The Caregiver... How are YOU doing today?

Ladee, I just love you more and more everyday!

I was truly hoping this was one of those days where I could just go tend to errands for my son, go to the washateria and not have a 'Ladeeism' happen,,,,,, but noooooooo, in the washateria, doing my clothes and the son's, bedding, blah blah blah, getting hot and sweaty, pissed that I even had to be there, and there were three illegals in there doing there laundry... only one could speak English... I'm not paying much attention, as I just want to get done.... some towels from one dryer weren't dry so I put them in with the other load in the dryer and added a quater.. and am folding... I look up and one of the guys is looking at my dryer all confused. I motioned with my hand that was MINE, move away, move away... the one that could speak English said, He's lost,... then the guy by the dryer is really looking confused...to make a long story short, I put the towels in HIS dryer and added the quarter, my dryer was three down..... we all had a great laugh at MY expense ....You can dress me up, but you still can't take me ANYWHERE !!!!!!!!

cdo4fun~It sounds like you have already make your decision. You don't mention whether you have siblings to help or if they refuse to help. Your situation is heartbreaking. Can you arrange for home health care to help you? Talk with your mother's dr., maybe some medication change will help. Caregiving round the clock quickly leads to burnout, depression, and much stress. I hear your pain. You don't want to place her in a nursing home or assisted living and your partner is reaching the end of his/her understanding of the situation. May I ask why you are willing to sacrifice your life and happiness without finding alternative compromises so that your mother will be taken care of with you advocating for her so you can stay in this long term relationship with your partner? Guilt is paralyzing to our emotions and logic and we begin to feel trapped not knowing what to do. We end up giving in to the guilt even though that is not what we really want. What is your mother able to do for herself? Can she cook, clean, do laundry? My mother has Alzheimer's and lives by herself. I have my personal reasons as to why I could never live with my mother and she will eventually be place in a NH. Before that happens she will have home health care come in her home to help her. She can still cook, clean, do laundry, feed her dog, bath herself. She is struggling with finances now, and is about to loose her driving privileges. I will take her grocery shopping and to appt. but she will have accept my terms and schedule of 1-2 times a week of me driving her around because I have a job, husband, and a home to take care of too. This does not mean I will not be available for emergencies and other unplanned issues that may come up. My father also had Alzheimer's and passed away 8 1/2 years ago. I hope you can come to some compromises in this situation but I would start with her dr., regarding her behavior during the night. ((((Hugs)))) to you as you journey through this!!

I've had a crappy nite ........ I only get so many hours a day to be with my partner of 16 years. i havent lived at home for a year. I have lived at my mothers house taking care of her. I think the strain has just gotten to be too much. pretty much told me to just stay here full time. I was just so blown away I couldn't say one word.. nothing i am just so defeated and have nothing left in my soul to fight with. How many times can you say your sorry for not being at home,the sacrifices you have made,Being torn in half every fricken nite as you pull out of the driveway saying goodbye after your 4 hours off, It's a no win situation, I want and have to be here with my mom there is no one else that can do it full time, i don't want her in a home she has lived here for 60 yrs I want her to be able to live the rest of her life comfortable here. i have promised her for 20 years that i would take care of her no matter what. I just feel like i have lost everything my mom was my bestfriend and that person is gone, my partner was my life and I think thats gone too. and the situation the only solution is my mother dying. this just sucks. I wish we all could of lived together in a bigger house with 2 bathrooms because you know what a disaster that can be and my mom never sleeps so there would be no way she could deal with it, that's why i moved here in the first place.. Everything is just f****d today. And for added bonus my mom is being a nut tonite, up every 5 minutes wanting a pain pill throwing a fit everytime i tell her we already took it It's written huge on her board of what we did today making me regret my decisions tonite and feeling guilty for even thinking that. It's taken me 45 minutes to type this I have been up so many times dealing with her tantrems, and telling me I should just go home(digging the knife deeper in my heart). I'm hoping just getting this out will help my head stop reeling. I just want to turn all the lites off and bury my pathetic self. but we all know thats not possible. It's 12:30 and we are now going on the 3rd hour of ranting, she just won't calm down tonite.

