This time of year is hectic for everyone. Add in trying to catch up from vacation and a bunch of appointments and it makes for an even busier few weeks. Tues. Dec. 3rd, I took Mom to the ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor to get the wax removed from her ears. The next day I took her back to the same office, at the same time to see the audiologist who works on her hearing aids. They are never there on the same day, hence always 2 days of going. It went remarkably well. I stayed calm and felt in control the whole time. I made sure we were up in time so we wouldn’t be rushed getting ready. Mom didn’t remember ever being at the hospital/doctor’s office before. I’ve been taking her there for at least 10 years. She asked me a bunch of questions in the waiting room about why she was there and if I was coming in with her. I always do. Not surprisingly, she didn’t remember ever seeing the doctor before. The fact that the 2nd day she went, she didn’t remember we’d been there just the day before was sad. She didn’t remember the audiologist either. Unless something happens, she doesn’t have to go back to any doctor for at least 6 months. This morning she asked me if she was going to the doctor today. She doesn’t remember going last week at all.
Yesterday something happened that alarmed me regarding Mom. I was upstairs on the toilet (in disposed) and I heard her walking around downstairs. Usually once I get her on the computer to play games, she sits there until I get her up to go to the bathroom before lunch. Then I heard the front door open. I hollered down, “What are you doing down there?” She said, “I’m looking for the little girl. The little boy.” I yelled back that he was upstairs with me. He sits on my feet while I’m on the toilet because he can never be too far away from me. She couldn’t hear me say he was upstairs but finally shut the door and went back in the sunroom. We let the dogs into the backyard but never loose out the front door. It even confuses me why she was looking out there. She doesn’t like to walk or I’d have to worry about her wandering off. She doesn’t remember the dogs’ names. Yesterday she called Elvis “Charlie.” She doesn’t remember the dogs we used to have before these.
We had pizza on Tues. when Bacci had a 2 for the price of 1 special. She always loved pizza and now she won’t eat the crust. Not just the end crust but ANY of the dough base. She only wants to pick the toppings off with her fork and eat those. I don’t want her giving the crust to the dogs and tried to get her to eat some of the base. She wouldn’t. This is the same woman who used to make me sit at the table long after my food was cold if I didn’t finish my plate. I hated liver and lima beans and those things taste worse when they are stone cold. I was stubborn and would sit there for quite awhile. Eventually, I would give in and at least eat some of the dreaded food. Now to think my mother thinks nothing of “wasting” food or being a picky eater or not finishing her plate. Last night we had the rest of the leftover pizza and I didn’t even try to attempt to get her to eat it. Instead, I made her a can of tomato soup and she was happy as a toddler. I always said I would never be a short order cook and make different things for family members but here I am.
This morning before hubby went to work, we took Elvis to the vet for his distemper shot. He’s due next month for his rabies but we got that today so we don’t have to go back. Tomorrow night after work, hubby has his diabetes class at Jewel. They’ll take his blood to check his A1C. Next Wed. the 18th is the Christmas party at hubby’s work. I’ll have to make some bars or something for him to bring to share. Then later that afternoon, we both have dentist’s appts. It was the only day the dentist had openings. We’ve never gone together before but they’re only cleanings so it shouldn’t take long.
Think of your visit to the attic as an Archaeologically Dig in Egypt or Mongolia. That way you will maybe feel like you’re going away for the holidays. Ha ha ha.
You & Greg are so Kind to your mum and it must be hard to watch little bits of her disappear as the years go by. I’m not sure if I would have been able to do the same for my mum so I have lots of respect for you and Greg for taking care of your mum with so much love.
Whatever you end up doing for the holidays, I hope you get to have some fun and enjoyment – you both deserve it so much.
Happy Hols xxx
Tez, thank you for your sweet comment. You think of the greatest things! An archeological dig sounds totally appropriate. Now a trip to the attic sounds like an exotic adventure! 🙂
What kind of Christmas do you like to have? I hope your holidays are extra special like you are. You should get a lot of joy watching your grandchildren enjoy all the excitement!