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OK: here's a joke. NOT FOR LITTLE CHILDREN!!!!! someone really special emailed it to me and said: I don't dare put this on the thread. Well, I dare to put it up. If you get offended easily, don't read on.....
A little boy goes shopping with his mother and is waiting right outside of the ladies dressing room for his Mom to come out.
While waiting the little boy gets bored , and just when his Mom comes walking out, she sees her son sliding his hand up a mannequin's skirt.
"Get your hand out of there!" she shouts. "Don't you know that women have teeth down there?" The little boy quickly snatches his hand away and thanks his lucky stars he didn't get bitten.
For the next ten years, this little boy grows up believing all women have teeth between their legs. When he's 16, he gets a girlfriend.
One night, while her parents are out of town, she invites him over for a little action. After an hour of making out and grinding on the sofa, she says, "You know, you could go a little further if you want."
"What do you mean?" he asks. "Well, why don't you put your hand down there?" she says, pointing to her crotch.
"HELL NO!" he cries, "you've got teeth down here!"
"Don't be ridiculous," she responds, "there's no such thing as teeth down there!"
"Yes there are," he says, "my Mom told me so."
"No there aren't," she insists. "Here, look for yourself."
With that, she pulls down her pants and gives him a little peek.
"No I'm sorry" he says. "My Mom already told me that ALL women have teeth down there."
"Oh for crying out loud!" she cries. She whips off her panties, throws her legs behind her head and says, "LOOK, I DON'T have any teeth down there"
The boy takes a good long look and replies, "Well, after seeing the condition of those gums, I'm not surprised!"
Miz!! Loyalty!! Thanks for being such a great friend and thanks for your support to me in my times of trouble. I can't wait to see you!! WooHoo.
Cuz: you rock! what a great story and what a great poem. How is your mom? Ear infections are awful. Tell her I said hi and that I always remember her with great affection!
Rossella! you are BEAUTIFUL! I see you kissing the cat, but hey! you are a gorgeous!
Pat! love reading your posts and I hope you and your mom have a nice time with the strawberry malt! thanks for giving my cuz the hugs. he is the Stuff!
Tenny and lil Tenny! hope you guys are doing ok with your battles with City Hall and that you are winning! I would love to see you victorious on behalf of that blow 'em up stuff next to the school and on behalf of your landholdings.
Jam! I am so sorry you have to listen to the rantings of idiots. I know exactly how you feel having been there quite a few times in my life. Amazing having people say mean stuff about you that isn't true and how they come up with such stuff and how in the world some people could miss the point so dramatically? I know that you miss your mom like Miz misses hers and I miss mine and Angie misses her dad and all of the losses we have had here on this thread. I am so sorry that you have to endure the nastiness of your own daughters. Betrayal is the worst and boy have I been there with my own family. I know it from my end and I can only imagine how terrible it is on your end. Glad you have your son.
Pirate! Gurl, you know that one day you and I will hang out on this boat, on some boat, somewhere and have boat drinks with little umbrellas. You've been through hell and are still in the trenches. I am always happy to see your posts and hope that you are doing well in spite of all the craziness.
Linda! love you and kiss Pa for me. glad you all have each other. Man, will WE have a goofy time together. Probably get arrested.
Maxine! You are a genius and always have good advice. I love to 'see' from you and when are you coming to the boat?? We have to make a plan. INDIA!?! amazing. what a wealth of knowledge and experience she will gain.
Georgia! hey hey GP, Love to your husband and I'm looking forward to seeing you both in the not too distant future. Maybe we hook it up for when Miz and her husband is here? We have enough room! I'll sleep in the single and you guys can have the Captain's cabin. The Cat will be drunk with choices of who to bunk with! Pancakes and coffee and real Maple Syrup? Ahhh, the simple things.
RIP!!! I know how you are struggling with it all and that it's abnormally tough right now. You have my love and respect and I know that you are strong and have courage. Are you feeling any better? hope so.
