Tag: Family

Family Love

Alzheimer's, Dementia, Faith, Family First, Friendship, Grief, Kindness, Love

The Matriarch

plantspoliticsandthelord

She was tough. She loved fiercely. She conquered everything she touched. She loved being strong. She had strong feelings. People listened to her. And she wanted to be heard. Her kindness mattered. People wanted to be a part of her world. Family was what was the most important to her. She did anything for family. And Friends. You were lucky to be a part of that group. And you knew you were lucky. Her rings were BIG. Her charm bracelet was loud. You could hear her coming. Everyone commented on her jewelry. She was happy to show it off. She would let you touch it. Divine is a word to describe her. She shined. In fact she glowed. She always had platinum blonde hair. She always said that when she dies, her roots better be done… She was classy AF. Still is. She demanded respect. She got it too. She was a dancer. She had passion. She was confident, when being confident wasn’t cool. She was a strong business woman. She could hold her own. She was beautiful. Still is. When I was a kid we would go to Frederick & Nelson. She loved that store. She would wear her long fur coat when we went. She was a looker with that coat on. She wore it so much, after twenty some years she cut it and made it short. People would watch her walk in that coat. She was smokin’ hot and I was the cool 7 year old holding her hand just watching people watch her. She would even wear her black sun glasses too. She had a green thumb. She planted avocados. There were avocado starts all over the house. She was known for them and if you asked, she would give you one. (I like to think maybe that’s why I love plants so much…?) She was a cook. When her and my Uncle had parties, she was the cook. There was no catering. She did it all. People talk about her cooking to this day. Her crab salad. OMG! HER CRAB SALAD!! She was (still is) a night owl. She would go to bed at 3am and up at 1pm. That’s just the way it went. She danced for a living. She taught dancing. She lived to dance. When she slowed down, so did her dance, it was so odd. Maybe this was the start of the change? Not sure. She was fine with it, but would still give it a shot. She had a problem with her foot, so we just blamed it on that. She is my Aunt Dorothy. And at 52, I still call her Aunt Dorothy.

My Aunt Dorothy has been diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. The disease is so difficult. There is not a “definition” that fits this disease. She is defiantly different than others with this disease. We all saw signs. We now know the signs started years ago. She slowed down. Things weren’t as important anymore. Which was fine. We all get older. The driving became an issue. But she didn’t want to get rid of her car, because she would drive again. And we all knew she would. But she didn’t. She would tell you that she forgets. But we all do. We knew what she was talking about. But not Aunt Dorothy. This disease wouldn’t take her. I remember years ago (2015) she told me, “My Doctor told me I have Demencia…” I remember looking at my husband and kind-of giving him the look of, “…did you just hear that?” But, it was Aunt Dorothy. Demencia was not Dementia. Right? I never asked my Uncle. In fact, I blocked it out. Nothing could happen to the Queen. Her elegance would stop it. We all love the Lord and we just knew he had this. She was a staunch Catholic. The Lord knew that. So, not her. It hurts.

I had the shear pleasure of living with her for 7 weeks, last year. As I was going through Proton Radiation, I lived with my Aunt & Uncle. They so graciously opened up their home to me. It was my safe space as I was going through so much. I am so thankful I got to be by my Aunts side. I just don’t want her to forget me. Ever. I was scared she would see me and just look at me like – who are you? She never did. I would great her as soon as she woke up. I always go straight to her and say, HI!. Typically, louder than normal. I wanted her to know I was there. She did. Or did she? I never want to know if she didn’t. I always hug her and tell her how much I love her and how much she is loved.

After living with her and seeing/noticing her patterns, I started Googling, TikTok-ing, etc.; to learn more about this disease. I’m passionate about this new knowledge. The crazy thing is there is nothing the same. Yes, the memory is gone. But, not all the way. And it does come back in some moments. Sleeping is difficult. She struggles with that. Therefore, everyone around her struggles with sleeping as well. I have learned that is very common. We will be having a conversation and she will remember people being talked about and then a minute later, she will ask who we were talking about. You learn to just move on with conversation. Which is hard because you want to explain what you were just talking about and for them to remember. But they just don’t. They can’t. But then sometimes she remembers a lot… This disease is just tough.

