Random Notes from the Sandwich Life
1. Let’s see. Where to start? The hospice visit was a good one. We like the woman very much and it already feels good to have someone looking at the whole picture as it were. Judi seems to be declining rapidly in some ways. The new routine now is that when Ernie gets up in the morning (5:30ish) he will help her take her pain medication and then by the time I’m up (I know, I know) I can help her with her other medications. She’s also weak enough now that she likes me to help her get out of bed and change clothes, etc.. She was pretty chipper this morning though and was watching tv---something she’s not doing as much as Owen noted. Our dearest friend Eileen was here yesterday and that really perked Judi up. Eileen is my oldest, closest friend----the kind of friend that you really only have one of----the one that's known you since you were fourteen, went through college with you....the one that gets the title of Aunt even though she's not technically family.... Eileen was the one who was with Judi during her time at Emory when she had the Whipple procedure and she's extraordinarily special to not just me but to Judi. She also incredibly competent and smart about caregiving. Whew, it's great having her here....
2. Leo took his responsibility of running upstairs to put Wally on the bed when he barked (Wally is a tad old and arthritic and wouldn’t---uh I mean couldn’t jump up on Judi’s bed) and he was so sweetly serious about it that I almost feel sad that his duty is gone. He’s very good at racing upstairs with lemonade or a popsicle however so I guess that will have to do. Owen’s contribution is more along the lines of waltzing into the room and bellowing, “how ARE you Aunt Judi?” or the ever popular “everything OKAYYYY in here?” Lately he hasn't wanted to go up and kiss her goodbye when he leaves for school so something's up. Hard stuff for a couple of little guys....
3. In fact, given all the issues we’re dealing with we’re having we’re having the guys see a child psychologist. Took the little blonde one the other day and he was on an incredible high. Three adults in one room wanting to hear HIM speak and give his views on the WORLD. He went into performance overdrive. Utterly amazing. Utterly amazing. It amused me all day long....
4. I'm still fighting this stomach bug.
5. beautiful pears Eileen brought us....
6. She also brought these to me....they're beautiful....but what are they? She said they're some Mexican bean that starts with x....any ideas?