He's still in there

Been a crazy couple of weeks here at the G-H house . My sis came up this past weekend to stay with Dad so that I could go to a basketball tourney with Leacie. It was nice to get away for a few days in a hotel where I was not expected to cook, clean, make a bed, change a diaper or feed anyone. There was a beautiful courtyard with sofas, tables, a fountain, a gas fireplace and big comfortable chairs that I sat on for 2 hours Saturday, all alone with a book in the warm sun. How absolutely relaxing and rejuvenating! I also laughed until I hurt. The "Basketball Moms" and I gossip and tell tales all weekend. It was so nice to talk to other Moms who are going through the same things with their daughters being teenagers and getting their perspectives, advice and warnings.

Apparently Dad was not doing well this weekend and it was difficult to move him from place to place. I hate not being here and my sis having to deal with everything, but I am learning that when I do get away, when I come back, I am more patient and have a renewed energy to handle situations.

He is doing much better today. I think we are battling allergies, because of the way he was weak this weekend, his runny nose and his eyes are swollen. I was talking to him at breakfast about his eyes and I told him they look pitiful all puffy, red and watery - He looks at me and says, "At least they still work." I laughed and thought - true. It is moments like these that I see my Dad is still in there. His quick wit and smart ass comments still surface. A full sentence with 5 words! He may not speak again for days, so I am going to cherish his smart statement. A good lesson - take every little thing he gives me and cling to it. Today it was 5 words, tomorrow it might be a smile, another day it might be a pat on my face. Hold everything you get dear.

Be kind and make good decions.

Cartoons and Ice Cream Sandwiches

A good day here at the G-H House. Got lots of laundry and a little housework done and Poppa was in a good mood. This afternoon I decided to sit down and watch the mid-day news with him and while I was surfing through the channels (well ya never know what else might be on more interesting than WLOS Noon News) I landed on Cartoon Network right as the phone rang. I got up answered it and handled whatever the caller wanted and when I sat back down I noticed Poppa was grinning?? He was watching Tom and Jerry. This man who has not cared about TV for almost two years was grinning at Tom chasing Jerry and the misery this little mouse was putting the cat through. I went and got him an ice cream sandwich to eat and he watched the whole time. After he was done with the ice cream, I left the show on and sat watching him until he closed his eyes and went to sleep about 15 minutes later. Amazing. So, I'm going to try it again tomorrow. Let's see if the colors, noise and sound effects hold his attention again. I'll let ya know.

When I was putting him to bed, I was oohing and ahing over him and he was just staring into my eyes and I talked about his pretty blue eyes - I then asked him what color Granny Martha's (his Mom) eyes were and he thought for a moment and said, "I think green." Now, I am sad to say, I don't remember. Maybe that's where I got my green eyes from or maybe he was just saying green because of me. I'll have to ask Mom. It made me think though, I am the only one in the family with green eyes. Tre, Rob and S all have blue eyes. Mom has greenish blue eyes and Lea has brown eyes and Bo's eyes are goldish/amber colored. Hm...

Talked to the local Alzheimer's Association today to see about getting some respite care from time to time. Trying to get around the fact that we are all living together so that Mom will qualify for someone to come in from time to time. Hey maybe she and I could go to the movies in the middle of the day or have a mani/pedi or heck she go her way and I go mine. I have my kids to get me out of the house for basketball games, functions at school, etc. The only time my Mother leaves this house is to go to the doctor, grocery store and Target. AND that's the way it's been for over 4 years. I would be in a padded cell, heavily medicated if that were me. Which on some days doesn't sound too bad! LOL!

Time for the kids and I to cuddle up and watch Ghost Hunters.

Be kind and make good decisions.

Mar

GiGi Day

Today was a GiGi day. I am GiGi, at least that's what my Granddaughter (and many other people) call me. She came home with us after school while her Mom ran some errands. I love GiGi days. Having this happy little girl running around asking questions and saying some of the most HILARIOUS things is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.



We attempted to make some marshmallow treat eggs that I had seen on TV - they didn't look exactly like the example, but they were easy to make and we had a good time doing it. Abbie took it very seriously. Abbie loves to cook so I try to have her help with supper or make something special when she is here.








Another reason I love GiGi days is Dad is always in a good mood when Abbie is here. I told her when she came in that he was in the "Grumpy Face Club" and she immediately went over and started loving on him. When he smiled she said, "See GiGi, he smiled for me. Now he's in the "Happy Face Club"!" She has always been so sweet and loving to Poppa. Her Mom works with special needs kids and it has taught her a wonderful gift of acceptance even at 4 years old.






Poppa is in his "down cycle" right now. This one seems to be lasting longer than usual. Everyday I wonder, is this the new norm? He is having many spasms/tremors which make it difficult for him to stand, eat and even sleep. The big problem for Mom is the sleeping. She insists on being right beside him all night while he is awake grunting, groaning and jerking. She doesn't sleep in the same bed, he's in a hospital bed, but she is close enough to reach out and touch him during the night. We give him Trazadone to try to calm him down but on his bad nights, it won't work. I worry he is going to get so tired that he ends up having a heart attack or stroke.

I am going to head off to watch the Tarheels...G'Night all.

Be kind and make good decisons!