My Aunt had lung cancer, like 30 years ago (YES – 30) and she survived. She beat the hell out of lung cancer… So, it’s so hard when you see her now and say, WHY? She was so tough. Now she is just so fragile. She still dresses up. Still makes comments if you weigh too much. She doesn’t like jeans with holes in them and will let you know that. She eats good, still likes her Chardonnay, loves going out for dinner – her Chardonnay, BTW, is half Chard, half water. We found it is what works best. She has never really questioned it and we have never explained why we get up and go talk to the waiter right after we order. It’s just a thing. Dessert is her favorite and she will have a chocolate sundae any time of the day. This is semi new. When I was growing up, she did not eat desserts. She was a dancer and watched what she put in her mouth. She would advise others to do the same…

We have cried many tears over this. The fear of her not knowing her family; and you knowing that. It’s so scary. I never ask why her. We love the Lord and have learned that we need to let God take the wheel. I have never questioned this. Because of this situation, I have seen things God is doing around my Aunt. My Uncle is so incredibly patient. He was/is your typical 70’s, 80’s business man. Men took care of business back then. He was short on patience. He made people nervous. Business was his game. It still is… If you couldn’t keep up or see it how he did – you needed to move out of the way. The patience he has for my Aunt, makes me cry. He very softly explains to her. He wants her to understand what is going on around her. Her questions are hard sometimes and it’s just a new, lack of understanding.

My Uncle now cooks. Seeing him cook is so cool. (He’s a really good cook too…) He never had to cook. Ever… If my Aunt knew this – She see’s him cook, but her “knowing” is different – she would crack up. Actually she would probably take the food out of his hand and make him go sit down. It’s that stuff that literally is fun. She still remembers cooking. She remembers recipes at times. She was such a powerhouse in the kitchen. It is so strange to think her cooking days are long gone. Those are the things that hurt. Watching her at the table, waiting to eat and simply not knowing how important the kitchen was to her. She has no clue. That hurts.

Screenshot

About 3 years ago, she asked me to come into her bathroom, she wanted to show me something. I go back and she forgot what she was going to show me. It was fine, we chit chatted and I saw something by the bath tub that I hadn’t seen in YEARS. It was an ashtray. It was my Gramma’s. It is gold. It is in the shape of a beautiful flower. You pull the leaves out and it is a little ash tray and the part of the leave that hooks in to make it a flower, is the part where the cigarette actually lays. I mean, your like, ashtray? Yeah. It was so cool. And when my Gramma had a party, all of the women wanted to use that. I wanted to be a smoker back then, just to use it. I remember just carrying it around pretending I was a smoker. (My Gramma would be mortified – HA!) After looking at this, she remembered why we came back to the bathroom. When I was in 3rd grade, she bought me a perfume maker. She just asked me to give her the first bottle that I made – SHE STILL HAD THAT BOTTLE! It was so cool. The perfume was gone. I thought it evaporated or something. She told me she wore it until it was gone. WHAT?! She actually wore it. Makes my heart so happy.

This is my Aunt Dorothy today. She is still absolutely gorgeous, inside and out, but just in so many different ways. The future is so unknown; but man, she is soooo loved and kind and funny and loving…

According to Wikipedia; this is the definition of both Dementia & Alzheimer’s:

Dementia is a syndrome associated with many neurodegenerative diseases (most commonly Alzheimer’s), which is characterized by a general decline in cognitive abilities that impacts a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. This typically involves problems with memory, thinking, behavior, and motor control.[10] Aside from memory impairment and a disruption in thought patterns, the most common symptoms include emotional problems, difficulties with language, and decreased motivation.[2] The symptoms may be described as occurring in a continuum over several stages.[11][a] Dementia ultimately has a significant effect on the individual, caregivers, and on social relationships in general.[2] A diagnosis of dementia requires the observation of a change from a person’s usual mental functioning and a greater cognitive decline than what is caused by normal aging.[13]

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens,[2] and is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia.[2][14] The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events.[1] As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioral issues.[2] As a person’s condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society.[15] Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to twelve years.[16][12]

These two definitions describe how it all started, how it’s going, and what we might expect. It is sooo different for everybody. It is so hard for everyone suffering with these diseases. I follow several people on social media, simply to learn about this disease. These three are my favorite. You can find them on Face Book or Instagram:

Dan Salinger ( https://www.facebook.com/dansalinger1122 )

Kameron & Sarah ( https://www.facebook.com/p/Kameron-Sarah-100092567840534/ )

debrakostiwcmds ( https://www.instagram.com/debrakostiwcmds/ )

With these three, I have found that everybody’s story is the same, but so different. It’s hard. You get frustrated; but damn it, we LOVE this person. Who you love, has changed, so much. But, we love them anyway. Always. This person, is my Aunt Dorothy.