Jen! you are so funny! I am sorry that you are miserable but I am happy that your mom is figuring it out and I know it's too much to ask that she gets what you have been doing all of this time but that is usually how it is with cleopatra queen of De'Nile. Man, we all know some Cleopatras don't we?
Kuli!! what a sweetheart, how are you doing?
christina! how are you? I know that you have been posting your biskits off and I'm hoping that it's bringing you some peace.
Flex! your nephew is an a$$hole. Love to your mom and I hope that you both have some good times while everybody else is losing their minds.
TrueColors! whassup sweet cakes? hope you're doing ok and don't have much craziness to deal with. check in and let us know how you are.
Ted! here's hoping you get help with dealing with the sibling that is trying to hurt you. Oh man, is she gonna get hers.
Deef!! got to love that Deef! you are a busy busy lady and I hope you get some rest! I saw pictures of your craft work and you are Talented!!
Castoff!! I know it's been awful tough and I hope you check in to let everyone know how you are. We're here for you!
Selfish Sib! whassup!! Hard doing all the work by yourself so I hope you keep healthy so we can meet up some day.
sskape, dogz, hey girl what's going on? hope you're having a good Sunday. Whatever name you want, I don't care as long as you're here with us!!
Angie! how's it going kiddo? love to your mom.
ddotal! how are you? please don't let the stupidity of one or two people keep you from expressing yourself here with us. I am so sorry that you and others were attacked by a coward. Sad sad sad.
Babzgirl, I didn't get to welcome you to the thread and I hope that you will post with us again. all of this is so tough and you have my absolute respect. Vent on and on!!
Anne, welcome to the right place. Just get it out. Vent and live. As all of these people will tell you: this is the hardest thing you will ever do and unless someone else has walked this walk, they don't get it and never will.
And as always, if I have the early onset and have forgotten anyone, chew me out with a hug!
I love all you guys and hope you have some laughter and peace today.
Beautiful Sunday and now I am going to make some pancakes with real Maple Syrup!! like I said: Ahhhh, the simple things.
Cuz that was great that poem should be in every nursing. Years ago I had an elderly pt. I was kind to him but never thought to talk to him and after he died I read his obit and was shocked that he had had such an interesting life. After that each pt. I took care of I would ask them questions about their jobs or life and found out such interesting things some I would pass along to other nurses one day my manager said how do you know so much about the pt's -I said I talk to them. Most people do have long term memory. My grand-daughter is on her way to India she left from NY on the plane -12 hrs. to France then transfer then another 9 hrs. to India she will be there for 4 months for college. I t is so pretty outside with all the snow and the sun is out-we may get another storm this week.
Welcome Anne.......the right place to come for friendship and comfort.....the ability to vent and yell and say whatever you need to......and to find out that you are not alone with "bad" siblings and children...........
Father spits in sink and on street. I have asked him not to do this but it falls on deaf ears. Also, since I live with him, he thinks we are companions. He constantly cites "us", "we like this", "we like that", "we watch certain tv shows". I am ready to scream and / or move but if I move he will be completely alone since my sibling cares little for him and sees him when it's convenient. The last excuse was that her 25 year old daughter had out patient sinus surgery and she was "tied up " with the girl.
Thank you so very much cuz. Mama loooves strawberry malts, you just set the tone of my day....and set the mission! I want you to know, when we go get our strawberrylicious treat today, she's very likely to ask why (I mean it is cold as hell here ;-) ). I'm going to tell her...Oh, just 'cuz. (((cuz)))
That wasn't my story it was a copy of a file I had kept. My mom is still in the hospital with a very bad inner ear infection. Thanks for the comment though luv ya all cuz
oh cuz !! very touching ! tears swelled up in my eyes , glad your mom got to enjoy her strawberry malt . my dad s fav vanilla shake , very touching , xoxo
An Old Lady's Poem.... What do you see, nurses, what do you see? What are you thinking when you're looking at me? A crabby old woman, not very wise, Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes? Who dribbles her food and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!" Who seems not to notice the things that you do, And forever is losing a stocking or shoe..... Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.... Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me. I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will. I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters, who love one another. A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet, Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet. A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap, Remembering the vows that I promised to keep. At twenty-five now, I have young of my own, Who need me to guide and a secure happy home. A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast, Bound to each other with ties that should last. At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone, But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn. At fifty once more, babies play round my knee, Again we know children, my loved one and me. Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead; I look at the future, I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing young of their own, And I think of the years and the love that I've known. I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel; Tis jest to make old age look like a fool. The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart, There is now a stone where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells, And now and again my battered heart swells. I remember the joys, I remember the pain, And I'm loving and living life over again. I think of the years, all too few, gone too fast, And accept the stark fact that nothing can last. So open your eyes, nurses, open and see, Not a crabby old woman; look closer, see ME!! ... Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within...... We will one day be there, too! SHARE THIS POEM.........ITS SOMETHING WE ALL NEED TO REMEMBER!!