Oops, hit submit by accident. Needless to say, it was my worst nightmare, I stayed sick the entire trip, dr. wanted to put me in the hospital but I couldn't do that, I saw a doctor in every city we went to. One of the pharmacies kept my insurance card, Each time we got to a family members home, I went to bed and let them deal with it all. After about the fourth cracker place visit, my mom got food poisoning, and we spent about an hour in a public restroom. Fortunately, it was new and spotless. So, you other brave souls, I'm glad I won't be doing anymore of THOSE kind of trips, and I hope yours goes better than ours! In spite of the drama, I'd do it again, it meant the world to my mom. We have done several east coast short trips since my mom has been here and they went just fine. i am so glad the husband is out of the picture. Mom was hell on wheels when she was well, but is much easier to handle now. I could well envision her expecting me to have slept on a floor and made a big deal out of not getting me to "submit" Judy, if your trip is near us in NC, you can hide in our guest room any time you like. Everybody stay sane....kimbee

judy, you make me laugh til I cry: thank you. Several years ago I took my mom and her control-freak husband on a month long trip east, so my mom could see all of her relatives once more before she couldn't handle the trip, etc. It was the trip of a lifetime, for them anyway! I went to get them, packed mom (he took her to 100 degree weekend previously with heavy sweaters for tops caused they are pretty, ughh). I got sinus infection 3rd day of trip (yes, it's a chronic problem). I got them wheelchairs for the airport, he tried to refuse in advance. I told him it's a new rule for all over 80 travelers, sit down damn it). I enjoyed that, he looked so pissed in that chair. I requested special assistance for mom due to dementia; they were awesome. We went through all these secret underground tunnels at LAX, who knew? No lines, no hassles, much easier security. Grumpy said, I can't believe this, I like this flying first class, they treat you so nice. Well, it was downhill from there. Once on the east coast, nothing suited him and each leg of the trip, driving from one city or state to the other, he had to constantly eat at Cracker Rot, NO where else would do, well, ok he's old. Each one was worse than the last. Bathroom stops were an uncoordinated nightmare. No I don't need to go, I'll just stay in the car. 15 min later, I need to stop now. Next 30 min later, had to have a snack or a drink. No I don't want what I picked out at the last stop. No I don't have to go. yadayadaya...My mom had to have an evaluation; we arranged this in advance of the trip, with one of my former co-workers. Mom acually remembered her, even tho they had only met once or twice. Her husband threw a temper tantrum in the lobby that would have resulted in charges had it not been for helping me with my mom.

That rooster is not on acid Judy, it's a rooster after a day of caregiving.....

Thanks, Ladee. I look forward to your crazy posts too. I see that rooster on acid avatar and I know I'm in for a good read.

Can you believe that Mom had the nerve to think I'd sleep on the FLOOR? So nervy. I think that's what just shocks me every time - the nerve to even come up with some of this insanity. Done raving. Thanks for listening!

yes Judy, I would miss them both, but especially S... he has my heart...but I would go visit, just like I do some of my other charges from the past.... and hell girl, I'm always ready, for change for adventure.... getting too old to be in a rut of being fussed at... that part I am done with for sure....

I love the way you write, no matter how crazy it gets with you and mom, you at least make us laugh whether you are laughing or not... gotta see the humor in things, like S pouring the last of his coffee on the table yesterday... he didn't want it, and it seemed like a good idea at the time...gotta look at it like at least it wasn't syrup or jelly... ya, we gotta find the humor or we'd never survive....
Do you mean to tell me you wouldn't sleep on the floor... bahwhahaha... if I got on the floor for ANY reason there would have to be a call to 911, I, like your mom, would swear I fell..... nah, just can't embarrass myself like that..so I'll start praying for you NOW for your future trip... love and hugs.....

