A round of applause for all! I think everyone did a remarkable job doing their "duty" to love and serve thy parents. After reading all the blogs, I quite honestly think my "tour of duty" was the least rewarding to them, because after reading all these notes each and every one of you played a HUGE influence on Mom's support.
Rondah & Chuck - BRAVO! You both were the absolute best choice to getting Mom to the hospital, being there for the surgery, and being there for Dad. Rondah - you were able to calm both M&D because of your past surgical experiece, provide emotional and physical strength through her toughest times, and provide the "tools" needed to get her through this. Chuck - you were instrumental in helping Dad understand and comprehend what's happening, calming his nerves, and preparing this Blog! There couldn't have been a better choice here. Thank you so much for pulling the first week. You helped the sibblings as well calming us in knowing and understanding what she's going through.
Sheilah - In my opinion, the absolute person to be with Mom and Dad during her 1st week home. Again, couldn't have been a better plan! I know Mom was reassured you were there - you eased her mind on the sutures, meds, sugar content, her weight, etc. You met her surgeon which made all of us (and Dad) glad and comforted in knowing he did good. Understand you met Dr. Moore and was able to talk with her. Your medical expertise has played a huge part in this and we're all greatful for that as well. Thank you, too, for getting the Handicap Placard (it was you, right?) as they so needed that, that first change of bed linens and shopping. Oh, can't forget your love of those hickory nuts, and your worthy instructional lessons from Chuck on the workings of an Ipod! We all enjoyed watching (and hearing) how you've masterfully accomplished that skill! And by the way, you should know, Mom does look forward to your daily calls - it comforts her, it really does!
Patrick - you may have felt awarkward, but believe me, Mom told me numerous times how much you helped them out! It was good to have a guy there for Dad - he appreciated that, too. During your duty, you started taking time off, giving them more freedom which I think was the start of their next road to recovery. That proved well - timing was perfect. You got to do duties that helped them out, which proved she was getting back to normal by now. Thank you for bringing Andrew with you so they could enjoy not only their son, but their grandson! Got their mind off a few things with Andrew there! The only concern Mom had was your long drive home from Atlanta in one trip!!! You know that - I saw Mom's anxiety not knowing if you got home safely or not! But once you called to say you made it home - instant relief! And, the fact that the Cubs beat Atlanta made Dad happy!!! Oh, tell Andrew that I, too, heard the little pitter-patter of the mice feet in the basement ceiling!
My turn was actually a cooking experience! I really believe Mom enjoyed "teaching" me how to cook! I made (with Mom's instructional guidance) two meals which turned out wonderful. My "tour" was actually uneventful, mostly daily chores which got her and Dad back on track. Grocery shopping, liquor store run, laundry, bed changing, linens, ironing, plant watering, deck sweeping, but more importantly, sharing moments watching 4th of July parade (twice!) and Boston Fireworks. She really enjoyed that. Lived through a severe storm which unfortunatly killed 2 people on Abrams Falls (tree fell on them during hike when freak storm hit), and the total destruction of Sieverville's Douglas Dam Marina. Thankfully no power outages in Gatlinburg, but brought to mind what would happen if they did lose power - no fridge, freezer, lights, etc. My duty was to strengthen Mom in using the Sticks - keep her on the walker for balance, but start strenghening her on the sticks. Knowing we had just 2 more child-support visits, I wanted her to know how to use the sticks comfortably.
Mike - another Son visit - I instantly saw how Dad took to you. He really does like having male companionship. Perfect timing, again! We couldn't have planned this any better! You presented them more privacy than any one of us had. You stayed at the hotel all the time, giving them insight to what life was going to be like in one more week. You fixed my errors (by replacing the sink nozzle....thank you, thank you, thank you!), and provided support when needed. Most importantly - thank you for bringing both of them to church on Sunday. Mom hadn't been to mass in quite a long time and she so desparately wanted to go. Sorry your breakfast wasn't the best (those dang kids at McD's, hah? Gving you an empty breakfast container). Best it happened to you than Dad! And Marciah so appreaciates you picking her up at the airport. That was a blessing in itself. Glad you made it home and can relax your injured leg. Surprised you made the entire trip without letting word out to them you were in a plastic cast!
And Marciah - our last caregiver. Oh my gosh, it seems like you got the worst of the deal with all the mice issues! Your blogs were so comical! Eee-gads! You are so brave to tackle and deal with those "things"! You had bathroom duty, and am so sorry the Sarge was watching over you! Great comment to Mom about the cleaning lady will only wash the toliet once and that they're pros who know how to do this! You must have worked the hardest to work up a sweat! I never got to that point! But you know, I think you're "job" must have been an important one, too, because you knew you were the last care-giver. That meant you had to make sure Mom and Dad were comfortable on their own from this point on. You have to ensure all of us that Mom is "good to go", or that she has most of her strength back, and that before you left, that all was in it's rightful place ready to continue on. You brough humor to all by writing of mom's crazy go-cart rides in the grocery store - that was great! I would have never thought of doing that! Great job!
I can only speak for myself - when I left them, I had a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. I muffled a sob as I hugged them good-bye. Mike was witness to that. I had a wonderful experience with them, I'm glad I was able to be there on a one-to-one basis. It tore my heart to wave good-bye to Mom from her bedroom window - did she do that with you all? Say good-bye upstairs, then :race" to her bedroom and knock on the bedroom window, as she leaned on her walker, wave good-bye? How touching - a Mother's love will always be within.
A stresfull month has passed. Today is 7/15, her surgery was 6/20, but I know on 6/15 I was stressing out on the outcome and unknown results. It's over, recovery still in process, but worries over. Collectively, we all did it. Each one of us should be patted on the back - job well done.
Now Chuck - it's in your hands - what happens now to this Blog?!?!?
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