Here is another story I would like to share with you great caregivers. I hope it will bring some nice thoughts of those that have left us. love ya all cuz
A Strawberry Malt and Three Squeezes, Please! By Larry James
My mother loved strawberry malts. It was always a thrill for me to drop in to see her and surprise her with her favorite refreshment. In their later years, both my mom and dad lived in a life-care retirement center. Partially due to the stress of my mom's Alzheimer's condition, my dad became ill and was no longer able to care for her. They lived in separate rooms yet were together as much as they could be. They loved each other so much. Hand-in-hand, those silver- haired lovers would stroll the halls, visiting their friends, passing out love. They were the "romantics" of the retirement center. When I realized that my mother's condition was worsening, I wrote her a letter of acknowledgment. I told her how much I loved her. I apologized for my orneriness when I was growing up. I told her that she was a great mother and I was proud to be her son. I told her things I had wanted to say for a long time but had been too stubborn to say until I realized she might not be in a position to comprehend the love behind the words. It was a detailed letter of love and of completion. My dad told me she often spent hours reading and re-reading that letter. It saddened me to know that my mom no longer knew I was her son. She would often ask, "Now, what was your name?" and I would proudly reply that my name was Larry and I was her son. She would smile and reach for my hand. I wish I could once again experience that special touch. On one of my visits, I stopped by the local malt shop and bought my mother and father each a strawberry malt. I stopped by her room first, re-introduced myself to her, chatted for a few minutes and then took the other strawberry malt to my dad's room. By the time I returned, she had almost finished the malt. She had lain down on the bed for a rest. She was awake. We both smiled when she saw me come into the room. Without a word, I pulled a chair close to the bed and reached over to hold her hand. It was a divine connection. I silently affirmed my love for her. In the quiet I could feel the magic of our unconditional love, even though I knew she was quite unaware of who was holding her hand. Or was she holding my hand? After about 10 minutes, I felt her give my hand a tender squeeze...three squeezes. They were brief and instantly I knew what she was saying without having to hear any words. The miracle of unconditional love is nurtured by the power of the Divine and our own imagination. I couldn't believe it! Even though she could no longer express her innermost thoughts like she used to, no words were necessary. It was as though she came back for a brief moment. Many years ago when my father and she were dating, she had invented this special way of telling my dad, "I love you!" while they were sitting in church. He would softly give her hand two squeezes to say, "Me too!" I gave her hand two soft squeezes. She turned her head and gave me a loving smile I shall never forget. Her countenance radiated love. I remembered her expressions of unconditional love for my father, our family and her countless friends. Her love continues to profoundly influence my life. Another eight to ten minutes went by. No words were spoken. Suddenly, she turned to me and quietly spoke these words: "It's important to have someone who loves you." I wept. They were tears of joy. I gave her a warm and tender hug, told her how very much I loved her and left. My mother passed away shortly after that. Very few words were spoken that day; those she spoke were words of gold. I will always treasure those special moments.
