#balloons #pets #Alzheimers One day, we decided Mom's pet balloon-heart needed to go in the trash heap. After eight months, the heart's helium had gone and left it deflated. Mom reminisced about her favorite balloon antics. "Heart drifted over me and touched my face with her ribbon. Remember when she hid behind my bed? I'd... Continue Reading →
#haircolor #1960s #siblings Two bored sisters created an At-Home-Spa-Day in the Summer of 1960. It wasn't in their budgets to pay hairdressers for cutting, styling, or coloring—my Aunt changed my Mom's partly gray hair into a warm Auburn color. The do-it-yourself project was successful. Their friends and family members wanted to join in on the... Continue Reading →
In the 1960's, my parent's circle of friends included six couples. They rotated hosting dinner parties on Saturday nights. The men wore suits and ties. The women wore party dresses and heels. It was Al and Jean's first turn with the group. "Al, you're late. I was counting on your help!" Jean rushed around their... Continue Reading →
My daughter flew in for a quick visit with her two grandmothers. She surprised her Gram for her birthday, and Grammie (my Mom) benefited from the plan. A few of us gathered in Mom's room for a chat. The subject of clumsiness came up—a few of us are incident-prone. "I remember one day at high... Continue Reading →
X-rays were ordered for Mom's hip. It was painful, and with her track record of not divulging her falls, we wanted confirmation that there wasn't any fractures. Sis and I transported her to the Medical Building, unloaded her in the Valet Zone, and entered the Radiology Department. After registration, we were taken to a changing... Continue Reading →
Doctor appointment day dawned, bright and clear. Sis and I got Mom ready and loaded her into the car with her wheelchair. Mom has "White Coat Syndrome" where her blood pressure goes up when she sees a doctor, but this time, Mom was flat out cheerful. We pushed her down the hallway and registered Mom... Continue Reading →
#wheelchair #siblings #caregivers In my family, I'm the baby. Two brothers and one sister. Sis is almost nine-years older than me. She's the OLDER sister. Mom has been living with me since 2014, when her beloved husband passed away from cancer. She never drove a car, has Alzheimer's now, and is challenged with walking due... Continue Reading →
We live in a two bedroom apartment—my hubby, me and Mom. One of the reasons we chose this apartment—the floor plan is perfect. Mom's bedroom and bathroom are separated by a wall between the living room. We all have more privacy this way. The other reason—Mom has a picturesque view from her bedroom window. It's the... Continue Reading →
#family #TreasureHunt #caregivers Mom's health is vastly changed since last year's 89th birthday. She's still a little sweetie, and she's as easy to enjoy as a pint of mint chip ice cream. Her pain level and mobility keep her in bed and a wheelchair more often. We needed some equipment to improve daily function. Like a bedside... Continue Reading →
My hubby fixed his much anticipated morning coffee—"On that new FODMAP diet, can I drink creamer in my coffee? I like my coffee robust, but it's gotta have creamer." Me—"Check the yes list." I sipped my coffee with stevia and no flavored creamer. "Oh, and read the creamer label." My hubby pulled out his phone... Continue Reading →
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