Hey, Smitty! I'm taking my mother to a family reunion on the east coast in October and I'm dreading it every day, kicking myself in the ass that I even offered to help her go. Her sister cant fly because of detached retinas or something and they're worried that they're getting so old that they won't ever see each other again... so I volunteered to help, because it sounded so sad. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Already, Mom has called a cousin to tell her that she and I can't be separated - that she "MUST" have me with her, even if it means that I sleep on an air mattress on the floor! Really? I'm 50 - I'm too old and too fat to be sleeping on any damn floor. I wrote the cousin an email and told her it was BS and that I wasn't going along with that and neither should she (and that my mother snores like a dang freight train from hell and I won't be staying in the same room no matter what). I'll stay where I want (a hotel alone sounds great and I'm looking for one close by - no relatives need to know!). And, I think my mother expects me to buy the plane tickets! I've got to rent the car, but I got the impression the other day that she thinks I'm buying the plane tickets as well. Not happenin. So, Smitty, we try to be good daughters, but I think my mother only sees the things that I don't do sometimes and it sounds like your mother does too, the way she said she'll feel badly when you go out alone. I'm sure when I refuse to sleep on the floor like my mother's dog, she'll make that the defining detail of the trip - "Judy left me on my own." Watch, she'll ease herself to the floor and say that she fell because I wasn't there for her. The woman forgets her cane and walks along just fine until she realizes she forgets it. Then, she's hanging onto the walls like she's on a swaying ship while I go on a cane hunt. Sooo irritating. I wish you well on your vacation. Try to blow off Mom's negativity (easier said than done, right?). Maybe you could tell her she looks so worn out that she needs a nap every day and use it for your time to escape her. My mother would suck that attention up - She likes people to think that she's "so feeble" (she actually uses this word, "feeble" - I loathe hearing that word now.) Honestly, Smitty, I think we're both insane for doing trips. Let me know how yours goes and I'll write you about my experience when I get back (if I don't find a bridge to jump off of at the reunion).
Ladee - I've collected rocks for years. As long as I don't run across a snake while I'm out there - its relaxing. I keep an egg basket in the kitchen with some of my favorites in it. You can get off the merrygoround when you want - but won't you miss S? It sorta sounds like you're ready though.

well Smitty, if you insist on taking her with you, then all I can say is I will pray you try and have a good time anyway..... no need to get into other ways to do this, you have made your choice.... so lot's of prayers for you to see beauty around you, meet interesting people, take some good pics and know you are being thought about... hugs to you...

Austin, no has been fired , at least not yet, the new lady said that THANG has been fired from every job she's had...from excatly what she's doing now.... called to check on things and the new lady said THANG called right after I left, telling her she would be by today to show her where everything is and tell her what the routine is.... new lady didn't want any trouble , so said ok. but I went and told M. M asked why???? I just shrugged my shoulders and said that is just *******, and Marie said for me to tell the new lady to send THANG in to her when she got there....she's going to be told it's already been taken care of.... we'll see if she gets stupid with M...I know the daughter is not going to be happy that I went to M with this... but it has to stop somewhere, and if the daughter calls upset, I'm giving my two week notice...

I got to go on the back roads today, what I call going to 'church'....beautiful day, peace and quite....no distractions, and prayed... then went on about my merry little way looking for rocks... found quite a few 'dragon eggs' big rocks, that look like eggs and that's what I call them... was in the car headed home and the thought came to me, You don't HAVE to keep doing this.... very peaceful feeling , so if it gets' thrown on me, I'll tell her I am done.... the last couple of years have just been too hard... and God will open a door for me.... I am tired, I am an adult, and I can stop this merrygoround and get off any time I want....

I hope everyone is having a good day...I'm trying to...i am taking my mom on vacation for four days and am in need of lots of prayer. I don't know how i will keep my sanity...i feel like there's no escape from her. I know i have to set boundaries. She already called twice today. We're leaving tomorrow and she's packing and can't fix her garment bag so the good daughter went to the goodwill and i found one for each of us! I'm teying to keep a positive attitude.

I told her that i will be going out by myself for awhile every day. She said that made her feel bad. She's a bloodsucker...not sure if she's really a narcissist. Anyway...i probably need to be heavily medicated to be with her constantly.

