Friday, December 6, 2013

The Next Step

Square Wreath Thank you for all of your sweet comments, your prayers and support for my dear, little mother and for me.  The last days have seemed like a blur in many ways but we have moved to the next step.  My dear mother stayed in the hospital for two days before she was transferred to a rehabilitation center in our home town.  She is just across town from our home and it is much more convenient than going to the hospital in the next town.  She is making progress very slowly. The transition from hospital to residential rehab care has not been without adjustments but I believe we are more settled in as each day passes.  I was amazed a couple of days ago to watch her walk a small distance using the parallel bars in the physical therapy gym.  Of course, she needs assistance and it is very slow and still quite painful.  She is from ‘pioneer stock’ and she has always been determined to do what she needs to do.  She’s a strong lady and the rehab staff believes she is doing well.  We don’t know what the future holds when she is ready to leave rehab – but we don’t need to know right now.

One thing that has become very real to me through this past week is the importance of every moment with those who are dear to us.  I treasure each time I can sit beside her and visit – or listen to her concerns – or laugh a bit when she shares something funny.  I’m not taking anything for granted these days.  Time is short when we look at the big picture of our days.  My heart is easily touched with things I may have passed by a few short days ago.

My mother still has her sense of humor.  When I arrived in her room this morning she couldn’t wait to tell me of a visitor she had last night.  Santa came to visit!  He leaned down next to her face and his elf took a picture of the two of them together!  Then he gave her a stocking filled with gifts.  She tried not to laugh too hard when she told me that he gave her a man’s stocking!  Her stocking was filled with sugar-free candy mints (which she likes), large man’s boot socks and an activity book that wouldn’t even challenge my six-year-old grandson!  When I held up the boot socks we decided she could probably put both of her tiny, size four feet into one sock!

My dear mother is getting good care.  The future is uncertain but we will do what we’ve been doing – we will continue to take one day at a time.  And we will delight in every moment we have.

17 comments:

  1. Sounds good, Adrienne, and your little mother sounds like she is in a good place. So nice to hear she is being funny! Glad she is close by too. Remember, take care of yourself. After my mother went into the nursing home I went to see her each day. I did her laundry too as the facility just didn't do it 'right'. I realized I was wearing myself out. So after she had been there about 3 months, I slowed down to every other day. Remember to take care of yourself, friend.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  2. I'm glad she is doing better, Adrienne. She is blessed to have such a precious daughter. Hugs

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  3. Her progress sounds good and I am glad her spirits are staying up! I will continue to pray that she heals well and quickly. You are right, we need to remember that every moment with our loved ones is to be treasured:>)

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  4. Her progress sounds encouraging. I can tell that you have gotten your priorities focused, and it is wonderful to hear that you are noticing and embracing the small things. Our time is, indeed, short. That perspective and insight is the silver lining of the whole ordeal. Celebrate those special moments!

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  5. P.S. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.

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  6. Oh friend, glad she is doing well and that you are treasuring the moments with her. And those men's boot socks...why they were meant to be hung by the fireplace on Christmas Eve of course!

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  7. Oh, dear Adrienne. I am saddened to read that your mother fell. I well know how difficult this is for her and all of you. I have already stopped to say a prayer, and I will keep you in my prayers. She is so lucky to have you.

    I wish I lived near enough to help. We are finished decorating, and I would be glad to help you. Some Christmas cheer would be good for you.♥

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  8. Oh, it sounds like it is a difficult time, but a time filled with grace. I noticed the word,moments. That is my words for 2014.
    May God walk with you both during this time.

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  9. Sweet Adrienne I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. I miss oregon everyday. Your pictures make me smile.

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  10. Oh goodness, I hadn't realized this was happening in your life. Many prayers and best wishes to you. <3, ~Angela~

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  11. I will keep your mother in my prayers and you, too, as you help make sure gets the love and care she deserves.

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  12. So sorry to hear about your moms fall and break. How sweet her sense of humor about the stocking :) Sending prayers for her and you!

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  13. Praising the Lord for her progress and also praying for you my friend! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  14. I'm so glad she's doing well Adrienne - one day at a time is a perfect way to go forward. blessings, marlene

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  15. prayers for you and your mother during this Christmas season.

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  16. Hi Adrienne! I hope your little mother is continuing to do well and you too, my friend. If you need to talk, I'm just a keyboard away! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  17. Hi Adrienne! Oh, enjoy your grandchildren! How wonderful to have them all with you for the first time! I could be jealous but since I love you, I won't! :)
    Thanks so much for popping in to see me and I hope things are continuing to improve with your little mother.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.