Archive for August, 2010

The night before last, I slept 13 hours – from 7:30pm til 8:30am.

Last night I slept from 1:30am til about 9am.

Am I depressed, overtired, unable to face the reality?

It’s worrisome in one way and then I remember always needing lots of sleep. Maybe a recent 65th kicked in and this is how I am officially greeting the milestone.

Any thoughts?

I watched a male resident casually eat sandwiches from the lady’s plate. He would take a fair size bite, put sandwich back then eat some of his own meal. I was worried for her as she is so slim already.

After a bit, I quietly notified the nurses. “Oh, my gosh. He could choke! He’s on a pureed diet.” He seemed to be doing very well. They will seat him across the table from a male resident for his next meals, hoping he can’t reach across.

Yesterday I touched her shoulder as I walked by with Wayne. She didn’t react with her usual big smile. Little did I know she had less than 24 hours left on Earth. Bless your heart, M.

M arrived at the care home a couple months ago, always telling us that her family would be “Here soon to pick me up”. Once she asked me if her husband had started playing yet – they were musicians. Told her he’d be starting soon. She happily thanked me.

Many evenings she’d go to the (non working) telephone, dialing her house, wanting to know where everyone was. “They aren’t answering,” she’d say to us as she returned to the table. We would suggest she try a bit later and that satisfied her.

If someone new sat down at “her” table, she’d offer food, “there’s lots, you know.” Such a beautiful, charming and gracious lady.

Godspeed, M, you fought a good fight. May you rest in His arms, whole again. We will miss you and always love you.

So, Wayne turned 69 years of age today. “Happy birthday, Darling!”

I phoned the nurses to let Wayne sleep til I got to the care home about 9:30am We celebrated with his having a coffee in bed, then got ready for the day.

After a quick drive around, we arrived at my sister’s place for a birthday lunch, cake, gifts and lots of love.

About 4:30 pm, I settled him in bed for and. He smiled and agreed he’d had a good day but was tired. Both sons called as did my brother.

Sleep well tonight, my Love.

Today was not a good day for Wayne.. I arrived before noon, he hadn’t eaten breakfast or lunch. the nurse was glad to see me and quickly heated his meal.

Wayne was very irate and kind of shaky. I got him milk and juice then tried to reason with him about eating, “You have to eat Hon or you’ll get sick.”

“I’ll get sick if I eat this stuff!” The nurses chuckled which wasn’t the response I needed at that point but it was funny.

I managed to get 3/4 of an egg salad sandwich in him, milk, juice and lots of water. About 3pm, he ate his plum cake.

The food is not 5* but it’s very good and very good variety.

I’d love to bring him home.