Enjoy Life's Pleasures While You Can

Today, Dave and I attended a neighborhood brunch planned by the social committee. For $8 each we had coffee, bagels, muffins, and the omelet of our choice. We met a few new people and reconnected with others we had not seen in a while. We played a few games and we laughed quite a bit.

Later, while waiting in line at the grocery store, I looked up and there was my sister right behind me in line. We chuckled and enjoyed the fact that after so many years of living in different states, we are now only a few miles apart and can run into each other at the grocery store. We went to the parking lot where Carolyn put her ice cream in her Styrofoam cooler (it was in the 80's today) and filled me in on her visit with mom. We commiserated with each other over the sad state of mom's condition. I can't imagine going through this caretaking-thing alone. To be able to share this experience with someone who is going through it with you is such a gift. While other family members and friends are concerned and caring, it's not the same as actually doing it with another person. We can validate each other's feelings and worries, and truly appreciate what the other has lived through.

The new (to us because of the room change) nurse had put the knee abductor between mom's legs while she was in the bed. We had stopped doing this after the visit to the surgeon several weeks ago but the records at the nursing home had not been changed. We commend the nurse for following the directions in the book, but are frustrated that the records had not been updated. Just the tip of the iceberg. The nurse said they were not going to get her up out of bed at all. Carolyn questioned if lying in bed for 10 days was a good idea, and especially thought the knee stabilizer should not be used if she is lying in bed all day and night. Mom has to be able to move a little! The nurse would check but that was it for any degree of satisfaction we were going to get with the nursing home today. Carolyn and I are both concerned about getting mrsa ourselves, especially since she has a challenged immune system and I cut my arm on mom's wheelchair the day before she was diagnosed. I've been trying to convince her to stay at home and I will do extra duty for a few days. She does more than enough in the summer when I am away.

On a brighter note, we are going up to Lakeland Wednesday to play golf with five other couples. They tell us it is hilly and has longer grass and is more like playing up north. Should be a great, if difficult golf, day. Thursday night we are going to Bradenton with friends for dinner and a play. There is always something fun going on here. In fact, one almost has to schedule a free night just to rest and recuperate.

Life is a series of ups and downs. Each and every one of us has challenges and trials to meet. It is finding pleasure, comfort, and joy in other people and activities that gets us through the tough times. I'm grateful that I live in Sun City Center which is filled with sunshine and other retired people who have similar interests. I'm grateful for friends who bring me laughter. I'm grateful for family who listen to and support me. I'm grateful for my mother for her cheerful attitude and loving nature. Every time I visit my mother she always, always, thanks me for coming to see her. She could, and should, be moaning and groaning about her fate but she just smiles and tries to show me her love and appreciation for spending time with her. We should all take a page out of her book. Cherish what you have while you still can: your health, your mobility, your mind, your ability to make your own decisions, your ability to speak and express yourself, your friendships, and your loved ones.