Tuesday, March 27, 2012

TUSAL

Not a whole lot of stitching going on the last month.  What little I've done has been focused on an exchange, so no pictures!  I did manage to finish block 9 of Anniversaries of the Heart (minus the as yet to be determined personalization) and started on Block 10.  What can I say, I'm procrastinating the last 10 minutes of stitching needed on the exchange piece because I'm still a bit insecure about my ability to do the finishing.  I'm actually going to have to touch the sewing machine, and without the comforting back-up of Mom!

Going backwards in time, last Saturday I dropped Mom and Dad off at the airport to start the Grand Adventure.  By now they should be on the ms Volendam (after a 6 hour layover in Fiji and a day and a half in Auckland).  Lucky ducks, they get to spend 38 days on that ship, touring some absolutely wonderful places I've dreamed of (New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, etc).  The end destination of the trip is Vancouver, BC.  Mom will finally transition from a Pollywog to a Shellback!  Dad, of course, is already an Trusty Shellback, due to his many years in the Navy.

The Friday before that we moved Grandma out of the rehab facility and back to her room at her assisted living facility.  She made the decision a week prior that she wanted to stop taking her meds, and stuck to that decision.  We chose (as a family) to not just take her off all meds cold turkey, but to enter her into Hospice Care.  Best decision ever.  She's so much happier and more comfortable in her own room, and getting spoiled eating whatever she wants and no longer get her fingers pricked to check her blood sugar.  It made for a hectic few days to get all the logistics and paperwork done, but I know Mom left for her trip feeling more comfortable that Grandma is happy and taken care of.  Just because she's in hospice doesn't mean she's going to drop dead in the next few days.  Actually, Grandma was slightly upset when the hospice admissions nurse told her "You're not actively dying, you're going to be here for a while longer."

Thank you to everyone that has had Grandma in your thoughts and prayers, and sent well wishes.  Its meant a lot, and the power of positive thinking has really worked.  I can't expect an almost 92 year old to behave like a spring chicken, but I can be happy she's comfortable and happy.  In fact, we have a date to watch Casablanca in the next day or 2.  I'm embarrassed to say I've never seen it before.

I've been browsing blogs when I can, but have been horribly negligent in leaving comments.  Sorry about that.  I'm hoping (along with my MBA student mentor) that life gets into a bit more of a set routine.  I'm horribly behind on school, not just because of Grandma's situation, but also due to my own physical therapy and another flare-up of my Thygeson's keratitis in my eyes.  At least the opthamologist here now believes there really is a problem, and is going along with that diagnosis.

7 comments:

Vickie said...

Well, I am glad you will get proper eye care. Glad Grandma is comfortable.

Margaret said...

Glad to hear your grandma is doing well at hospice and is happy there. Also good to hear the nurses say she will be around a while. Continued prayers for her. What fun for your parents though! Wow, that is some trip! I hope things settle down for you so you can stitch a bit.

valerie said...

I hope that your folks have a nice trip visiting some great places! And good that your grandma is getting great care at the hospice. It's so important. I think it's cute you two have a date to see Casablanca. It's a wonderful movie. Hope that the eye doctor can treat your condition and good he is being proactive! You have a lot going on! Hope it all calms down a little for you and you find your routine.

Penny said...

Wow, lucky mom and dad! That sounds like a dream trip. :)
I'm happy to hear that your grandma is doing better! Hope you and your grandma enjoy the movie. I will continue to keep her in my prayers.

Chris said...

I am sure that you will do fine with your finishing.
I am glad to hear that your Grandmother is better and comfortable.

Lynn said...

I'm glad to hear that your Grandma is more comfortable now. It sounds like she has made a good decision in going to hospice.

I hope your parents enjoy themselves on their trip!

Michelle said...

Hospice is really such a blessing. I think making people comfortable does wonders for them. I'm glad to hear Grandma is happy and doing well. Enjoy Casablanca!!