Friday, July 29, 2016

p.s.... the last word,,,

Oh, Mama... We just had  a little "discussion" in a super calm voice on my part (I thought). I explained we were not going to argue and she could yell if she wanted but I could only go so fast and yelling wouldn't make me get there any faster..  She looked at me quite squarely
with a not too pleasant gleam in her eyes...

After I came in to the other room I heard her voice.... "You are very...very... very lucky, very lucky your mother puts up with this, PUTS UP WITH YOU! My mother didn't. You are a sass box."

Oh, Mama....



Whimsy and Hugs!

5 comments:

Latane Barton said...

Oh, the trials of caregiving. I feel for you. But, you must find humor whenever you can. It keeps you sane.

Miss Merry said...

Prayers for sanity! I do love this. I hope it made you giggle.

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh sweet Gayla.....you are being so strong, so loving, so patient. I do understand the feelings that fill your heart right now and the thoughts that can seemingly overwhelm you at times. It takes so much patience to care for a loved one with dementia. SO very much. And if you feel that your momma needs to be at home with you and you feel good about it, know that God is blessing your decision.

I know that when my dad insisted he care for my mom at home, I immediately pushed back knowing how it would wear on him eventually - emotionally, physically, psychologically. I thought that being in a nursing home would be easier for him and better for her. It did wear on him after a while. He was oh so exhausted, on such a strict daily schedule, never getting more than a few hours of sleep at a time. So be sure to take time to meditate, pray, get away for the day if possible, socialize, etc. You need to keep your own health up.

But now I understand the need and desire to keep a loved one at home....close to you. I would do the same now. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else caring for my mom. You can hire some help to come in to give her baths, help with feeding, washing her clothes, etc. My dad hired caregivers to come in from 9-1 and 5-8 every day. He did have to pay for some of it out of pocket, but it well worth every penny. It provided him some time to grocery shop, meet up with friends, go to church, etc.

Oh, and be sure to keep your momma hydrated. For some odd reason, older people just don't drink enough water. It's SOOOO important for them to get 6-8 oz every hour or so. Don't wait until she's thirsty. It's a sign of dehydration which can cause UTIs, constipation, and other problems.

Know that I am keeping you both in my prayers, sweet one. May God continue to carry you along this journey with your momma and bless you with peace of mind, comfort, good health, patience, good nights sleep, and love. I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to...

Love and hugs ~ xoxo laurie

RachelD said...

OH, my Dear!

Just catching up on the last couple of weeks, for both we and our computer have been on a couple of vacations---we to visit GRANDS and a lovely cousin I've not seen since '04, and computer to shop, twice.

Just know I'm thinking of you and wishing you peaceful days, sweet sleep, restful dreams, and a heartful of MAGICK.

rachel

Anonymous said...

I, too, am just catching up on recent posts, and I just can't imagine the hope and heartbreak. You are so beautiful and amazing, Gayla. I agree with all the other comments. I love your family! Wishing you all the best,
Ellen
Cuz in CA