It's 6am and after getting home from work I'm trying to finish my laundry before going to bed. Hard to find time for updates and sometimes there is just too much going on to write about.
The Grand Bob had complications following his surgery. Ended up back in the emergency room that night. Spent 3 days in critical care and then he was moved to a nursing home. I wanted to take him straight to re-hab but the Dr. said he wasn't ready. Nursing homes suck. Visited him everyday while he was there and tried to encourage him to do the small amount of physical and occupational therapy they offered. Made him get out of bed, with their assistance and wheel his own self through the halls. Made him eat in the dining room and encouraged him to interact with people there. It was like dealing with a 6 year old that didn't have to mind me.
After 20 days and many phone calls and visits got him moved to the same re-hab facility that helped Mama after both her hip breaks. He doesn't want to eat and resists therapy. Our sweet angel Lisa is spending mornings through lunch with him trying to encourage him physically and stimulate him mentally. I go for his dinner. Pushing him to eat every bite. Seems like my entire visit is spent pushing him. Trying to get him to eat, participate in his therapies and getting him to allow the staff to do what they need to to get him ready to come home.
He just wants to come home now!! He's disappointed that Mama isn't there with him. I try to remind him of her health issues but he still feels she should be with him. They can't force him to do therapy and if he refuses 3 days in a row they will have to release him. If he can't go to the bathroom by his self, walk, take a shower or get into the car I'm just not sure I can bring him home. If he goes to a nursing home he will lay in a bed until he dies. These decisions for him are just too much responsibility for one person, but I'm the one that has to step up for him!!
My sister Crystal did come to take care of things on the homefront and mother and I got to go on the girls cruise. Ended up being 16 of us. It was a great group of women and other than 2 having to go to the doctor when we got home the trip was great! Laughed alot and even managed to get some much needed rest and relaxation.
Between the uncertainty of my job situation and responsibilities at home my stress level is way too high. Went for my annual physical last week and everything was good, lost 20 lbs this year, but my blood pressure was too high. Dr. said to see how it is when I reach my 25 lb. loss level since I'm still on a low carb diet and then if it hasn't dropped I will have to go on medication. In addition to the stress I haven't had time to go to the gym like I need to so I'm sure lack of good exercise is affecting the blood pressure issue.
Mama is doing really great with recovering from her 2nd broken hip. Physical therapists comes 2 times a week and as usual she exercises in between. She is using her walker and gaining strength everyday. She has an aid that comes 2 times a week and helps with her bath and an occupational therapists that works with her also. Her desire to be the best that she can be is phenomenal to watch and is an example of why the women in our family are so strong!!
There have been days in the last few weeks that I have felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities I have. The other day I told both mother and Mama I felt I just needed an atta girl, pat on the back and to be told I'm doing a good job. That evening my girlfriend Heather and her husband David were giving me a ride to work. I had followed my brother Dan out as he left from helping with things around the house all day, and was waiting in front of the house for my ride. I sat down on the concrete bench that Pop Gilbert loved so much and suddenly remembered how he had always been the one to give those pats on the back to me. He always told me how proud he was of me, what a blessing I was to the family and how much he appreciated what I did. I guess when he died in December I lost my cheerleader. Sure do miss you Pop...
Mother was one of the 2 that had to go to the doctor after the cruise. She has had a horrible cough and been to see him twice. She actually has more health issues than either Mama or Bob, but just keeps on trucking. She had 11 friends over today for a "42" tournament. It's a group of people she met through the senior center that get together once a month and play. Everyone seemed to have fun and the rest of us just stayed out of their way. I know she misses Pop alot. They sure did love each other.
My husband Lee is still the best man that could have joined our family. He works hard on projects around the house, goes to his job and still finds time to entertain us all. Loves us all, and is loved by all.
We're great-great grandparents, great grandparents, grandparents, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters fortunate enough to be able to share a home. We laugh and cry, win and fail. We're widows, workers and retirees. Trying to learn to take one day at a time and make it the best day it can be. We love and we are loved. Life is Grand!!
By the way we have finally tought Mama to belch with us girls :)LOL
4 generations of women
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Big Old Grand Job
I feel overwhelmed !!
Last Valentines day Mama fell and broke her hip.
This valentines day I took the Great Grandfather Bob for a heart cath. We're still trying to get his back surgery done and the Surgeon required him to have it done, had to be at the hospital by 6:00am. While rushing around to get to the hospital by 8:00 when he was scheduled for the actual procedure Mama broke her hip. Bob the Great @ one end of the hospital and Mama coming in by ambulance at the other.
Bob is finally scheduled for his back surgery March 15. Mama had hip replacement surgery February 15, went to rehab Feb 17 and came home today.