If you wrote a novel on EMS I would be the first one to read it (you know my passion for this kind of things) and in Italy it would have a great success! I'm eating milk and cookies. My mother does not want to go to bed and I am going to leave her on the chair! What can I do! I am going to bed instead... Nite everybody p.s. Bobbie, the cat you see in the photo (Nino) is my 12 inch long lover!
rossella you are a wise woman and one whom I respect greatly.....and now am going to eagerly await your novel.....how interesting it sounds. Several friends have told me I should write a book about all of my years in EMS....there are a lot of stories to be told. Maybe I will start to write down my memories and put them all together. Have a wonderful breakfast and now I need to put mil to bed....I see by the camera :) she is falling asleep on the couch.
Jam, you are not a rotten and lying person. Don't worry, in spite of everything we do, we are always criticized. I take care of my mother, I work a lot, but for the rest of the family I am still an asshole. (because I have animals, I work during the night, I don't live a normal and conventional life). I am trying to write a novel about communication - (that is, about the lack of communication) where the characters speak between them, but they don't really understand what the other one means, and they continue to judge each other according to their personal parameters. The book is all in my head, I have just to find the courage to write it. It will be complicated! I shall have to plunge in the "virtual" head of several characters that have nothing in common with me, think with "their" head, speak "their" language and build a vision of the world which has to be different for each one of these characters. The general idea is that a satellite "catches" one day in the life of a small village, and the satellite does not think, it just "shows" and hears the voices of these people. It's an impartial observer. So it's very difficult because in general the writers write a story and filter the characters according to their experience. I have to cancel my personality to write this book. But this is the way I see the world, now. Lots of people who don't understand each other. With a few exceptions, like this thread. I'm going to eat a night breakfast
What would I do without all of you? You all make me feel better...I must get over and above this feeling or I'm afraid it will start to affect my physical and mental health and I WILL NOT allow that to happen...because I know I am not the rotten, lying person I have been called and the rantings that have been thrown at me are coming from someone who is mentally unbalanced. So now I will have a rum and coke and follow that with a Reese's peanut butter cup chaser....yum!
I'm sorry, Diane, Miz. If the parents of these girls/boys understood that putting them against us it means that they lose a person who loves them... And there are not many people that really love us in this world. If I had children I guess I would cherish anyone who loves them. I mean, I will always help my nephews if they will need it, but the warmth of our relationship is gone, probably forever!
When Mom was in the hospital I tried to call my nephew because I had promised him that I would if something happened to her. I left a message and he never returned my call. That hurt.
Rossella, Like you I never had children so my nephews were my children. They spent just as much time in my house as their parents home. When they got older and had troubles with girls, I was the one that comforted them and helped them move on. I guess that is why I was so crushed when my oldest nephew turned on me and kicked me out of his home on New Year's Eve. I felt betrayed by him and the fact that no one in the family stood up for me. So Jam, yes, I know what you mean about having a gaping hole in your heart from you children's betrayal. On New Years Eve I felt the physical pain of a broken heart. Stay strong and do what you need to do to protect yourself emotionally. Do like Maxine said, delete the emails, don't even read them. Like so many others on here have said, your caregiver family (us) is really the only one that can understand what you are going through. Hang tough my dear!
Rossella, Like you, I have no children of my own. I was very good to my sister's children as they were growing up except for her oldest who was difficult to get along with. I think we are too much alike. Now, the only one that speaks to me is her oldest son which is strange but then again it's not because her relationship with him is not so great. I know she has turned them against me because my brother's two daughters are very kind and loving to me. It makes me very sad but it's just a fact. My brother's two daughters are on Facebook but I have never found any of my sister's kids. So, they are not on there or they have blocked me, I don't know. Thankfully, my husband has a good family who accept me and love me.
Rossella thank you for your comfort and support...I hate this empty feeling in my chest like there is a big gaping hole. I am stronger than this and I refuse to allow either child to further drag me down into a black hole. I am going to patiently wait for the snow to arrive tomorrow night and sit here watching while we are getting only 6 inches.......:)
Snows a melting to slush then froze to ice slick, would go out but between needing money for my health insurance and otc's and not being willing to try AND negotiate the ice with an injured ankle I am home bound for a while yet....
Back to the deep freeze here...hope everyone is doing OK where they are...
