Show us how to honor our feelings and how to be aware of all the lessons and gifts you have for us in this experience.
We appreciate our parents and all that they have brought to our lives. We feel the early taste of grief as we realize their mortality….and our own. Fill us with respect, big hearts and giving spirits, Lord. Help us to know the right things to do in each situation; may we always be a Light to them as their journey continues.
Prepare us Lord, for what lies ahead. Only You know the richness of our journey, God. In our Oneness, we know You light the way for them and for my family and me. May sweet and merciful angels be with our family throughout all our days. We give thanks for the many gifts we have already received in this family and the gifts in the days to come. All is well and God is good." * Amen.
*from PrayerGoddess.com
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Loving visitors!
Last week on Thursday, Dad's cousins Donnie and Mary Vollette were camping in the Marble Falls area and visited Mom and Dad! Coincidentally, it was my planned day to go, so I got a special treat also! Whitney also joined me, so it was a big day for Mom and Dad! We met Donnie and Mary at the River City Grill for lunch and then they came to Mom and Dad's house. On their way out of town, they stopped and bought Dad a coconut pie from the Bluebonnet Cafe! How lucky for us that Dad was willing to share!!! We put on a pot of coffee and treated ourselves to dessert!! No one can make coconut pie like Grandma Pauly could, but the Bluebonnet comes pretty close! Donnie and Mary are some of our favorite people and Mom and Dad loved their visit!
Saturday, Mom and Dad had more visitors! When my sister Glenda was in college, she had a beau by the name of Joe Averill. He was very close to our family and Mom and Dad sort of adopted him as one of their kids, like they did all of our friends! I think Mom had a secret crush on him!!! Just kidding, of course, but he was a very handsome and charming young man. Fast-forward about 35 years and Joe, Glenda and I have been keeping in touch through our facebook pages. As it turns out, Joe and his wife Nancy, who live in McAllen, had to be in the Marble Falls area on Saturday and took the time to see Mom and Dad! Needless to say, Mom and Dad were thrilled! It took Dad a little time to remember who Joe was, but, once he did, he let out a BIG "Ah" and his face lit up with excitement! Dad took Joe into his office and proudly showed off his prize-winning saddle and buckles from his team-roping days. They laughed and laughed at Joe's great stories about his fun with Glenda and the family at Mom and Dad's ranch at Spicewood. Mom said they had a wonderful visit and hope that Joe and Nancy will visit them again!
I am prayerfully thankful and grateful to Donnie and Mary and Joe and Nancy for brightening Mom and Dad's days! Matthew 25:36...I was sick and you visited me. Amen!
Saturday, Mom and Dad had more visitors! When my sister Glenda was in college, she had a beau by the name of Joe Averill. He was very close to our family and Mom and Dad sort of adopted him as one of their kids, like they did all of our friends! I think Mom had a secret crush on him!!! Just kidding, of course, but he was a very handsome and charming young man. Fast-forward about 35 years and Joe, Glenda and I have been keeping in touch through our facebook pages. As it turns out, Joe and his wife Nancy, who live in McAllen, had to be in the Marble Falls area on Saturday and took the time to see Mom and Dad! Needless to say, Mom and Dad were thrilled! It took Dad a little time to remember who Joe was, but, once he did, he let out a BIG "Ah" and his face lit up with excitement! Dad took Joe into his office and proudly showed off his prize-winning saddle and buckles from his team-roping days. They laughed and laughed at Joe's great stories about his fun with Glenda and the family at Mom and Dad's ranch at Spicewood. Mom said they had a wonderful visit and hope that Joe and Nancy will visit them again!
I am prayerfully thankful and grateful to Donnie and Mary and Joe and Nancy for brightening Mom and Dad's days! Matthew 25:36...I was sick and you visited me. Amen!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Healthy!
Mom came to Austin yesterday for a doctor's appointment. She came by, picked me up and we headed, first, to lunch at Luby's, her favorite lunch spot! Well, Luby's is actually her second favorite, next to Rosie's Mexican Food! I went with her to the endocrinologist for her 6-month check on her thyroid. Praise God, everything looked normal and healthy! Her doctor even extended her next visit from 6 months to a year! That's always great news! She was relieved and happy!