I just thought I was busy before, this last month has just been non-stop.
Poor Bob the Great, wife broke her hip the day before his birthday again!! I was determined he wouldn't miss out. His birthday Feb. 15 fell on a Tuesday which is "Pizza Night". After work went to the party store, got balloons and decorations and 80 candles. Tom Thumb for a birthday cake. Went to Pizza Inn to decorate. Home and grabbed everybody. Met friends and celebrated......79 candles on the top of a birthday cake is unreal. Check out the pictures, I'll get them posted eventually.
So we added daily re-hab visits to our list. Mama pretty much blew the staff there away. She had done such a good job building herself up since her hip-replacement last year. She had continued doing her exercises after her physical therapy ended in December. I really believe she's several months ahead of her recovery last time. Our good friend Lisa spent every morning @ rehab with her, entertained and kept her company. Sure grateful for that little angel.We're so proud of Mama!!
Mama had decided not to go on the girls cruise with us the 24th of this month, whew, good decision. We have ended up with 19 gals going. Mom and I sure are ready for a break, though I don't know how much rest we'll get going off with this group!! Luckily my sweet little sister Crystal will come and help Lee hold down the fort for us while we're gone.
My brother Dan continues to help us out with home improvements. He's usually here for dinner, sometimes lunch. He moved home from Vegas last year when we bought the house. While in the midst of his midlife crises we've been fortunate enough to have his help' making our home more comfortable for all the occupants. Really glad he's here, don't know what we would do without him.
We do have really exciting news....our youngest daughter Sarah and her husband Richard are expecting their first child. I have named her Little Debbie, after both her grandmothers. Bet Richard $50.00 it's a girl...I had a dream!! Wonder what her name will really be.
This is a big old grand job we've taken on. I have always handled alot of responsibility, hope I can handle this. I did get back in the gym and so far lost 14 lbs and feeling better. Got mother and Bob going with me about once a week. Mom walked 1/2 mile last time, but Bob is in such poor condition I don't know if we can get him in shape. I worry about him. I can only encourage him so much before I become a bitch (become one? LOL)
10 doctors appointment in March, 1 surgery, physical therapy 2-3 times per week for Mama, manage the club and a 4 day vacation. Lordy, lordy I'm gonna blink and it will be April.
Good night 'till next time.
Last Valentines day Mama fell and broke her hip.
This valentines day I took the Great Grandfather Bob for a heart cath. We're still trying to get his back surgery done and the Surgeon required him to have it done, had to be at the hospital by 6:00am. While rushing around to get to the hospital by 8:00 when he was scheduled for the actual procedure Mama broke her hip. Bob the Great @ one end of the hospital and Mama coming in by ambulance at the other.
Bob is finally scheduled for his back surgery March 15. Mama had hip replacement surgery February 15, went to rehab Feb 17 and came home today.
I just thought I was busy before, this last month has just been non-stop.
Poor Bob the Great, wife broke her hip the day before his birthday again!! I was determined he wouldn't miss out. His birthday Feb. 15 fell on a Tuesday which is "Pizza Night". After work went to the party store, got balloons and decorations and 80 candles. Tom Thumb for a birthday cake. Went to Pizza Inn to decorate. Home and grabbed everybody. Met friends and celebrated......79 candles on the top of a birthday cake is unreal. Check out the pictures, I'll get them posted eventually.
So we added daily re-hab visits to our list. Mama pretty much blew the staff there away. She had done such a good job building herself up since her hip-replacement last year. She had continued doing her exercises after her physical therapy ended in December. I really believe she's several months ahead of her recovery last time. Our good friend Lisa spent every morning @ rehab with her, entertained and kept her company. Sure grateful for that little angel.We're so proud of Mama!!
Mama had decided not to go on the girls cruise with us the 24th of this month, whew, good decision. We have ended up with 19 gals going. Mom and I sure are ready for a break, though I don't know how much rest we'll get going off with this group!! Luckily my sweet little sister Crystal will come and help Lee hold down the fort for us while we're gone.
My brother Dan continues to help us out with home improvements. He's usually here for dinner, sometimes lunch. He moved home from Vegas last year when we bought the house. While in the midst of his midlife crises we've been fortunate enough to have his help' making our home more comfortable for all the occupants. Really glad he's here, don't know what we would do without him.
We do have really exciting news....our youngest daughter Sarah and her husband Richard are expecting their first child. I have named her Little Debbie, after both her grandmothers. Bet Richard $50.00 it's a girl...I had a dream!! Wonder what her name will really be.