.Follow.Like.Share.

Aging Parent, DeadDadsClub, Faith, Grief, Love

It’s Been Awhile. 544 Days to be Exact.

plantspoliticsandthelord

It’s been 544 days since I have written. 544 days since I’ve had a clear thought. 544 days since my head hasn’t felt like it is spinning off my shoulders. 544 days since I have opened up about it. 544 days since I felt the pain. 544 days since this pain of grief started. 544 days since my Dad died.

Some people get it. Most don’t. His presence is lost, but it’s like he is still here, or around. I can still feel him. I hear him. I see his riddled body. Cancer took it away, and so damn fast. Or was it fast? It’s hard to remember that sickness. Or forget it. I can’t remember. You look back and ask if you are thankful or not. Thankful the Lord took him to get out of such misery; or not. What is it? That’s why I haven’t written. My mind is stuck. Spinning, really. Turned off. I’ve missed out on a lot of life, trying to move forward. I’m learning. Moving ahead. I’m trying to remember the trips to Disney. And not his hands that looked like something that belonged to a skeleton. His fingernails looked so big. Hands so small. It was just a few hours before he died that I hugged him. He looked bad. But it was what he looked like for quite a while. I didn’t know that was the last day. I drove off. I shook my head just trying to be the strong one. Pretending it is all okay when I walk through the door at home. Not really saying much. Really not knowing what to say. I pretended nothing had changed. Then a few hours later I got a phone call. My Dad was back in the hospital. It was weird. My Sister called. We knew. We just knew. But we didn’t say anything to each other. Because we knew. Right? Then, my phone woke me up. My Dad died. At that moment I was surprised. But, why? It hurt. It still hurts just like that moment. It’s hard to put a smile on your face and pretend everything is a-okay. Like you do. You just have to. Or so it seems. Why can’t you just hide under the covers and watch Dateline? Forever… Keith Morrisons voice is soothing. That’s what I needed. But no, you have to go back to normal. Normal? Yeah. Work, the grocery store, etc. 544 days; I’m finally coming back. Finally. It would have been my Dads 74th birthday today. Seven Four. Wow. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dad. You are missed so.damn.much. I will see you again. That makes me so happy! #deaddadsclub #notcool

The Best Dad on the Planet!

Screenshot

Taking my Dad to the Cancer Center. He wanted to stop at Starbucks. We talked about trains; I took him to my Son’s college; showed him where he lived. It was a GREAT trip. Simple, when life wasn’t.

This is what cancer looks like. My Dad had lost 100 pounds in about 4 months.

My favorite picture. This was taken right after I met my husband. Life was just so simple.

Faith, Family First, Love

.THIS.Kid.

plantspoliticsandthelord
CJH; April, 2022

On Sunday, my Son’s GF texted me a picture of my Son. (^^That picture^^)They were at a restaurant, having dinner. Spring break was ending and eating out was probably the last thing they needed before starting their new quarter. Or at least that is what this Mom thinks. The picture just made me happy.

I look at life so differently now. I’m a Mom of Bigs. My Son is a big kid now. He doesn’t need me. Or does he? He has proven that he can buy his own groceries; cook; go to school and work. He doesn’t come home much anymore. His time frame is very lean now. Making any commitments on his end is hard. It’s not just a school thing – it’s now a school AND work thing. So, our time with him is limited, too.

My Husband and I went on our first vacation without him – a few weeks ago. It was weird. Not worrying about him. Did we order him a snack for the plane ride? Did he eat? Did he get enough sun screen spray on him? Is he at the pool or the beach? Did he go back to the room? Can I read a book or should I make sure he is swimming and not at the bottom of the pool? Is the hot tub too hot? Will he know it’s to hot? He wants to go grab some musubi across the street – is that okay? He would leave and I would go look and made sure he didn’t get hit by a car. I would immediately, go back to my pool chair – just so no one know what I was doing – my kid would never knew and my Husband would just think I went the the bathroom.