I am not trying to be selfish. If i were selfish we wouldnt be going.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

tg it's saturday..i am gonna chill here at home because well no money to get anything and broke oncce more..ty u for the prayers n support still need them but my problem lies with my husband..I make appts for him and on the day of the appt transportation doesn't come or he refuses to go. All i get is this and that etc etc when I am too tired of dealing with the same old circle of bs. I did get him to apologize for disrespecting me regardless how he feels about things. I was half tempted to place him in a home...Well I got some things organized some now its time to keep it organize so i know where all his referrals are and numbers to call etc. I am just tired of trying to meet the demands of a family of 4 and now ..i am just like used tissue..I will get over this hump..I always do but it isnt right for my life to be like this but what choice do we have...accept it and fight for it or deny it and let all hell break loose..least it isn't hot today barely 99 to 100 today what a relief for the desert living.

Stormy, do you really have to wait for Dad to doze? There's no better excuse on this earth than a small child who needs his mother. Can't you just tell your dad that Connor is waiting? Do you think that if you just start leaving before Dad dozes off that you'll just get better at leaving? He's got to know that the boy comes first, right?

Stormy.....i'm over here, in Stockton....praying for u n Connor. Ur post made me sad, wen i think of it from Connor's perspective...I'm sure he jst wants to hang at home on a Saturday morning, like most children...wat a lil sweetheart u have in him....Bless his heart.....Hope u both have fun at the b-day party.....wen u get there!!! much love

Connor and i are at dads waiting for him to doze off so we can make our escape and go to the birthday party. We got here about 9 this morning. Connor was asking me this morning on the way here Why do we always have to go to papa s. Its stupid and not fair. I told him that i didn't know and that i am sorry. I wouldn't dare tell hubby this because he would be pissed. And right now there is nothing that can be done about it, so I'll just have to kept this to myself. Little fellow just wants to stay home and watch his cartoons on a saturday morning and he can't even do that. Has to come over here to the hothouse and listen to a loud ass tv. Ugh. Somebody give me strength....... Love and hugs stormyy

Ladee we all knew it was her and not you-I bet you feel good that the new lady had info on her. We had an aide from an agency that was horrible jumping from one thing to another like a hop toad -well my friend Ursula who is in AL had an aide just like her -she had to tone her down well with all her jumping she got badly hurt and had to aorlifted to Westchester Med a trama hopsital and I think she is the one we had that was so bad-I missed something was she fired or left on her own so one tang down and one to go-good. Get lots of nice rocks and plenty of rest.

Book, I'm coming to get ya and we're going out to eat PIZZA!!!!!!! Just kidding, if you ever decide to run away from home, the states have all the museums, theaters and discount stores you would need in a life time....and PIZZA restaurants on every corner..... those we'll stay away from..
I am proud of you with all this crying... it is grief about your life, about your parents, about you family, a life not lived..... you don't have to be strong all the time... only really strong women know it's ok to cry... and cry.... and cry.... you are not turning all those feelings inward this time, you are letting them out... and I know it doesn't 'feel' like it, but you are doing awesome... as you can see, you are loved here...tears, all the lights on and pizza breath, we all support you... And send those all out texts everyday if it will get you some help....
And ya know what Book, the lady you want to hug, she doesn't know you aren't a huggy type person, so take the risk.... it will let her know you truly appreciate her, and it will be a practice run for you..... and you'll feel better too.... but you can practice on yourself first, give yourself lots of hugs from all of us, because we are sending them by the truckload... proud of you Ms. Book, just plain proud....