This is a big old grand job we've taken on. I have always handled alot of responsibility, hope I can handle this. I did get back in the gym and so far lost 14 lbs and feeling better. Got mother and Bob going with me about once a week. Mom walked 1/2 mile last time, but Bob is in such poor condition I don't know if we can get him in shape. I worry about him. I can only encourage him so much before I become a bitch (become one? LOL)
10 doctors appointment in March, 1 surgery, physical therapy 2-3 times per week for Mama, manage the club and a 4 day vacation. Lordy, lordy I'm gonna blink and it will be April.
Good night 'till next time.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Lucky Grands
The Greats decided they just couldn't handle Shreveport, or the long drive. Lee, myself and my mother drove to Bob Sandlin Lake where my parents lived for many years to take Pop's ashes. Visited with some old friends while we were there. We took Pop's ashes to the end of the boat dock on their old property, it was the perfect place for him. It is beautiful there and the sun was shining bright!! RIP Larry Gilbert.
I think the Greats really enjoyed having the house to themselves while we were out of town.. First time since we moved we left them unsupervised. I told them " no running naked through the house or sex on the kitchen table". My brother came over both days we were gone and Mama even made him dinner.....microwave dinner put on a china place and canned corn. I really don't think she is missing cooking. She mentioned last week when we were iced in that "if she could ever get to her bread maker, she'd make bread all the time" I got it out and re-arranged the counter tops so she had a place to use it. I got it out Thursday, it's Sunday no bread yet. LOL
The Great, Bob, failed the stress test to get a release for his back surgery. He was supposed to have an angeogramn last Friday. However we were having the most beautiful snowstorm and we have to reschedule it. Taking him to the Thyroid Dr. tomorrow. He told me he was tired of going to Dr's. I told him unless he gets up off his ass and does some exercise his physical condition will just keep getting worse. He agreed to join the city's gym where they have a walking track.
It's all fine and good for me to keep reminding him he needs to exercise, it's easier said than done. I have stopped going to the gym since we moved and gained about 30 lbs. If I am going to be able to take care of everyone here I have to take care of myself!! Started a low carb diet and Mother, Bob and myself joined the city gym. Hoping we can motivate each other and all feel better....plus I gotta loose some weight for our girls cruise the end of March. Of course we joined and the next day the 4 days of unbelievable wet, cold and then snowy days hit Dallas this last Superbowl week and we haven't gotten to go yet.
We all enjoyed the snow, Mama got to have some snow ice cream, but I had the most fun. Growing up in Texas snow was a rarity so snow days have always been special to me. I used to get the kids up in the middle of the night to build snowmen, because most of the time I knew it would be gone by morning. Snow angels, snow ball fights and just everything looking so beautiful and white. Friends picked me up on Friday when we had about 8 inches and took me to do donuts in their 4-wheel drive vehicle....it was a blast. Thank you lord for the snow, sorry so many people had to miss work, but I think everyone enjoyed the extra time home with their families, thanks for that too.
The Grandfather will have a birthday Feb. 15, Mama broke her hip on his birthday last year. Mothers birthday is March 3 and Mama will be 92 on March 12. Everyday with them is a blessing and I love that we all get to live and grow old together. How did we ever get so lucky? Love you Lee.
I think the Greats really enjoyed having the house to themselves while we were out of town.. First time since we moved we left them unsupervised. I told them " no running naked through the house or sex on the kitchen table". My brother came over both days we were gone and Mama even made him dinner.....microwave dinner put on a china place and canned corn. I really don't think she is missing cooking. She mentioned last week when we were iced in that "if she could ever get to her bread maker, she'd make bread all the time" I got it out and re-arranged the counter tops so she had a place to use it. I got it out Thursday, it's Sunday no bread yet. LOL
The Great, Bob, failed the stress test to get a release for his back surgery. He was supposed to have an angeogramn last Friday. However we were having the most beautiful snowstorm and we have to reschedule it. Taking him to the Thyroid Dr. tomorrow. He told me he was tired of going to Dr's. I told him unless he gets up off his ass and does some exercise his physical condition will just keep getting worse. He agreed to join the city's gym where they have a walking track.
It's all fine and good for me to keep reminding him he needs to exercise, it's easier said than done. I have stopped going to the gym since we moved and gained about 30 lbs. If I am going to be able to take care of everyone here I have to take care of myself!! Started a low carb diet and Mother, Bob and myself joined the city gym. Hoping we can motivate each other and all feel better....plus I gotta loose some weight for our girls cruise the end of March. Of course we joined and the next day the 4 days of unbelievable wet, cold and then snowy days hit Dallas this last Superbowl week and we haven't gotten to go yet.