Now that I’ve been home for a few weeks – I look back and think – what the hell?! No wonder I’m medicated! I need to turn it off! Bah! Here’s the thing – my kid is 21!! I still worry about him like he is three. Why?! He was raised right. He’s a fab kid. He is soooo loved.

He has had the same GF for a few years now – we love her – they are super great together. Because of her I don’t worry much about him being away at school. I now know someone else that loves him just as much as I do – is taking care of him. I still worry. It is getting easier… The Lord knew I only needed one… TYJ

Love, A

Aging Parent, Assisted Living, Faith, Family First, Kindness, Love

The Future. For My Parents…

plantspoliticsandthelord

So, a decision was made by my Sister and I about 3 months ago. Our parents need to go into Assisted Living. Assisted Living. Roll that one off of your tongue a couple of times. Hear that – My parents need to go into Assisted Living. That’s a tough one. However, the last few years have been a struggle. Not only for my Sister and I, but obviously, for my Parents. Change. I actually like change. I think that comes from my years in Retail. I always loved the “new” things; the up and coming; the un known; the rule changing. I never really minded that. Most people are not like that though. I think this is really hitting my Sister hard. And my Parents too. They like the house they live in. They have lived there for close to 30 years. But, they are starting to figure out that the little things aren’t so little anymore. Shoveling snow; Mowing the grass; Making sure you are fed; Getting yourself to and from the Doctor; and so much more. The thought process is exhausting; for all. Therefore, this decision has been tough. We really had to just step in and make life changing choices. In the middle of COVID, none the less. Tough stuff.

Becoming my Parents’ POA was odd. Who makes those kind of decisions? The ones for all Health Care and Financial everything. That’s hard stuff. Granted, my Dad had, had this conversation with me a few years back. Well, a few years back he was healthier. He was younger; he didn’t have cancer. Stepping into this is hard. Writing DNR (do not resuscitate) several times, was scary. Knowing their financials is weird. It’s awkward. Explaining to them – how their money is now going to be spent – from now on. Explaining that all of the money they worked very hard for is now going to be distributed so much differently. My Dad feels like he worked hard and now has nothing to show for that. The catch? He knows that this is what he needs for he and my Mom. As I keep bring up my “Dad” in these recent conversations and not my Mom – Well, that is because she is in a rehabilitation clinic. Has been for a few months. Why you ask? Because when my Dad was in the hospital trying to get (cancer) better, my Mom was home, by herself, and fell. She could not get up and my Sister had a weird feeling, drove out there and just like that – walked into the house and found her on the floor – where she had been for a full day and a half. She is a faller. With my Dad losing over 100 pounds due to his cancer, he can not help her get up. He has lost his strength. Another reason why that decision was made. In the Assisted Living facility that they are moving into, there will be people to help, if she falls. My Sister and I feel happy with simply knowing that. Since my Sister is the “local one”. She is the one always trying to figure out the what’s next, on the long list of things. Thank God she will now have help – At all times.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The process was easy. Did I just say that? Easy?? Honestly, I didn’t know how to start the process, but I do have a Friend that works in this business, if you will. She gave me the phone number to get the ball rolling. I started with that. Getting started was odd. I had no idea what to write on most of the questions. 75% of the questions – I guessed at, with my fingers crossed. They did contact me – so I guess I did okay! There were a total of 6 Social Workers we had to deal with and they were ALL GREAT!! We would have had less, but when you are a married couple and you don’t live in the same house – you get your own. With my Mom being in Rehab, she “lived” at a different place; therefore a different Social Worker. They all helped so much!! They were very gracious with the way they spoke about my Sister and I. It is nice to hear that all of the work we have done and are doing has been noticed and is not typical.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Today my husband was off and I worked half the day and we drove to where my Parents live. Today was POA signing. It was weird. My Dad’s hand writing has changed so rapidly. He was struggling to write. He asked if I could help. He held his hand up, with the other hand. Tried to write and that didn’t work. His signature was always the same. Forever. Until now. His fingers looked different. His wedding ring doesn’t fit. My Mom on the other hand was a whole different story. She hasn’t driven in well over 10 years. She does not have an updated drivers license – it expired in 2013. Her passport expired in 2018. The Notary wouldn’t notarize her stuff. Since the drivers license expired more than 6 months ago, she now has to go in. That won’t happen. She can not get around well. My Dads birthday is next month and he needs a new DL this year. Guess who did it online?? ME! Done.