About THANG, the new lady started last night, she is a dream!!!! The only one that has asked about emptying the small trash cans, where the mop and broom were, OMG, I thought I had died and gone to heaven....AND, she is not a trouble maker, not a gossip, but she has worked with THANG in the past.... she asked if she was going to have to work with her, told her no. She said good, that woman has been fired from every job she's ever had.... OHHHH REALLLLYYY... see, the thing is, we live in a small community, and the paid caregivers here, well, you either have a good name or a bad one..... like all places.... she didn't go into detail, which I appreciated...we are not going to gossip, but she said she refuses to work WITH her... told her no problem, none of us work together, and she won't even have to see her... she then told me she ran into THANG in town.. and THANG told her SHE would write down all she needed to do and know....see that's part of the problem....THANG has the illusion she is in charge of something.... so if I can just keep my mouth shut, it will take care of itself... she will walk all over the daughter, the daughter is enough like M that that won't float... so, just set back and watch the show... it's going to get interesting... but it was alot of validation for me... that I wasn't overreacting, or just too tired to be patient.... just a matter of time.... so will keep ya'll posted on 'As My Stomach Turns", next installment soon.....
But I knew M liked her, she offered her newspaper for her to read.... SCORE !!! M doesn't share her coveted newspaper with anyone..... and the lady is soft spoken, has experience out the wazoo, and asked where the broom and mop was,,, she's a KEEPER !!!!!
The evening girl and I had a 'moment' when I was trying to show the new lady around and tell her the routine... she kept interrupting and going on and on... I stayed quite and let her run her head, I could tell the new lady was really not paying much attention to her... but of course there had to be at least one 'challenge'.... she was running her head about where S's clothes were etc, and I said I'll show that to her in a few minutes, so she comes out of the bedroom with a look of difieance on her face, and said I put S's clothes on the bed. I just laughed and said ok.... I HATE WORKING WITH WOMEN.....
So, I am going to enjoy my days off, hopefully hit the back roads and get some fresh air..... ya know, the kind that doesn't have Bossy Bertha's in the background grating on my last nerve...

Love ya'll , and thanks for being supportive while I try to not kill someone... or at least mame them.... hugs to you all.....

Oh, while I wait for next door to change bulb in kitchen, I went and got one of my night lights in my bedroom. Since I can't sleep in total darkness, I have about 1 lamp on one corner, a study light on the other corner, 1 mini lamp + 1 study lamp on the other corner. I took the extra study lamp and will connect it to the Heavy Duty extension cord when night descends here (at 615pm).....Sis came over with lunch...Pizza. Did I ever tell you that I'm beginning to hate pizza? I tried unsuccessfully to get her to take at least 1 big box of pizza with her. Ugh!!!

I sent an all-out text this morning to bro and family. Asking when is the socket to be fixed so that we can EAT. Told that poor oldest sis starved this whole week because she couldn’t cook/micro. Bought her dinner (cheeseburger) and she ate it like she was starving. (Sis does starve when she goes home. I’m not sure if she’s allowed to touch the food that her daughter buys. Sis was very skinny. When she started helping out last year from Mon-Frid, I made sure to stock up with food that she would eat. Wow! She has gained weight. So no longer looks sickly skinny that she looked like an old woman.) I text all that I don’t have Plenty $$ to keep buying dinner for all of us. …So bro sends his wife to come do it. She tried doing it. When I saw her wiggling the surge protector (wouldn’t come out of socket), I said, “You’re brave. I would turn off the breaker first. You might get electrocuted.” She stopped and then she will call oldest son. He comes, takes one look at burned socket and said, “I’m not touching that without a tester!” And he walks out. He comes back with one. Changes it. So, finally we have the connection for micro/burner.

Now, if only they can change the kitchen light bulb. I’m sure that will take another week too. I tried changing it myself. I got the ladder. Stepped on the very 1st rung, and my legs started shaking like crazy. Did I tell you that I’m afraid of heights? I can’t even stand on the bed! I’m so glad that paid caregiver on Saturday actually took down the curtains in the livingroom and washed it! She asked me about it earlier and I said that I can’t take it down cuz afraid of heights. So, she did it! I soooo like her! Once or twice I almost instinctively hugged her but stopped. I’m not a huggy kind of person. But, I think one day, she will just push my button so far in, I will give her a big gigantic hug!!