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APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
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NOT FOR LITTLE CHILDREN!!!!!
someone really special emailed it to me and said: I don't dare put this on the thread.
Well, I dare to put it up. If you get offended easily, don't read on.....
A little boy goes shopping with his mother and is waiting right outside of the ladies dressing room for his Mom to
come out.
While waiting the little boy gets bored , and just when his Mom comes walking out, she sees her son sliding his
hand up a mannequin's skirt.
"Get your hand out of there!" she shouts. "Don't you know that women have teeth down there?" The little boy
quickly snatches his hand away and thanks his lucky stars he didn't get bitten.
For the next ten years, this little boy grows up believing all women have teeth between their legs. When he's 16,
he gets a girlfriend.
One night, while her parents are out of town, she invites him over for a little action. After an hour of making
out and grinding on the sofa, she says, "You know, you could go a little further if you want."
"What do you mean?" he asks. "Well, why don't you put your hand down there?" she says, pointing to her crotch.
"HELL NO!" he cries, "you've got teeth down here!"
"Don't be ridiculous," she responds, "there's no such thing as teeth down there!"
"Yes there are," he says, "my Mom told me so."
"No there aren't," she insists. "Here, look for yourself."
With that, she pulls down her pants and gives him a little peek.
"No I'm sorry" he says. "My Mom already told me that ALL women have teeth down there."
"Oh for crying out loud!" she cries. She whips off her panties, throws her legs behind her head and
says, "LOOK, I DON'T have any teeth down there"
The boy takes a good long look and replies, "Well, after seeing the condition of those gums, I'm not surprised!"
Ta Daaa....
ok just for fun, can you guess who sent it to me?
Tell a Joke Sunday!! Bring it!!
lovbob
Miz!! Loyalty!! Thanks for being such a great friend and thanks for your support to me in my times of trouble. I can't wait to see you!! WooHoo.
Cuz: you rock! what a great story and what a great poem.
How is your mom? Ear infections are awful. Tell her I said hi and that I always remember her with great affection!
Rossella! you are BEAUTIFUL! I see you kissing the cat, but hey! you are a gorgeous!
Pat! love reading your posts and I hope you and your mom have a nice time with the strawberry malt! thanks for giving my cuz the hugs. he is the Stuff!
Tenny and lil Tenny! hope you guys are doing ok with your battles with City Hall and that you are winning! I would love to see you victorious on behalf of that blow 'em up stuff next to the school and on behalf of your landholdings.
Jam! I am so sorry you have to listen to the rantings of idiots. I know exactly how you feel having been there quite a few times in my life. Amazing having people say mean stuff about you that isn't true and how they come up with such stuff and how in the world some people could miss the point so dramatically?
I know that you miss your mom like Miz misses hers and I miss mine and Angie misses her dad and all of the losses we have had here on this thread.
I am so sorry that you have to endure the nastiness of your own daughters. Betrayal is the worst and boy have I been there with my own family. I know it from my end and I can only imagine how terrible it is on your end. Glad you have your son.
Pirate! Gurl, you know that one day you and I will hang out on this boat, on some boat, somewhere and have boat drinks with little umbrellas. You've been through hell and are still in the trenches. I am always happy to see your posts and hope that you are doing well in spite of all the craziness.
Linda! love you and kiss Pa for me. glad you all have each other. Man, will WE have a goofy time together.
Probably get arrested.
Maxine! You are a genius and always have good advice. I love to 'see' from you and when are you coming to the boat??
We have to make a plan.
INDIA!?! amazing. what a wealth of knowledge and experience she will gain.
Georgia! hey hey GP, Love to your husband and I'm looking forward to seeing you both in the not too distant future. Maybe we hook it up for when Miz and her husband is here? We have enough room! I'll sleep in the single and you guys can have the Captain's cabin. The Cat will be drunk with choices of who to bunk with! Pancakes and coffee and real Maple Syrup? Ahhh, the simple things.
RIP!!! I know how you are struggling with it all and that it's abnormally tough right now. You have my love and respect and I know that you are strong and have courage. Are you feeling any better? hope so.