She didn't stay in town afterwards so she could get home before dark. She doesn't like to drive after dark if she doesn't have to and Dad insists she is home before dark!
Jerry stayed with Dad and had a few chores assigned. Just as Mom drove in, he was leaving. It's a good feeling to walk in the door and have had someone help with the laundry and housekeeping! We are blessed with Jerry's care! Dad is very comfortable with him, and Mom approves of his housekeeping skills! He's also a very nice man, one we are proud to call "friend". May God bless him for his patience and loving care of Mildred and Harvey!
She didn't stay in town afterwards so she could get home before dark. She doesn't like to drive after dark if she doesn't have to and Dad insists she is home before dark!
Jerry stayed with Dad and had a few chores assigned. Just as Mom drove in, he was leaving. It's a good feeling to walk in the door and have had someone help with the laundry and housekeeping! We are blessed with Jerry's care! Dad is very comfortable with him, and Mom approves of his housekeeping skills! He's also a very nice man, one we are proud to call "friend". May God bless him for his patience and loving care of Mildred and Harvey!
I pray all is well with all of you and your loved ones! God's blessings! Love, SandiA good deed is never lost: he who sows
courtesy reaps friendship; and he who
plants kindness gathers love.–Basil
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Winter Blues
Is it just me, or are you also feeling the winter blues?! I suffer annually with cedar allergies and react when I go outside for any length of time! Also, the further west I drive, the worse I get. This year I am better than years in the past, but I am taking an armload of stuff...prescription and OTC meds and herbal drops! They're working...that's what matters!
Ollie and I went to Mom and Dad's Monday and we both noticed that they were acting a little down also. They both perked up after we were there a little while. We went out to lunch and had a really tasty meal at the River City Grill and then went back to the house. The guys immediately got settled in their recliners for naps and Mom and I went back to their bedroom and talked. She's fine...I think she and Dad are both a little bored with their routine. She mentioned how much they enjoy visits from their kids and how she wished more friends and family members would come see them. I know we all are creatures of habit and that it's tough to take out time to go see them, but, if you can, please do so!
Mom keeps vacillating about wanting to move into Austin. She daydreams about being closer to all of us so that all of us could visit more often. She said it would be so nice if family and friends could visit for a couple of hours rather than have to come and spend a whole day. She's not worried about her time, she is worried about ours! But, Dad doesn't want to move and, really, I don't think she does either. They love their home and their property. If they could pick that place up and move it closer to Austin, they'd do it in a heartbeat! Mom and Dad know we are all getting out there as much as we can, they just wish it could be more! So do we!
An early 20th century American writer, Elbert Hubbard, said, "“No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?”
I believe his words to be wise and Godly...
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!!!
Ollie and I went to Mom and Dad's Monday and we both noticed that they were acting a little down also. They both perked up after we were there a little while. We went out to lunch and had a really tasty meal at the River City Grill and then went back to the house. The guys immediately got settled in their recliners for naps and Mom and I went back to their bedroom and talked. She's fine...I think she and Dad are both a little bored with their routine. She mentioned how much they enjoy visits from their kids and how she wished more friends and family members would come see them. I know we all are creatures of habit and that it's tough to take out time to go see them, but, if you can, please do so!
Mom keeps vacillating about wanting to move into Austin. She daydreams about being closer to all of us so that all of us could visit more often. She said it would be so nice if family and friends could visit for a couple of hours rather than have to come and spend a whole day. She's not worried about her time, she is worried about ours! But, Dad doesn't want to move and, really, I don't think she does either. They love their home and their property. If they could pick that place up and move it closer to Austin, they'd do it in a heartbeat! Mom and Dad know we are all getting out there as much as we can, they just wish it could be more! So do we!
An early 20th century American writer, Elbert Hubbard, said, "“No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?”
I believe his words to be wise and Godly...
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!!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Such a beauty!