Rioblu- I soooo know what you mean! I had a meltdown on Monday. It’s now 5 days later and I still feel exhausted – mentally, emotionally and physically. Today is the first day I haven’t cried. I’m getting there…. If I had a wish, I would wish to be in a city with lots of museums, theaters (real ones not the movie theaters) and discounted shops. Just give me 1 week to explore this wonderful neighborhood. No beaches, or typhoons, or jellyfish or mosquito bites, etc…Oh by the way, I just love your avatar photo! It is soooo pretty! I clicked your name so that I can see the bigger version. It’s a peaceful photo…

I do miss you all....You all make me laugh even when I'm crying. I thought that was so weird!! Burned crispy worm to a soggy worm....You guys!!! ;)

Happy Birthday Vickie Vic!! I hope you had a wonderful day. ((((Hugs))))
Seemee- Thinking about you sweetie. (((hugs)))
Welcome to the newcomers-come back and join in on the fun....
Bookworm- It was so good to hear from you the other day. I am glad that you posted to us to let us know that you are ok. We love you!!!
Ladee- So how is the NEW THANG doing???? Love ya
Jam- Hey girlie hope you are doing good.
Beck-glad that your mom is feeling better from the shoulder pain. hugs
Well, connor started soccer practice this past thursday. The kids out there were so cute all going after the soccer ball. There was this one little girl that we knew she was in connor's daycare class and boy can she play soccer. Even hubby was impressed with her blocking skills at 5 years old. I just hope connor has a good time playing. Practice is on thursdays and they have their games on sundays. I'm carrying connor to his little cousin's birthday party tomorrow. Pool party at 1. But we have got to go to dads before we can go to the party. Hell i feel like cinderella. Got to get your chores done before you can go to the ball!!!!!! I lied to sis tonight i told her that connor has another birthday party sunday to go to at 12. and asked if she can tend to dad sunday morning. she said yes. Well it was only a little lie. He does have a party to go to. but we are not going to it. It is way in the boonies and i am not good with directions so we are skipping this one plus two birthdays in one weekend, that adds up in the money area. So i figured me and connor bug could go swimming at home sunday if i can get this pool looking half way decent. I will have my phone off sunday so i don't get any calls from sis looking for me to check on dad. Hell i might even unhook the house phone too!!!! Love and hugs to all stormyyy

Beck~If want you wear your weave that is fine with me and I would love it even more if you dyed it pink and purple!!! Let me know when and I will be sure to wear my poise because I expect to laugh alot!. I'm 54 so no beauty queen here, saddle bags and a big butt describes me well and I earned it all, LOL!!!

Shy~Welcome to the world of crazy and compassionate!! You will get much support here, lots of humor. You are a great son and your relationship with your dad sounds wonderful. I am glad you are able to get out and enjoy the world around you together! My mother has Alz and a personality disorder so things get interesting with her care. Some days I scream and other days I wish it was just the pd I had to deal with. I am in contact with her daily, she lives alone which is best because of the personality disorder, it is impossible to live with her. I hope you keep coming back here as you will find so much support and understanding!!

Vic~We haven't talked but have a great birthday and I hope you had some time for yourself today!

Rioblu~I can relate to the tired you are feeling. I have not reached burn out because my mother does not live with me nor does she need daily help yet. I hope you get a chance to get away for a few hours of fun or you time!!

Cat, Ladee, Austin, Seeme, bookworm, Peach, and everyone you are in my thoughts, take some private time for yourselves and I hope you all have a great weekend♥!

