Backing up to Friday, I was so happy that one of my long-time blogging friends (we first connected on Multiply back in 2008ish, I think) and her hubby stopped in on their way back home from a family vacation further south on a Gulf beach. This was their third visit to our house so they knew Joe, too, and this time they had their youngest son, Eric, and a grandson, Caleb, with them. We had a nice visit, though too short. Cheryl was on Blogger for a while but is now just on Facebook. I'm trying to get her back to blogging! Some of you may remember her walks with her beautiful dog, Nanook (who died a couple of years ago), and the great pictures she always shared of those walks and her dog. Pat gathered us in a circle as they were leaving and prayed for me. I added a prayer for their safety traveling home. I am so blessed by this wonderful blogging community and the true Christ believers who have touched my life (including so many of you reading this!).
When I did get up, I went shoe shopping for Helen. Her nurse called me on Friday to tell me Helen's slippers and shoes are too tight. Helen has some wounds on her feet from a fall (at her house, not in the facility) and they aren't healing well so she has bandages that make the shoes too tight. I purchased some Isotoner indoor/outdoor slippers in a bigger size and when I took them to her she loved them. I put them on for her and she said they felt great! I was so happy I got some that fit and felt good and that she liked. Whew!
Today is her 93rd birthday. I picked her up yesterday at 4:00 to take her out for an early birthday dinner at Cheddar's, with her niece, Cheryl, and her nephew, Craig. Craig came to help his sister move into her apartment. He hadn't seen his Aunt Helen for many years. Helen was SO happy to be the center of attention and to see Cheryl and Craig. Cheryl brought a cake for dessert that Cheddar's allowed so it was a nice time.
I need to do some laundry and cleaning today and will run over to see Helen for a little while. I am so glad they are starting to serve meals in the dining room today. Breakfast will still be delivered but lunch and dinner will be in the dining room (which is right down the hall from Helen's apartment). I am anxious for her to have some socialization. She probably won't remember names but I hope she will enjoy communal dining. All the residents and staff have been vaccinated. Visitors must have proof of vaccination and have a temp taken OR submit to a rapid COVID test before entering the facility. I feel confident that they will be safe with dining and getting some activities started.
Son, Joey, is coming this week (Wednesday or Thursday) to help finish going through Joe's office and to take whatever he wants from his dad's things. I think he will be here through the weekend and can go to church with me for Easter Sunday. Hope so, anyway! Darlene is still healing but will hopefully get good news from her doctor today so Joey feels okay about leaving her for a few days.
Joe's good friend, David, who did the eulogy at Joe's service, asked me to lunch this week. We are meeting at Crispers on Tuesday. He is a CPA with a large practice so I will also be asking him if he knows anyone who needs some part-time accounting help. .Wednesday I am meeting my friend, Kalisa, for lunch and will go to dinner Thursday evening with Tim and Judy. Nice that I have stuff to do and friends to see now that Elaine and Jim are back in Illinois. I will continue to see Helen at least twice a week. I want to stop going every other day if I can so she gets acquainted there with other residents.
So that's my update! Wishing you all a blessed week ahead! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, you have a busy week ahead, but all good stuff! So thankful for your friends and family stepping up to the plate to make sure you are okay! And how nice that Joey will be down for a few days to help you too. Helen looks very happy, and I am glad she will be able to eat in the dining room now. That should help her a lot just being with other people every day, even if she doesn't remember names, etc....just seeing friendly faces and hearing people talking makes a big difference. How nice that you and Cheryl and Craig were able to make her birthday so special. Still praying for that right job to come along for you. I believe God has it timed perfectly. You've had a lot to get done in these weeks, and learning a new job would have been frustrating on top of it all. But now you can begin to settle into more of a routine and having a part time job will be nice. Have a blessed and wonderful Holy Week. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMaking more happy memories. This made me smile too.
ReplyDeleteWe received a letter from Baptist Village in Waycross last week were Steve's Mom is staying. They're kinda opening up FINALLY. Steve can't wait to hug her again. All this nonsense has to stop. The isolation is like prison. It's wicked.
Have a blessed day. xx
Its been a year here in our retirement community has had any activities and I can say it has been so destructive. Glad things are opening up down your way. Should help seniors out greatly.
ReplyDeleteBusy is good. I am so glad Helen has moved to the place. The beginning is hard, but I know it will be easier on all in the long run. Hopefully the moving around in the facility will help her too. I am glad to hear things are returning to some sense of normalcy with Covid fears. That was so sweet of your blogging friend to stop by and visit. I do hope your son can stay and do Easter with you, but if not any day is good.
ReplyDeleteYou have been so busy!! I am sorry Elaine is going home, I know you will miss her next door. Marvin and I have been watching a British show on Amazon Prime called, New Tricks. It is so fun but still a police procedural. It involves a younger police woman with a crew of three retired cops who have come back to solve cold cases. I think you would like it. Happy Birthday to Helen. She is so blessed to have you to help care for her.
ReplyDeleteArlene, Joe and I watched all of the New Tricks show. It really is fun. Glad you are enjoying it too!!
DeleteI know it's such a hard time but it's easier when you spend time with friends and family. They support you and that is such a blessing. You are a blessing to yours too and wonderful to be there for Helen. Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteIt's good that Helen is in this new place. You are such a good friend to her. I am glad Jim and Elaine (and Bella) have been here with you through everything. God knew you would need them. All of your friends have been so good to you. It blesses me to see the Lord's watchcare over you.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for Darlene. (and you)
What a lovely birthday Helen had! Can't believe that my mother will also turn 93 this year. Glad to know, too, that Joey is coming and that you are staying busy, Terri. It so helps to have family, friends and distractions to cope in a time like this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Sounds like a great weekend! Nice that old friends could come visit too. That's awesome.
ReplyDeleteYou were busy with friends - and Helen too - so glad for you. Hope Joey stays.
ReplyDeleteAw shucks ... I was hoping Elaine and Jim might change their mind and decide to stay a while longer. So glad your friends are making sure you're hugged ..... and fed. AND that Joey's coming back. All great reasons to smile!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to meet a blogging friend again. Our blogging friends really are a blessing!
ReplyDeleteHelen looks so good! I'm glad you were all able to get together for her birthday.
I'm glad Jim and Elaine made it home safely. Will they be coming back at any time?
Glad Joey is coming back! And it would be great if your friend knew of a PT job for you. Praying for you and that God has the perfect job waiting!
Mari, they may come back next winter but they won't be back this summer.
DeleteAw...sending lots of love and (((hugs))). I can't imagine how difficult it had to be to say goodbye to Jim and Elaine right now. I'm so thankful they were there for you throughout everything. Thankful, too, that they made it home safely. I'm glad you are keeping busy with friends and hope a job soon turns up and that Joey arrives safely and can stay through Easter. Happy birthday to Helen! She looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're keeping busy and have so many friends! I love that blog friend's visit!
ReplyDeleteHelen looks amazing! Actually, she resembles Queen Elizabeth!
How wonderful that Joey is coming again! Also, I pray that your job search yields some results now that Jim and Elaine are gone.
Jean, I had to laugh at your Queen Elizabeth comment. She hears that ALL THE TIME and we laugh about it often.
DeleteWhat a blessing you are, and to meet so many blogging friends in person, put me on that list! I think we'd have a good time, on one of my Florida trips! Helen looks so happy. We actually went to Cheddars in Lakeland when we were down there in January, I had never heard of it before then...
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