After clearing away the lunch dishes, we brought out the homemade Italian Cream Cake and served a slice to whomever walked by and wanted a piece. It didn't take long for the cake to disappear, all but one large slice, saved for the birthday girl to enjoy later at her leisure.
For the pair of ladies who've recently moved into the Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility, they've both put on a few pounds, made a host of new friends, attended church services, been serenaded by musicians, played Bingo and Wheel of Fortune and generally lived a more active lifestyle over the past few weeks than the previous few years.
Of course, there's still a general longing and tearful wish for "home" and the beloved family cat who can't join them at "the resort". Life has turned into a double-edged balance between pain and pleasure, matching safety against independence. To these precious ladies who would in any case, rather be in their own home, the services they have available have become more than just nice to have. They have physical therapists to help keep their mental and physical bodies in tune and a caring staff of dieticians, doctors, physician assistants and others to ensure their well being. They are in the care of around-the-clock nursing staff, technicians who assist during middle-of the night emergencies, along with the fail safe assurance of back-up generators for power loss like in the country home from which they moved.
Though all this is true, I deeply feel the loss of their proximity - my heart aches with each lonely entry I make into my Mother's former household seeking some missing item to deliver to their shared room. Their world has grown larger in activities and yet, at the same time it's grown smaller in real estate. It is an adjustment for us all, but none feel it more clearly than Auntie, who has left behind her boy, Sugar, the cat.
Happy Birthday to Louise. Boy, it is not like me to be late for a slice of cake. Hope all is well in your corner of the world.
ReplyDeleteSaved you a large slice of this cake, Mike. And a fresh cup of coffee. We are doing okay here. Today the girls will take an outing to the foot doctor so all goes on as usual. Hope you are well too.
DeleteSorry I'm late to the party but happy birthday to Louise. These transitions can be very hard on everyone. I was my father's main care giver and the losses that go with aging can be really painful on the whole family. Blessings Peg :-)
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DeleteLinda, Hello and sorry for the very long delay in responding to your nice visit here. What an important job you had caring for your father and I'm sure you understand the changes that we face as caregivers. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Again, I'm not sure how I could have missed your thoughtfulness for so long. Peg
DeleteOh Peg,
ReplyDeleteCatching up and realizing how much you have been carrying in your love and support of these two lovely ladies. I believe you are their foundation and in some ways, you feel they are yours...perhaps.
I will next catch up on Sugar. Does this facility have a Pet Therapy program, I am hoping...Love you, Maria
Dearest Maria, I tell them all the time that they are my children - I'm the Mom. They have been for so long. It is a large adjustment but I'm actually seeing more of them now where before I was doing things like shopping and bill paying etc for them rather than enjoying time. They offer guest meals and we share lunch a few times a week.
DeleteJust last week was Skilled Nursing Home Week and volunteers brought dogs in to greet and entertain the residents. I posted a pic on fB when you catch up there.
Love you back, Peg