This week Mom was tired. Very tired. The only answer is that her body is beginning to shut down. She is alert in the morning hours - until about 10 am. After that, it’s in and out of slumbers - some 30 seconds and others continuing on for some time.
Monday, Mom was presented with a new wheelchair - and a cushion. This was a much larger chair that allowed her to relax a bit more easily. She had an alright day, she nibbled here and there, but didn’t really care for much to eat.
Tuesday, Mom had a somewhat busy day. She was given a shower - and she didn’t even fight the idea - so she was quite clean and spruced up. Later, she went to the salon where she was given a wash, clip, and a blow-dry. She wasn’t quite thrilled with the idea of people snapping her photo, as you can see below:
And, yes, she is slumping quite prominently. They are able to use the wedge pillow I bought for her to help her lean forward toward her plate at mealtime. This helps her posture, but she’s not very thrilled with it.
Wednesday, the RLC came for a visit. Below is a snap of the three of them nearly 5 years ago - what a change you can see in Mom!
On the day this was taken, by Jean’s daughter, Christine, Mom forgot where she’d parked at Mary’s Woods, and was driven all around until they located the vehicle. They were visiting their friend, Martha Lou, who passed three years ago.
Here is a snap of the four of them on that day:
My, how time flies!
But, here is the report submitted by the two genteel ladies:
Connie and Jean arrived at noon, saw Norma at her usual table, but this time another resident,
Connie, and her daughter, Colleen, were there, too. We three visitors chatted easily, with the two residents looking interested--I hope. Resident Connie had lived in North Cottage; did not ask then why the change. She wore a big soft "collar" around her neck, which obviously bothered her.
Norma was wearing her warm maroon shirt, with light blue pants. We both admired her pretty hair, always with curls. Did Barbara cut it? I'm never sure.
Nurse Noelle joined the group for a while, then left for most of our time there. We saw her come in later.
Connie had brought a small catalog with colorful pictures of lovely, expensive clothes. We three looked at some of the pictures, commenting on them and whether we liked them, and how expensive they were. Connie had brought the Wall Street Journal, too. Norma was most of the time listening and offering a comment, which was often a thought she had but could not quite express.
Lunch was macaroni and cheese with pieces of chicken. Orange segments and cooked carrot slices were on her plate, too. Norma ate the orange pieces and about 4 chicken bites and a few carrot slices. When Jean started to feed her, she accepted it. We continued on with our chatting.
We were not paying attention to Norma and her glass of red liquid; she drank some, then tipped the glass so the liquid was on the floor. Jean got paper towels to wipe it up; Elsa finished up. I hope Dollar Tree has a plastic cup with a hole in the top for a bendable straw. Elsa said they have the straws at St.A's.
Norma stayed in her chair, with no signs of wanting to go somewhere.Jean brought coffee for Connie and her. A few times Norma closed her eyes, seeming ready to go to sleep. Once Jean asked if she was about to take a nap. We think she said, "Just a little one. "We chuckled at that.
Although it did not seem that long, we were there for two hours, noon-2 pm. Nothing exciting happened, but at least we kept our dear friend awake for that time.
And so it went.
Thursday went by without incident, until that evening when Mom decided she wanted to stalk Morina. Yes, she was walking (she can still do this, but it’s very difficult - but woe to they who tell her differently!) but slowly. Morina had just left when the med-aide heard a squeaking from the hallway. She arrived just in time to see Mom turn and (in slo-mo) fall cross-legged onto her hip. She later complained of her ankle hurting, so they helped her with this, but kept their eyes open in case she damaged any other parts.
Friday, Mom was up and alert. She tries to use the facilities on her own, but it’s not always possible - so the aides rush in when they hear the alarm on her bed. After picking at her breakfast, she went into her new mobile recliner and sat in the great room listening to Christmas music. There were no complaints of anything from the night before.
When I found her she was contentedly snoozing. She wasn’t much company, but I was able to get a cup or two of coffee into her, which seemed to do the trick.
We visited for a while and the time just flew. It was worth a few moments of taking in this soul that was, even a year ago, quite vital and able to manage a walk or two. How those abilities have diminished!
Saturday, Mom had a typical day and didn’t do much of anything except nibble and sleep.
Sunday, I found her sleeping at the table with a cup of coffee in front of her. I warmed it up and attempted a conversation. She wasn’t sure what Dad was up to, but she said he went off to take care of something; her mother is MIA, and she wants me to get in touch with her. I asked about her visit with my brother the previous day and she mumbled her response - more vaguely than any other of the day.
As I left, she was glaring at her arch foe across the room. This is a good sign - we’ve not seen much of this in the past couple of weeks, so I’m glad she can still manage an annoyance here and there.
One of my brothers asked how Mom is doing. I had to respond that every day she is a bit weaker and less and less herself. How long this will continue is unknown, but she’s comfortable, encouraged, loved, and well-taken care of. As I left she was beginning to engage in conversation with the woman sitting next to her for lunch - another sign of encouragement, but alas, it won’t last.
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