Follow
Share
Read More
This discussion has been closed for comment. Start a New Discussion.
Funny river!!!!!! Give Sam a big ol' hug for his effort......aren't animals amazing? We had a Muscovy duck show up here several years ago and within a month that silly thing was sitting on the deck with the dogs and eating treats....it especially liked Captain Crunch cereal.......
(0)
Report

Ok folks. I am laughing my butt off... Sam-I-am, my 14 pound black cat decided today would be the day he would stalk a squirrel. I have a huge magnolia tree just outside the back door and there was lead butt (he's the kind of cat that if you pick him up his upper half will stretch and his bottom will just sit there) sneaking past the tree, down along the fence line, eyeing this fat little squirrel sitting on the fence post. Suddenly, Sam makes a run for it. Slow and lumbering, but a run just the same. Guess the squirrel had some mamma lessons about NOT running from enemies either that or he was earning his squirrel stripes-but the squirrel just sat there on the post twitchin his tail. Sam gets about a foot away and decides to pounce. The squirrel didn't move. Sam lead bottom didn't quite make it to the top of the fence-he embarrassed himself by falling backwards. Squirrel however was not going to let Sam just slink away. That squirrel flew off that fence, caught up with Sam and like some jujitsu artist whacked Sam several times on the head then took off running like his tail was on fire. Poor Sam! Total humiliation! Kind of like my life these days.. Sometimes I'm Sam and sometimes I'm Squirrel! Some days I can't get my bum in gear, other days I'm fearlessly whacking down trouble. My heart goes out to all of you who have loved ones ill and failing and to you who are worried and sleepless. Been there, am there and really know what you are going through. Prayer is like a great big warm blanket and considering all who are praying on this forum we are all well covered. Take comfort. Good night.
(7)
Report

Been out of pocket for a few days... Trying to catch up on sleep and sanity...lost it somewhere but it came back! Was a rough week with dad and mom hasn't been as perky lately. This week we don't have to go out much so it will be somewhat easier on my body. It just gets harder and harder to move dad around.
Jam hugs for you and Target..Col is in my prayers. Stormy..know your dad loved his birthday present! Homemade pizza yum! You made his day special, I am sure.
Ladee..you make my life day to day better too! Notlike, glad you are standing up for yourself and your sanity.
Love and prayers for all of you
(1)
Report

riverleigh2bzy, I am so sorry to hear about your room mate's dog! You are a very special friend, indeed, helping your room mate and everyone here to try and see the positive during bad times! You sound like you are trying very hard to get what you want...I certainly hope you get it! I find that most of the time we have to creat our own "luck." It's still amazing and inspirational to me that everyone here on AC is so strong!...You included! Have a wonderful afternoon!
(1)
Report

allergy season has started in Az and my daughter may have the same thing. I am trying to get the house ready come next Wednesday when I will finally have a rep from the life insurance company to talk to me about the laws and how to work hubby's and everyone else. I am also still waiting on my award letter from SSA then I have to take care of faxing everything to Phx office to renew our case for stamps and etc. I am praying I can get this headache solve and still keep my job as his aide while I look into other forms of employment. I have to redo my resume again but then again how does a woman in her early 30's start over again....sometimes I wish it was easier but I am grateful for the small things in life and that is all i can hope for as long as I can keep us in a place.
(1)
Report

Sorry to hear of the col's decline Jam, seems once that downhill slide starts it goes fast. And I know what you are talking about with the "look".... I call it ' resting up for the other side'.... Give Target a hug for me and tell him I am sorry he has to watch his mom go away in little incriments... I hate this disease, hate it with a passion....
Five days of rain... Thank You God, I'm feeling like the drought should about be over now, just a few days of sunshine please..... we are getting pretty cranky , cabin fever and mold starting to grow on our eyes from not getting to see the sun...
I NEED TO GET OUTSIDE!!!! Oh, sorry, a little momentary lapse of sanity there, I should be ok in a few minutes.... hugs to everyone, check in please, I need something to look forward to... OK??
(1)
Report

Good Morning Posse!