Jen! you are so funny! I am sorry that you are miserable but I am happy that your mom is figuring it out and I know it's too much to ask that she gets what you have been doing all of this time but that is usually how it is with cleopatra queen of De'Nile.
Man, we all know some Cleopatras don't we?
Kuli!! what a sweetheart, how are you doing?
christina! how are you? I know that you have been posting your biskits off and I'm hoping that it's bringing you some peace.
Flex! your nephew is an a$$hole. Love to your mom and I hope that you both have some good times while everybody else is losing their minds.
TrueColors! whassup sweet cakes? hope you're doing ok and don't have much craziness to deal with. check in and let us know how you are.
Ted! here's hoping you get help with dealing with the sibling that is trying to hurt you. Oh man, is she gonna get hers.
Deef!! got to love that Deef! you are a busy busy lady and I hope you get some rest! I saw pictures of your craft work and you are Talented!!
Castoff!! I know it's been awful tough and I hope you check in to let everyone know how you are. We're here for you!
Selfish Sib! whassup!! Hard doing all the work by yourself so I hope you keep healthy so we can meet up some day.
sskape, dogz, hey girl what's going on? hope you're having a good Sunday. Whatever name you want, I don't care as long as you're here with us!!
Angie! how's it going kiddo? love to your mom.
ddotal! how are you? please don't let the stupidity of one or two people keep you from expressing yourself here with us. I am so sorry that you and others were attacked by a coward. Sad sad sad.
Babzgirl, I didn't get to welcome you to the thread and I hope that you will post with us again. all of this is so tough and you have my absolute respect. Vent on and on!!
Anne, welcome to the right place. Just get it out. Vent and live.
As all of these people will tell you: this is the hardest thing you will ever do and unless someone else has walked this walk, they don't get it and never will.
And as always, if I have the early onset and have forgotten anyone, chew me out with a hug!
I love all you guys and hope you have some laughter and peace today.
Beautiful Sunday and now I am going to make some pancakes with real Maple Syrup!! like I said: Ahhhh, the simple things.
lovbob
Also, since I live with him, he thinks we are companions. He constantly cites "us", "we like this", "we like that", "we watch certain tv shows".
I am ready to scream and / or move but if I move he will be completely alone since my sibling cares little for him and sees him when it's convenient. The last excuse was that her 25 year old daughter had out patient sinus surgery and she was "tied up " with the girl.
Mama loooves strawberry malts, you just set the tone of my day....and set the mission!
I want you to know, when we go get our strawberrylicious treat today, she's very likely to ask why (I mean it is cold as hell here ;-) ).
I'm going to tell her...Oh, just 'cuz.
(((cuz)))
luv ya all cuz
glad your mom got to enjoy her strawberry malt .
my dad s fav vanilla shake ,
very touching , xoxo
love cuz
An Old Lady's Poem....
What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice,
"I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years, all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
Not a crabby old woman; look closer, see ME!! ...
Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might
brush
aside without looking at the young soul within...... We will one
day
be
there, too!
SHARE THIS POEM.........ITS SOMETHING WE ALL NEED TO REMEMBER!!
A Strawberry Malt and Three Squeezes, Please!
By Larry James
My mother loved strawberry malts. It was always a
thrill for me to drop in to see her and surprise her with
her favorite refreshment.
In their later years, both my mom and dad lived in a
life-care retirement center. Partially due to the stress
of my mom's Alzheimer's condition, my dad became ill and
was no longer able to care for her. They lived in separate
rooms yet were together as much as they could be. They
loved each other so much. Hand-in-hand, those silver-
haired lovers would stroll the halls, visiting their
friends, passing out love. They were the "romantics" of
the retirement center.
When I realized that my mother's condition was
worsening, I wrote her a letter of acknowledgment. I told
her how much I loved her. I apologized for my orneriness
when I was growing up. I told her that she was a great
mother and I was proud to be her son. I told her things I
had wanted to say for a long time but had been too stubborn
to say until I realized she might not be in a position to
comprehend the love behind the words. It was a detailed
letter of love and of completion. My dad told me she often
spent hours reading and re-reading that letter.