Mom had to come to town yesterday for a dermatologist appointment. My grandson, Austin, was staying with Ollie and me for the day, so I wasn't able to go with her. Ollie, Whitney, Austin and I did, however, meet her at Luby's Cafeteria for lunch! Mom loves to eat there and wishes that there was one in Marble Falls! I think they'd eat there almost daily!
Anyway, as I walked in the door of Luby's and saw Mom, I was a little taken back at how pretty she is! Do you do that? See a person you've known all of your life and see them differently from time to time? She has such a positive attitude, is an optimist, but a realist, is a Godly woman, a frugal but generous person and is beautiful inside and out. I say prayers of thanks for my parents every day! I am so blessed to have been raised by Mildred and Harvey Smith!
Dad stayed home with Jerry. He just doesn't love coming to Austin! He'd just as soon stay home in his chair! Dad and his chair...since I was a kid, Dad has had "his chair"! I remember that when Dad would get home from work, he'd head straight for "his chair." It was his sanctuary. We were very careful not to disturb him until he'd been in his chair for a while! Mom raised us to respect Dad and the fact that he worked hard and deserved some peace and quite when he got home! "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Ephesians 6:1
Amen!
Anyway, as I walked in the door of Luby's and saw Mom, I was a little taken back at how pretty she is! Do you do that? See a person you've known all of your life and see them differently from time to time? She has such a positive attitude, is an optimist, but a realist, is a Godly woman, a frugal but generous person and is beautiful inside and out. I say prayers of thanks for my parents every day! I am so blessed to have been raised by Mildred and Harvey Smith!
Dad stayed home with Jerry. He just doesn't love coming to Austin! He'd just as soon stay home in his chair! Dad and his chair...since I was a kid, Dad has had "his chair"! I remember that when Dad would get home from work, he'd head straight for "his chair." It was his sanctuary. We were very careful not to disturb him until he'd been in his chair for a while! Mom raised us to respect Dad and the fact that he worked hard and deserved some peace and quite when he got home! "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Ephesians 6:1
Amen!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
"Have a strong mind and a soft heart."
That describes Mom to a "T"!!! She caught Dad's cold, or shall we say that it caught her?! She said she had been running away from it for days! Bless her heart, she has had a bad cough and stuffy head since the end of last week. She even spent one whole day in her recliner in her gown and robe...and, if you know Mom, you know that is NOT like her! Sunday morning when I called her, she said that she was feeling MUCH better, "at least I am telling myself that I am" and then she laughed out ould at herself! She had decided that she was tired of "laying" around and that she needed to get up and get some things done. So, she decided she was going to feel better! And, you know what? IT WORKED!!!
I wholeheartedly believe that Mom's strength comes through her prayers. She is a fine example of a Godly woman who lives through faith!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Amen!
Glenda is headed to Mom and Dad's today. Dad needs to go to get a blood test in Marble Falls, and Glenda will take him so Mom doesn't have to get out. Glenda lovingly fills their refrigerator with lots of healthy things from Whole Foods Market so Mom won't have to find things to cook this week!
I will get to see Mom on Thursday. She has a doctor's appointment in Austin and I make a point of going with her any time I can! She always schedules her appointments close to the noon hour so we can go to Luby's Cafeteria either before or after her appointment! Too bad there's not a Luby's close to her and Dad. She'd let them do most of the cooking!! Can't say that I blame her!
I wholeheartedly believe that Mom's strength comes through her prayers. She is a fine example of a Godly woman who lives through faith!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Amen!
Glenda is headed to Mom and Dad's today. Dad needs to go to get a blood test in Marble Falls, and Glenda will take him so Mom doesn't have to get out. Glenda lovingly fills their refrigerator with lots of healthy things from Whole Foods Market so Mom won't have to find things to cook this week!
I will get to see Mom on Thursday. She has a doctor's appointment in Austin and I make a point of going with her any time I can! She always schedules her appointments close to the noon hour so we can go to Luby's Cafeteria either before or after her appointment! Too bad there's not a Luby's close to her and Dad. She'd let them do most of the cooking!! Can't say that I blame her!
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22
Dad did very well!!! He's feeling much better also. Mom says he is not coughing much and thinks they are both on the verge of being well! Praise God for that!
Amen!
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