Good to read from you river and to see your positive attitude again....and so sorry to hear all of your not so good news. I'm sure the near-perfect job will come along, one that you will be happy doing, I don't know that anything can be perfect. What would be the challenge then?

Update on the col.....walked into her room yesterday and had to bend over completely to see her face.....she is so hunched over. She is not able to sit up straight anymore. Yes, she was in her wheelchair but she has the "look".....and I'm not sure she knew who I was. BP is up slightly, pulse still rapid but that may be from elevated temp, oxygen sat is good. She doesn't respond unless she is asked something. Tomorrow the social worker and I get to have a chat.....she was missing one hearing aid and we looked the place over and never found it, still haven't found her quilt and found her remote to the tv on the counter at the nurse's station. I'm praying that she goes to sleep and the angels take her peacefully.....I truly think we are in a day to day wait now.

I hope everyone has a beautiful day...........

Happy Trails,
Jam
(0)
Report

River, much bad news to absorb in a short amount of time... and the job hunt, try not to depair, God has the right job for you, you'll know it when you see it. I always appreciate your positive attitude and your ability to help me see the 'positives' about life... we forget how 'temporary' this life is and get so caught up in all the things we can't change.. so thank you for shining a light on possibilites... hugs.
(0)
Report

Hey everyone. It is Saturday! It is the end of a long week. It has been an up and down week. My room mate's dog Toby has been diagnosed with lymphoma an aggressive form of cancer. I had to tell her since it was me that took Tobes to the vet. Like every thing else that is difficult to tend to I made sure we looked only at the positive. There is healing through prayer. There are good medications, there are alternative health remedies, nutrition and love that will contribute to a better outcome before the end comes. As I told her we will focus on what can be done to make life not dwell on death. I also found out my sister in law is in serious condition with kidney failure and my best friend who is in prison found out his precious aunt has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It has been a week of challenge for me to stay focused on the possibilities in all of these situations and to convey positive thoughts that can bring hope instead of despair. I have been challenged too by my lack of confidence in my job hunting. Challenged by so many small personal set backs. So I am glad Saturday is here. I have rewritten my resume and enjoyed the spring like weather and the company of my daughter. Sometimes when you think you can't handle one more bit of sad news you find the strength and courage to do just that-face another bit of sad news. And some how the human spirit with grace moves through the trouble to a brighter day. I think that is what I admire so much in caregivers-their strength to move through circumstances with grace.
All of you here are inspirations. Hope you know that.
(3)
Report

Jam-prayers and hugs to you and yours.
Ladee-maybe we can get the Laundry Room to sponser the t-shirts? You know, like a baseball team? LOL
Mis-good to hear from you!
Couldn't stay with Dad any longer at his last appt. Waited 1 1/2 hrs without seeing the doctor. I had to get back to work. Doc did call me, though, and told me what they talked about, so that worked. This was an easy appt - really just to say he needs the C-pap machine. I am thinking of asking Mom's radiation doc to do the same. I can't go every day for 3 weeks, just in case the doc wants to talk to us. But I will go if the doc says she wants us there and lets me know.
Nice enough here to hang laundry out on the line today. Yeah! I plan to get 2 loads outside, then take a nap.
Good day to all.
(0)
Report

Prayers for the family and the col Jam... keep us updated if you can.... give Target a hug for me...and hug yourself for being there for him and the col... love ya
(0)
Report

Oh my Jam. Praying that everything turns out alright. Keeping you in my prayers.
(0)
Report

Good Morning Posse!

Wanted to check in and say that I'm thinking of you all and wanted to let you know that the col had a hypotensive crisis last night......she has been coughing and hoarse and then last night extremely low BP, rapid pulse, low grade fever, unresponsive.....she is a DNR and will be treated at the NH. I will keep everyone up to date as I can.

Love and Hugz,
Jam
(0)
Report

Hi everyone long time no post. Welcome to the new posters.

