Mom and Me

Thank You All..

Mom is settling into the ebb and flo of living at Edgewater in their Skilled Nursing Facility, which by the way is beautiful. 

"I was fearing doing physical therapy", she said. "When I had that back trouble several years ago in Michigan they threw me around like a rag-doll. Here they are so careful."

Well, they are trained to work with older folks and understand that it takes a longer period of time to respond.

"True and I can tell I'm getting stronger each day."

I've been worried about potential memory loss but today:

"Say, I don't remember if I ever said thank you to Georgie for the beautiful way in which she painted that old table."

Oh, I think you thanked her.

"No, I'm not sure.  When you all where here for my birthday gathering there was so much going on that I'm sure I failed to say something."

A quick call to my Bride who said, "No, she didn't but tell her she did I don't want to make her worry."

Mom, Georgie said you did.

"Give me that phone!  Georgie, I am quite sure I did not properly thank you for painting this table and I want to make sure that I do so...thank you very much it is beautiful."

By the way...she is also very happy with the many cards and notes you've sent to her for her 93rd Birthday.  The card from President Obama and Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) were also surprises.  She was amazed that she received cards from all over the country and well wishes from around the world on Facebook.  "Thank you all.  It was such a pleasant surprise and I am truly grateful."

And...so it goes.

A Second Birthday Party...

Mom had her "Official Birthday" on Sunday but, because she didn't have her hair done until Tuesday photos and video were "Verboten".  So we had a Second Birthday Party at Edgewater in one of the private three-season areas.  Thought you might like to see:

 

Thank you again for the many folks from around the country who sent Mom a card or wished her well on Facebook and Twitter.  That was really very nice and she was/is grateful.  

And...so it goes. 

Got A Card?

Today we moved Mom from Mercy West Lakes to Edgewater also in West Des Moines.  This is a photo of Scott from Wesley Wheels who was her driver.  She'll be there for several weeks doing rehab for compression fractures of her back.  As Ginger, the perky nurse who checked Mom in said, "We have a very disciplined physical therapy department and they will get to work on you starting tomorrow."

"That doesn't sound like it's so pleasant."

It's for your own good.  We need to be aggressive in helping you get stronger so you can get out of here.

Mom perked up at that, "Well, as long as they don't throw me around like a rag doll!"

For those of you who follow Mom & Me and want to do something fun...here's a little suggestion.

Mom turns 93 next week.  I share these posts with her and she gets a kick out of what people say on Facebook and Twitter.  You may not know her...but in a way...you do.

SO...if you want to send her a birthday card that would be so cool.  We'll share every one with her and she'll wonder where in the heck these all came from.  And, if you just want to write her...that's cool too.  Don't go to the expense of a card.  If you want to participate here is the address:

                        June Strong

                        8331 Colby Parkway, #119

                        Urbandale, Iowa  50322

No gifts just a simple card or note and let her know where you are from.  She will be amazed.

One more thing:  Before I left this evening she said, "I feel so much more relaxed here.  The hospital was nice but these people are so kind.  I hope they are paying them enough."

And...so it goes.

The Catholics...

Last evening I got a call from an orthopedic surgeon from Mercy West Lakes regarding Mom's back. It wasn't bad news but it wasn't good news either.

Mom is suffering from compression fractures. She's had them before and they too took her out for some time.  However, that was several years ago and now, being close to 93 (in just four days) the healing process is much different.

The options are to get her up and moving more and perhaps...perhaps do some less invasive surgery.

The trick now is to get her motivated to move.  When I was with her last night she was not happy with her progress.

"This is really getting to me."

I know.

"I've been hurting for over a week and just can't seem to get any relief.  But, I will tell you something, these Catholics are OK."

What?

"No kidding.  If you want excellent care head to a Catholic hospital it's just something about them."

But, I suspect many of your caregivers are not Catholic.

"Doesn't matter.  I think they train them right and that's what's important."

And...so it goes...

Waiting...

Today we are waiting go transfer Mom to Edgewater for skilled care and rehab.  We thought that was going to take place this morning but we've been pushed back a bit.

Mom is getting anxious

"Hurry up and wait!"

I know.  How are you feeling?

"They have been wonderful here at Mercy but in and out.  I've had people in and out of this room since six o'clock this morning.  Not sure what they are all doing but they have been busy."

But, how are you feeling?

"I'm getting tired of not being able to do what I want to do. This sitting around or laying around and waiting bugs me."

I understand

"And another thing.  They give me way too much food.  It's good but they keep on shoving stuff at me.  If this keeps up they'll need a winch to get me out of here!"

And...so it goes.

(Photo: Mom - Fall 2011 in her apartment.)

What A Week...

As you know, last Sunday we were in the emergency room at Mercy West Lakes.  Then it was to the family doctor on Wednesday and on Thursday it was back to the hospital where they admitted Mom.

She's been complaining of severe back pain and some other stuff.  Following three visits to the medical community they decided to dig in and see what's going on.

Now, a week later she is feeling better but still no direct cause.  However this time has not been without it's moments.

Friday the folks from physical therapy came in to visit with her:

Hello June, we are from Physical Therapy and here to evaluate you.

"Oh oh, I've been through this before.  You're the people who throw me around like a rag doll."

Oh no we will be careful.

"You better be.  Say, where are you from?"

Where do you think?

"India!"

That is correct.

"I knew it.  I really like you people.  Your medical staff are smart and caring and I've had some experience with Indian physicians."

(I was glad that didn't go some place else...)

And this:

Mom, can I bring you anything?

"Yes, I need some make-up."

But you are in the hospital.  Most folks don't much care what they look like when they are trying to get better.

"That's the problem and I'm not 'most folks'.  Looking better makes me feel better."

And if that's all it takes...I'm in.

And so it goes....