We got to go on a tour of their facility today. It was awesome! We asked so many questions and got the best answers. The residents were so nice and kind. With COVID, the touring was off. Obviously. But we felt welcomed. It really made me feel happy. This is exactly what was supposed to happen. I feel like I don’t have to keep telling myself that now. This is getting real. Real, real.

I went back to my parents house today as I will not be able to come the following weekend, due to a much needed girls weekend. Something that has been in the works for a few months. I got my Mom to sign her last few bits of paperwork. Her writing; watching her struggle to sign her name. The J is off. The N didn’t look like an N. It is so weird. Really hard for a kid to watch. She was always the one to write the checks as a kid. Signed all of your notes for school. Her signature was always the same. Always. My Dad has been doing all of the bill paying, signings, etc. for the last 15, or so years. Now my Sister is doing it for them. This kind of change is just so hard to watch.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As I was at my vanity today, getting ready, I was listening to a podcast and my phone rang. It was my Dad. I hate seeing the phone ring from their house. I like to be the one calling – I will then know nothing is wrong…

Me: Hello?

Dad: Hi, kiddo. It’s your Dad.

Me: Is everything okay?

Dad: Yes. Don’t think that every time I call you, something is wrong.

Me: Totally smiling…

Dad: I was wondering, do you think we will be able to move ______ into the apartment….

We then went over the yeses and no’s, the layout, what should work, what won’t, etc. I was just so happy that he is thinking. He is wondering. He is nervous, but excited. I can’t wait to bring the UNO cards over and play a few games. I think the weight is getting lifted off of his shoulders.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I was gone for a Girls Weekend last week. I needed a break. From my parents, from my house, work; well, life. I went with my friends. Good Friends. We played on the ocean. The weather was brisk, windy, sunny, rainy… It was just what I needed. On my way there, my Dad’s social worker called. It came up on the screen, in my car. I chose not to answer. My Gals in the car did say, “Do you need to answer that…?” I didn’t want to. I just didn’t. When we got to where we were staying, I immediately listened to the message. I had to call the following morning. All was well, but its so on going. All.The.Time. It seems to not stop. Ever. Did I actually say this is somewhat easy? Bah!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I can now tell my Dad is questioning this whole thing. I called him yesterday on my way to the gym and said, “Dad, I have your 4-Runner sold, the gentleman will be here on Saturday, early.”

Dad: “Oh, okay. You’ve been busy. I will call Willie tomorrow and make an appointment for Saturday.”

Me: “I already made an appointment. We will be going in at Noon. Doe’s that work for you guys?”

Dad: “Geez, you really have this put together. It’s coming up fast. Okay, I will just see you as planned on Saturday. You better get to the gym.”

Just like that, our conversation was over. What is happening is, my Dad is on chemo for his cancer. It is actually helping and he is starting to feel better. My Mom is now home. She is actually doing pretty well. Can get around without her walker, etc. He is feeling good about both of them being home. Both feeling better; and I mean how bad would it be to just stay home. He is thinking they could do it for awhile more. You feel bad about that. But you can’t look back. Forward moving only. My Sister and I know this is what needs to be done. Still. Things have not changed.

This coming weekend is when my Mom and Dad get their assessments done at the facility. The contract is signed, sealed and delivered. It states that yes- you are moving in. My Mom really hasn’t asked questions; well, at least not to me. I am yearning for them to just get moved in and situated. They will end up liking it. I hope. Fingers crossed.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Well, Saturdays tour went very well. My Mom was unable to go, but my Dad LOVED it! I was so happy! My Dad had his assessment and the gal was able to answer a lot of his questions. It was so nice to hear him telling my Mom about it. Prior to us leaving, he had told me that he wanted to celebrate his birthday (coming up in a few days) at his house, because it would be that last time doing that. By him saying that, it made me sad. Him just thinking that. But, I do think all of that has changed. I now want to make sure we do his birthday big – In the new place!!

After all of the commotion and thinking we really are doing the right thing, my Sister contacted me telling me how excited Dad was, talking to her. That’s when you just keep tackling this beast and know that there will be a happy ending.