I've been working some overtime. Geez, have to have the gas money for our trip in Oct. We got our new toys (quad, side by side, and new cargo trailer). Now just to find the time to enjoy them between having dental work done.
Just wanted to say "hi" to you all. Hugs to you all.
(2)
Report

Stormy, I think the birdfeeder idea is a wonderful idea for his b-day and he like to watch birds and pizza too! What time is the party? : ) I Hope he enjoys his gift that you have taking your thought, time and consideration for him. You are too sweet.
(0)
Report

Notlike, either we speak up or get tshirts that say WELCOME on them... so at least we'll understand their behavior....and then we can honestly say, "OH, I see, I volunteered for that, oh, ok, now I see.." Some of us are going thru the same things right now, changing our behaviours to feel better about ourself... so always know you are not alone, and that you are very loved and appreciated by us walking the same part of our journey....hugs
Will try to go again today to the Dollar Store to get the tea I drink. Put my stuff down and walked out yesterday as it was about to be a " Jerry Springer smack down" moment in there... and for once it wasn't ME causing the problems...one checker, one lady getting upset because her food stamp card wouldn't come up with a magic amount... one lady getting hysterical because there was only one checker... no, too many shooting is public places right now, and everyone, except me, carries a gun in Texas..... nope, got my fat ass out of there....so will try this again today, may hire me someone to go in and get my tea...I'll drive the 'getaway' car.... all this drama to save 20 cents, but it's 20 cents I can put in the gas tank....Well not that I think about it won't be saving ANY money as I have to go again.... I make myself so tired... love ya'll.
(2)
Report

River - beautiful post and lovely story. Thank you!
Stormy-Bird feeders are a great gift. I'll bet the birds appreciate it, too! Hugs.
Ladee and Jam-I guess I'll have to learn new languages to say Good. LOL Thanks :) I really do feel better. And I like the Welcome mat thing - I might just use it next time she treats me like dirt.
Having a good day...slow at work, payday, got donuts.
Have a good day everyone.
(2)
Report

Hey River, good to see you, and thanks for the story of the kitten... think I'll pray for money and see what happens... hugs
(0)
Report

Thank you river................love the story and you're right...sometimes your prayers are answered. Hope you are doing well.....
(0)
Report

Here's a story I heard from a radio pastor lately. Hopefully, I will get it all down succinctly and you here will find a little bit to laugh about this evening. Ok. Here goes. A pastor's little kitty went up a tree. It was one of those sapling trees-too tall for the kitty to climb back down from and to willowly for a person to climb up. The pastor had this idea to tie a rope to the sapling and then to the bumper of his car. In doing so it was his hope that he could bend the tree just enough to rescue the kitty. After tying the rope to tree and bumper he then drove ever so slowly bending the tree-but then just when he was able to see that the kitten was in reach-the rope broke! The kitten was catapulted over two houses and beyond. The pastor was horrified! He looked for the kitty but nothing-no sight of him any where in the neighborhood. A week goes by and sadly the pastor realizes that some mistakes just can't be undone and he gives up looking for the kitty. One day he was in the grocery store and sees one of his parishoners buying cat food. This was strange as the woman always said she would NEVER own a cat. So the pastor approached her and asked if she had a change of heart. Pastor, she said, you will not believe what I am going to tell you-but I saw it with my own eyes. One day last week my little girl asked me for a kitten. I told her No unless God sends you one-you will never have a cat in this house! Well pastor, the woman continued, my little girl went out into the yard and kneeled down, folded her hands and prayed for God to send her a kitten. Pastor, I saw it with my own eyes or I wouldn't have believed it. But out of the sky flew a little kitten landing right in front of my little girl! God sent my little girl a kitten!

My fellow caregivers, sometimes what seems to be disasterous sometimes turns out to be wonderful. You never know when a "catapulted kitten" just might become an answer to prayer. Night All. Hope you all had a blessed day!
(2)
Report

Well dad turned 79 today. Didn't know what in the world to get him, what do you get someone that has everything? So i just picked him up a bird feeder and a hummingbird feeder, a card and i am making him a pizza. He likes watching the birds out of his den window so i thought i would add another one to his collection. He still doesn't feel all that great but i think the meds are helping some, his mucus is still pretty dark and he has been coughing up these terrible looking mucus plugs one was black yesterday. Yuck!!! Well i will chat with ya'll later. hugs stormyyyy
(0)
Report