It saddened me to know that my mom no longer knew I
was her son. She would often ask, "Now, what was your
name?" and I would proudly reply that my name was Larry and
I was her son. She would smile and reach for my hand. I
wish I could once again experience that special touch.
On one of my visits, I stopped by the local malt shop
and bought my mother and father each a strawberry malt. I
stopped by her room first, re-introduced myself to her,
chatted for a few minutes and then took the other
strawberry malt to my dad's room.
By the time I returned, she had almost finished the
malt. She had lain down on the bed for a rest. She was
awake. We both smiled when she saw me come into the room.
Without a word, I pulled a chair close to the bed and
reached over to hold her hand. It was a divine connection.
I silently affirmed my love for her. In the quiet I could
feel the magic of our unconditional love, even though I
knew she was quite unaware of who was holding her hand. Or
was she holding my hand?
After about 10 minutes, I felt her give my hand a
tender squeeze...three squeezes. They were brief and
instantly I knew what she was saying without having to hear
any words.
The miracle of unconditional love is nurtured by the
power of the Divine and our own imagination.
I couldn't believe it! Even though she could no
longer express her innermost thoughts like she used to, no
words were necessary. It was as though she came back for a
brief moment.
Many years ago when my father and she were dating, she
had invented this special way of telling my dad, "I love
you!" while they were sitting in church. He would softly
give her hand two squeezes to say, "Me too!"
I gave her hand two soft squeezes. She turned her
head and gave me a loving smile I shall never forget. Her
countenance radiated love.
I remembered her expressions of unconditional love for
my father, our family and her countless friends. Her love
continues to profoundly influence my life.
Another eight to ten minutes went by. No words were
spoken.
Suddenly, she turned to me and quietly spoke these
words: "It's important to have someone who loves you."
I wept. They were tears of joy. I gave her a warm
and tender hug, told her how very much I loved her and
left.
My mother passed away shortly after that.
Very few words were spoken that day; those she spoke
were words of gold. I will always treasure those special
moments.
love,
miz
I'm eating milk and cookies. My mother does not want to go to bed and I am going to leave her on the chair! What can I do! I am going to bed instead...
Nite everybody
p.s. Bobbie, the cat you see in the photo (Nino) is my 12 inch long lover!
Don't worry, in spite of everything we do, we are always criticized. I take care of my mother, I work a lot, but for the rest of the family I am still an asshole. (because I have animals, I work during the night, I don't live a normal and conventional life).
I am trying to write a novel about communication - (that is, about the lack of communication) where the characters speak between them, but they don't really understand what the other one means, and they continue to judge each other according to their personal parameters. The book is all in my head, I have just to find the courage to write it. It will be complicated! I shall have to plunge in the "virtual" head of several characters that have nothing in common with me, think with "their" head, speak "their" language and build a vision of the world which has to be different for each one of these characters. The general idea is that a satellite "catches" one day in the life of a small village, and the satellite does not think, it just "shows" and hears the voices of these people. It's an impartial observer. So it's very difficult because in general the writers write a story and filter the characters according to their experience. I have to cancel my personality to write this book. But this is the way I see the world, now. Lots of people who don't understand each other. With a few exceptions, like this thread.
I'm going to eat a night breakfast
Like you I never had children so my nephews were my children. They spent just as much time in my house as their parents home. When they got older and had troubles with girls, I was the one that comforted them and helped them move on. I guess that is why I was so crushed when my oldest nephew turned on me and kicked me out of his home on New Year's Eve. I felt betrayed by him and the fact that no one in the family stood up for me. So Jam, yes, I know what you mean about having a gaping hole in your heart from you children's betrayal. On New Years Eve I felt the physical pain of a broken heart. Stay strong and do what you need to do to protect yourself emotionally. Do like Maxine said, delete the emails, don't even read them. Like so many others on here have said, your caregiver family (us) is really the only one that can understand what you are going through. Hang tough my dear!
Diane
Back to the deep freeze here...hope everyone is doing OK where they are...