We all enjoyed the snow, Mama got to have some snow ice cream, but I had the most fun. Growing up in Texas snow was a rarity so snow days have always been special to me. I used to get the kids up in the middle of the night to build snowmen, because most of the time I knew it would be gone by morning. Snow angels, snow ball fights and just everything looking so beautiful and white. Friends picked me up on Friday when we had about 8 inches and took me to do donuts in their 4-wheel drive vehicle....it was a blast. Thank you lord for the snow, sorry so many people had to miss work, but I think everyone enjoyed the extra time home with their families, thanks for that too.
The Grandfather will have a birthday Feb. 15, Mama broke her hip on his birthday last year. Mothers birthday is March 3 and Mama will be 92 on March 12. Everyday with them is a blessing and I love that we all get to live and grow old together. How did we ever get so lucky? Love you Lee.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Grand Loss
Pop Gilbert passed away on December 29th. The surgeon had scheduled surgery for him on the 27th to do a heart valve replacement. He decided not to have the surgery, I think he didn't feel he would live through it. We took him to the Dr. to be sure he understood the consequences, and had the mental ability to make that decision. After our visit with the Dr. we felt we had to respect his wishes. The Dr. said he would have less than a year, but that his heart could just give up at any time. Loving and missing him, but knowing he's in a better place than this. We had a wonderful memorial for him on January 8th which celebrated a life well lived in service to others....RIP Pop!!
I decided that rather than buy the Grand kids a "disposable" toys for Christmas that we would give them a memory instead. So Lee, myself and our good friend Heather took 6 of our grand kids and her son, Nicholas, to Medieval Times on December 21...it was a blast. I think it's the best time I ever had with the Grand kids, and I think it's because their parents weren't there!!LOL.
So I had decorated the inside and outside of the house for Christmas, the inside of the club for Christmas and a Luau on New Years...had all my ducks in a row, all my balls juggling just fine ready for the holidays and I got sick as a dog. Spent the entire holidays sick. Had to cancel the big family get together. Had to cook for and oversee the Christmas party at the Club benefiting the outreach center...sick. Got up Christmas morning and pushed through to finish making Christmas dinner...sick. Then put on a New Years Eve Luau....sick. Life showed me, thought I was on top of things and instead I was sick.
So now we're 5 and Life with the Grands goes on with one less Grand.
Planning a girls cruise in March...Mama is still debating whether she'll go or not. If she does we'll have 4 generations of women on the trip, which would be really special. I just don't know if she's up to the confusion and chaos of a cruise ship and neither is she. So far 16 gals going....mothers, daughters, mother-in-laws and perhaps a Great Great grandmother.
The Grandfather Bob has to have some minor back surgery and has a problem with his remaining thyroid gland, hopefully all will go well with that and we can get him exercising, along with the rest of us.
Lee and I will have our 16th wedding anniversary next week. I believe this move with the Grands has really made out marriage stronger and helped us realize how much we love each other and how lucky we are to be together. So to celebrate we're taking the Grands and going to Shreveport to the casino's and make our donations.LOL
Pray for us in our new year and keep us in your thoughts. My prayer 2011 is that we all see it through to the end and enjoy loving and living together....PEACE!!
I decided that rather than buy the Grand kids a "disposable" toys for Christmas that we would give them a memory instead. So Lee, myself and our good friend Heather took 6 of our grand kids and her son, Nicholas, to Medieval Times on December 21...it was a blast. I think it's the best time I ever had with the Grand kids, and I think it's because their parents weren't there!!LOL.
So I had decorated the inside and outside of the house for Christmas, the inside of the club for Christmas and a Luau on New Years...had all my ducks in a row, all my balls juggling just fine ready for the holidays and I got sick as a dog. Spent the entire holidays sick. Had to cancel the big family get together. Had to cook for and oversee the Christmas party at the Club benefiting the outreach center...sick. Got up Christmas morning and pushed through to finish making Christmas dinner...sick. Then put on a New Years Eve Luau....sick. Life showed me, thought I was on top of things and instead I was sick.
So now we're 5 and Life with the Grands goes on with one less Grand.
Planning a girls cruise in March...Mama is still debating whether she'll go or not. If she does we'll have 4 generations of women on the trip, which would be really special. I just don't know if she's up to the confusion and chaos of a cruise ship and neither is she. So far 16 gals going....mothers, daughters, mother-in-laws and perhaps a Great Great grandmother.
The Grandfather Bob has to have some minor back surgery and has a problem with his remaining thyroid gland, hopefully all will go well with that and we can get him exercising, along with the rest of us.
Lee and I will have our 16th wedding anniversary next week. I believe this move with the Grands has really made out marriage stronger and helped us realize how much we love each other and how lucky we are to be together. So to celebrate we're taking the Grands and going to Shreveport to the casino's and make our donations.LOL
Pray for us in our new year and keep us in your thoughts. My prayer 2011 is that we all see it through to the end and enjoy loving and living together....PEACE!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)