Speaking of ...my sister called me selfish ...of all things when I gave her money for rent and stuff etc back indy. I told her i am not gonna push the issue with my wedding dress and not to contact me. I am tired of her narrowmindedness and extreme narcissim ...i do not want her drama and she thinks its a competition ...everyone gets sick but she needs to get over her attitude and make adjustment...worst of all she needs to get some self realization and get out of her fantasy world that she accuses me of being in. She wants me to care about her situation when she doesnt give a damn except what her drama is. One the upside I will have life insurance here and hopefully the ssa letter be in the mail...I am just sick of it and yet i am the one bad one as usual but i could care less what family thinks and family is all relative ...blood use to stick together not be ridiculous.
(0)
Report

Hello Everyone. Just checking in a minute. I am doing ok. It is still a challenge every day to deal with my parents, still a challenge to find a job, still a challenge to keep looking on the faith side. Things will work out eventually. Some times you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other-kind of like hiking a rough hike up a mountain. Eventually though, if you keep going you will reach the goal. When I hike these beautiful mountains I find sometimes that the path is very difficult-rocky, steep, wet, slippery, muddy-whatever. But if I keep my mind on the beauty the other stuff doesn't matter. In this care giving walk when the road gets rough, I keep my mind on the ones who come along to help-the little "beauties" friends, a smile from a stranger, simple pleasures, the Unseen Hand that guides, all the little beauties that make the challenges bearable. Even this forum is a little beauty-a place of help, comfort and refuge. Take heart every one of you who are feeling discouraged and overburdened. You aren't alone, your life is graced with beauty. You are beautiful-in the service to others, in your faithful care, in what you bestow. And you are a "beauty" to some one today. Have a great day every one!
(4)
Report

Good morning all, hopefully this post will get thru, have lost the last two... love ya'll , ttyl...
(0)
Report

Good Morning Posse!

I'm adding a WOOTWOOT to ladee's YEEHAAAAAA........my goodness girls I'm very proud of you for standing up for yourselves!
cindy....if sis and son don't like that Mom is going home by her own wishes, perhaps they would like her moved to their homes or perhaps one of them would like to move in with Mom to take care of her. Sure we're all living proof that some elderly shouldn't be living on their own, but why some people think that when you reach a certain age you shouldn't be allowed to breath on your own............as ladee said if later on Mom is not able to care for herself then you can deal with that. Maybe you can sweetly suggest to sis that if she has so many opinions then she must be wanting to take on the care giver role. Enjoy your job and now just think of all the time you are going to have to be yourself again....that's what I am doing now......somewhere in the last 2 years I went away and I'm now working on finding ME.....
notlike....mom isn't going to change this late in the game but at least now you know you can stand up for yourself and not stand still for any berating over unmopped floors or the wrong bowl!
Maybe seeme can talk to Kathy about keeping the CLOWN TRAIN fed......now we need to decide where we're going to push our carts....any ideas?

Sending hugs and love and peace of mind today as you go about doing what needs to be done..........

Happy Trails,
Jam
(1)
Report

Notlike, I am so proud of you.... YEEE HAAAA... that's Texan for you did good....
And your right, it won't change your mom... but now she knows you are going to say something... just like with Marie... the talk with her was not to try and change HER, but to give her a heads up that I was going to start speaking up when shes taking her life problems out on me...and you didn't even puke.... so it means it was time to stand up for yourself... this woman lives in your home.... she doesn't have to like what is happening in her life, but like Marie she has choices on how to handle it...and for every action there is a consequence, regardless of who you are...it can be a good consequence, seeing a smile on someones face because you said or did something thoughtful, or it can be the person you are abusing standing up for themselves....I want to tell Marie sometimes that my name isn't WELCOME and I am not here for you to step on...
So very proud of you girl, and you are NOTHING like your mom.... you and Vic are my inspiration on many days whethere either of you know it...
And yes, the pets.... Lord what a sight we are going to be.... but a 'happy' sight, and God knows we've earned it.... love ya, hugs to you and angels to help you to take the steps neccessary to continue on this part of your journey....
(1)
Report