Vic-Happy, Happy Birthday! Sending you a big piece of chocolate cake with frosting and sprinkles. Oh wait, sounds so good I think I'll keep it for myself! LOL Hope you day is good and you got something you wanted...like a nap :)
Funnier-How wonderful for you...such a great lady to come and help you caregive. Yeah!
Peach-Thinking of you. Glad your Mom is improving. Stay strong. Hugs.
Seemee-I missed posting on the day, but thinking about you anyway. Hugs.
Bookworm-One of my favorite sayings is "When you are going through hell, keep going." Sounds like you are doing just that. You cried, and now you are pulling it together. And we are all pulling for you! Glad you checked in, and praying for you. Hugs.
Ladee-Hope there are rocks in your near future. You deserve the break. Love ya!
Yesterday was not garbage day. Pick up was delayed because of Labor Day. But when I got home from work, the garbage cans were at the end of the driveway. So I asked, and yes, Mom and Dad took them out because everyone else's were out. Mom said she thought that hubby and I were smarter than the rest of the neighborhood, but just in case, they didn't want us to get missed. She even gave me a hug because I was so smart! (She values smarts more than alot of things, and goes way overboard to show that her offspring is smarter than everyone else. I've gotten used to it, but it took years to realize I wasn't really THAT special, she just needed me to be in her own mind.)
This morning, I took the kitchen garbage out. When I opened one of the bins they had brought out yesterday, it was empty!!! They brought it to the road that way! Oh me oh my...I am still laughing to myself. Not to be mean to her,but because she is NOT infallible. (or very smart,either - did I just type that?)
I'm being wicked, but I'm in an angry phase, as Ladee told me. At least she got some exercise - it's a long driveway.
Dad is still Dad, just more depressed every day. We tried switching his meds to the nighttime, but that's just making him wake up 4-5 times a night to go to the bathroom. Tomorrow I will help him set up his pill boxes again. He sees his primary doctor on Monday. Not expecting any miracles, but it would be nice if the doctors would acknowledge that this is hard for him and maybe talk him through some of this. I know he trusts what I tell him, but I think he's still hoping someone else will find a solution for him.
Goodnight and better tomorrows.

....I am tired today....burnt out...

Happy birthday, Vic.....hope you had lots of cake and ice cream to celebrate...........

Happy Birthday, Vic....hope u've had a good day......much love

Peach....thanku for letting us kno how u r doing....they say...".Absence makes the heart grow fonder".......in r case, on the AC........absence scares the sh*t out of everybody!!!! Proud of u, sweetie.......love n hugs

Shy.....Welcome aboard the crazy train!!!!! I hope u will continue to post....I love ur description of u n ur dad's relationship. Ur a wonderful son....hugs to u

Seeme....i got such a laugh from ur last post about Dyna n the "water trick"....She's so smart....I got in this mood today to give Lily a haircut....Wen i was finished, i turned the vacuum cleaner on to clean up the excess hair...She's loves the damn vacuum!....As soon as she hears it go on, she come over, n sits very quietly n still as i proceed to run the vacuum hose all over her body. She really loves it! Wen i say, "Ok, Lily....i'm done"....she runs around the house like shes on speed, n rolls n rubs her body all over the rug n the sides of the sofa....She is hysterical to watch...Wat a personality! Jst thought i'd share that story with u...much love, Seeme

Update on the parentals....As i have mentioned in past posts, mom has not been doing well because of severe shoulder pain, that ended up getting worse over this past week, n now it has affected both her right n left side. She hasnt been able to do anything for dad, so i've been taking care of all dad's needs. I took mom to the dr. , again, today...n he gave her another injection, changed her pain meds, n put her on a 6 day course of prednisone. I gave her the meds as soon as we got home from the dr, n she took a nap..She called me jst a while ago, n sounds like a new woman!!! She's already able to lift her arms shoulder height, where before, she couldnt do anything at all...I think this prednisone will help her greatly....She sounded so happy....which, in turn....makes dad happy, which, in turn.....makes ME ecstatic!!!! I hope the improvement continues.....Dad's hanging in there.....he's more worried about mom, so it has distracted him away from "Planet Bowel"...LOL

So......that was my day.....hope all of u had something to smile about in ur day...

Ladee........LYL........

Happy Birthday Vickie Vic..... Hope it is something special for you today.... lots of hugs to you sweet lady....

Shy, thanks for coming back and letting us know what is really going on.... you won't get on the bad side of me,,, I don't hate Texas, but am really starting to hate our summers.... they last FOREVER.....
I completely understand your feelings of watching your dad disappear.... it is heart breaking, frustrating, and only reinforces how powerless we are.... but as hard as it is, I do appreciate that you are there for him.... My sweet little Sman has Alz, and has had a rapid decline in the past month... too much going on, too many changes... too many people for him to get used to.....and it takes a toll on them....

So I am happy ya'll get to go to the lake everyday, hell, we're in Texas, you'll still get to go in Dec. and not be cold..... so come back and visit, I also understand about the vigilance... makes me even tireder than I already am.... so sending hugs across Texas to ya.....