I will be traveling back to their house this weekend. This is the true start to the packing. My Sister and I will be doing it together. What do you throw away? Is there things you should keep? What will hurt feelings if it doesn’t show up at the new place? Will they know? I will be ordering a dumpster and going to the dump. Not a lot will be going. Or will it? It’s weird. The following weekend will be the actual move! I am excited for that day.

This coming Monday, I will be taking my Dad to a Doctor that specializes in the removal of my Dad’s kind of tumor. We will be road tripin’. Haven’t done this with him for at least 30 years – since high school. I am hoping my Dad’s health will be well enough to be in the car for a long period of time. Fingers crossed!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

So, I took my Dad to his appointment on Monday. It was really fun. We weren’t sure what time to for sure leave, so we left 4 hours prior to the appointment. Not smart. I drove 85 the whole way (I’m not proud of that…) and we happened to get there 2 hours early. Oooooopppsss!! I had to improvise. We drove through Cheney, which is where my Son goes to college. I showed my Dad my Son’s old dorm, the PUB, the red turf field, etc. It is something he would have never seen. It was neat. We then went the back way to Spokane. Found the Cancer Care Center – and still had an hour to kill. We drove through Spokane via Division. It had been many, many years since my Dad had been to Spokane, but he could still refer to the city. His mind clearly worked.

On the way, we drove by many trains and big trucks – he told me stories about them. It was cool. I learned a lot.

When it was finally time for us to go into his appointment we were greeted right away and taken back. The Nurse was pretty intense, but knowledgeable. She knew her stuff. Then the Doc came in. She specializes in esophageal and stomach cancers. She had just read my Dads scans. She made things very clear on the next steps. I think that made us feel better. Everything is still “unknown”, if you will; but we did get some answers. We came up with – no surgery, at this point. She could totally tell that my Dad really does not want to do this unless, he has to. She agreed and said, lets keep doing chemo and start radiation. So, that is the next step.

What I was not ready for were the death questions…. You know, like, if I quit doing chemo right now, how long do I have to live…? If I don’t want to do radiation, how long do I have to live…? When we got into the car for our trip back, we talked about results, scans, the Doc, etc. We felt good about the visit. However, I did say, geez Dad, why the death questions? I really wasn’t ready for that… He then, simply says, did you notice she couldn’t really answer them…? I ended the conversation.

The next day was the day that we signed the actual move-in contract and my Mom was going to actually take her first tour. She was very hesitant, as this is difficult. Leaving what you know. She also had to do her first assessment. She absolutely loved her new place! Her assessment went very well, too. She is definitely going into it feeling more comfortable.

Before I left to go home, I gave my Dad a list of a few things that needed to get taken care of. One was, take the 4-Runner off of your insurance (we ended up selling the 4-Runner) and call the cable company and transfer everything so you have cable on the day you move. Simple enough. I told him he will need the new address and that when I got to work, Monday morning, I would call him and let him know what it is. On my way to work, he called me. He called to tell me that I did not have to call back with the address, that he had found a pone book and got the address!! Thank God for phone books! I shared his utter happiness. About an hour later, while I was at work, he called again. This time he wanted to tell me that he got the 4-Runner off the insurance and cable is ready to go for this Saturday. He has to be at the new apartment at 12 to 1 – that’s when they will be there. He then said, your Mother and I will be ready to actually move in by then, can we…? I am so very happy they are this excited.

Tomorrow, we move the Parents in. I’m so excited for them. This is their new, new. More than likely, the last place they will ever live…

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It is official – the parents are moved into their new apartment. They seem happy. It makes them content. It is easier. For all of us. I finally feel some sort of peace. I don’t feel worry before I call, if I choose not to call… Relief.

There are a few things left to move, but not things that are a “have too”. It happens to be Easter weekend and I told my parents that I would not be coming this weekend. The first one I have decided to stay home. I need to do stuff at MY home. I want to sleep in, in MY bed. I need to rest my head. I want to wake up and have coffee with my Friends that I haven’t been able to have coffee with for a few months. I need a break. I really need a break…

Next step? Get their house ready to sell. That’s a whole other process. But, I’m ready for it. Jesus took the wheel a long time ago… TYJ

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What have I learned? Trust the process. Pray. Be organized. Very organized.

Organization is key. ALL Documentaion; E-Mail; POA; etc.

This binder is a life line. It has everything in it. And I mean EVERYTHING…. If I lost it, I would cry. There is a lot of work in it. Work in which I hope to never have to do again.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________