Cindy-Blessings and hugs to you. You can do what needs to be done.
Ladee-As always, your posts remind me I am loved. I can't say thank you enough.
Jam-Mom has a mean streak a mile wide. I've spent years learning to be myself, now I get to learn how to deal with her at close quarters without becoming her.
I got tired of feeling sorry for myself all day. Even sat in the park after work just to think before coming home. So I told Mom how I felt about yesterday. I went back and forth between being sincere and just saying some things that were true, but not nice. Figure if I'm going to get in trouble no matter what, I might as well make it worth it. I feel better, and not like such a door mat. It probably won't make any real difference in the long run, but at least I'm not sitting here again feeling like a fool for putting up with her meaness. And I didn't even puke! LOL
Clown train...hmm. We'll look pretty funny toting all the dog houses and cat carriers. We've got alot of pets, and we treat them right! So here's this bunch of bag ladies with pampered pooches and king kitties, strolling along. We're strolling - the pets are riding in decked out shopping carts!
Good night, and better tomorrows.
(2)
Report

And thanks Jam, yes I would need an extra basket for the rocks... I can just see a convoy of homeless caregivers... what a fierce bunch that would be.... we'd have to push each other sometimes, but my ass is too big and my legs to fat to fit in the little seat, so we'd have to improvise... God knows we are a bunch of enterprising and imaginative folks, so it would look like the circus has come to town...
But we'd be laughing for a change...and I really don't think anyone would bother us, at least for the first few months... we'd still have the 'scowl' on our faces...We could have contests by the fire to see whose back hurts the worst, but telling ya'll now, I AIN'T COOKING.... if it doesn't come from the soup kitchen, ya'll are out of luck.... and no one would get to criticize or ridicule or roll their eyes. And we'd all have to be in charge of changing our own pants....
Just picture us going into Goodwill for our summer wardrobes.... I want anything that is loud, has sequins, glows in the dark.... come on ya'll I know you have something to add... let's get this clown car rolling.... love ya'll
(1)
Report

cindy, you'll get thru tomorrow, you've gotten thru all the other days. And no one but you can make this decision. It's not like you are doing a drive by and shoving her out of the car... you said you'd see how this works out... you have left your door open... but if you are waiting for the family to show any kind of support , well, you already have that answer.. I feel bad for you that you are even in the position to have to make this decision by yourself.... but give it a try.. you need the break and your mom needs to be home. So see how it works, if she does have to come back, then you'll cross that bridge when you get to it...
Make sure she has what she needs at her house, call and remind her to drink plenty of fluids, take a deep breath... and the family will be upset..so what... as long as the case worker is in agreement, then the family is only making noise.
Best of luck to you, prayers and angels, and let us know how things go... hugs
(0)
Report

Dearest Janetrose,
You could be describing my life. Right now I'm sitting here in tears wondering if I'm doing the right thing or not. I've decided to take my mom home tomorrow. She is still able to take care of herself and misses her kitty and I'm at the point where I can't take the mood swings and my impatience. My son and sister have called me every name in the book and threatened to report me to Adult Protective Services for gross neglect!! The thing is, they don't know that their case Worker has been on my side from the beginning! I'm so torn as to what to do! The guilt is making me sick. My nerves are frazzled. I don't know if she'll stay hydrated (a huge issue), whether she'll eat if I'm not there, but I have to give her a try. Nobody and I mean nobody has helped me at all. I took her in after she had carotid artery surgery when nobody else offered and now, I am the bad guy for making "terrible" decisions. I don't know what to do any more. I'm so depressed and sad and actually look forward to my part time job! Work has been slow and sporadic which hasn't helped either. Financially, it's been hard on me. I just wish I knew what to do and what is the right thing for my mom. I hope and pray she'll be safe and happy. That's all I ever wanted. I don't want applause or ovations for what I've done, I just want my family members to realize I've done everything I could without their help, just their opinions. I'll keep you posted, if I make it through tomorrow!!!! HUGS!
(0)
Report

This discussion has been closed for comment. Start a New Discussion.
Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter