Valentine’s Day was a highlight.   Mom felt particularly well that day and loved her Valentines.  One from a friend thanking Mom for her friendship brought tears all around.  She read and reread her cards and a delightful children’s book that Kiza sent (Guess How Much I Love You, by McBratney and Jeram).  Joanie decorated with colorful linens, flowers, a big bunch of heart balloons, and delicious treats.  Joanie and Lindsay made the day even more special by preparing a spectacular lunch:  steak and chicken bbq’d on the patio grill, shrimp, fresh mushrooms, baked potatoes, sauteed and herbed vegetables, a lovely salad, garlic bread, and homemade panna cotta with fresh berries.  (Yum!)  Mom took such pleasure in celebrating holidays and birthdays,  etc., before she became ill, and she appreciated and approved of Harmony’s efforts!  :o)  

Another positive this month was Mom’s appointment with her new primary care doc.  We learned that Mom was overmedicated (some meds needed to be stopped months before and dosages of others were too high).  She was also on drugs which are unwise choices for older seniors.      

Fortunately Mom’s new doctor has extensive experience with older seniors.  She said that it’s very common for older seniors to be overmedicated/mis-medicated.  This is particularly true for those who’ve suffered fractures.  She immediately changed meds and discontinued unnecessary drugs that had been negatively impacting Mom’s quality of life.  Since that day, Mom’s less groggy, able to think and rest more normally, and best of all, much more like herself again.

Regretfully, the positive impacts of the drug changes haven’t extended to Mom’s physical strength.  Even though she’s more comfortable and sleeps better now, and her appetite really improved after meds were discontinued, she hasn’t been able to sustain her weight, strength, or physical therapy.  She’s become very frail.

The physical and emotional trauma, drug side effects, and longer-term heart problems have taken a steep toll on her health.  

Our focus now is to simply be with and support Mom in all the ways that we can.  We hope she understands the love and appreciation we have for her.

We’re grateful that she has little physical pain. We’re also thankful for the kind and conscientious care that Joanie, Lindsay, and others are giving her.  Their support, concern, and advocacy for Mom, and the way they have supported and educated our family, is very deeply appreciated.     

My brother, sister, and all of the grandchildren were just here for a long weekend.  It had been many years since the whole family gathered.  We’re so thankful that everyone in our immediate family could come at once to spend time together with Mom.  It had long been Mom’s hope and prayer.   

While Mom didn’t sleep well and it was difficult for her to communicate when everyone was here, she still managed to cracked us up multiple times with witty observations and well-placed facial expressions.   :o)

Mom dearly loves and appreciates her family and her friends.  We are and always have been at the center of her heart and life.  She’s enjoyed and she’s been comforted by your cards, digital photos, messages, and prayers.  Thanks so much for thinking of her and supporting her in these ways!  

Marcia and Family