Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do ...
Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Nothing to blog about ...

... she says after another brief blogging absence.

Could it be that my life is just that boring?  Probably.

Oh wait, there was the stunning multi-car accident that I happened upon while I was going out to pick up Chinese food!  Just 1/4 mile from my house.
Yes, that SUV is on top of and crushing another car!

The car with the missing front end was the third one in this accident.
There were 2 fire engines, 3 ambulances, 4 police cars, and 2 large tow trucks all gathered in a very small intersection.  Looks like someone was traveling just too fast in a effort to make the light and two other cars were in the right place at the wrong time.  Amazing ... and never seen on this quiet little intersection. No way to know about injuries, but I am just hoping no one was killed.

Not boring I guess.

I did, however, visit a new Community Center just 10 minutes from my house.  Just 10 minutes away, only 2 years old, and I had absolutely no idea the building was even there.  (Do I live in a paper bag or what!)  They have a great indoor walking track and in this muggy hot weather, an indoor air conditioned track sounds just fine.  I prefer being outside but when conditions are so terrible that I can't take a deep breath - indoors I go!  They also have a state-of-the-art gym with great looking equipment.  Seniors (which I am), can use the gym for $25 a year!  How's that for a deal?  Use of the walking track is free!  Can't beat the price.

My walking has taken quite a hit this summer.    Walking and breathing at the same time is kind of important!  But I am still loving my FibBit Flex.  That is why I am eager to find a viable option for walking indoors on these terrible days.

At my dad's grave site.
Several weeks ago I had a chance to visit my Dad's grave.  My sister and I were doing some planning on mom's behalf and it took us to his grave site.  He died in 1970.  Even after all these years, and after all the bad memories of my upbringing, it gave my heart a tug to see his name on the tomb stone.

Rest in peace, dear dad.  Sorry I don't visit more often.  I know you were ill with alcoholism and when you lived there wasn't much help for that.  At least I have a few good memories and mementoes of your life.  I wish you had lived long enough to meet your grandchildren.  You would be proud of them.

Finally, here is a picture I have been holding on to a bit.
Easter at Brooke Grove
I love this picture of mom with one of the activity coordinators dressed as an Easter bunny.  They really try to make the holidays grand for the residents.  Easter was a good day for mom.  Lately she has had days when she mostly sleeps.  Then other days she seems more alert.  She has Congestive Heart Failure and these up and down periods are fairly normal.  We just take each day as it comes.

She has started to ask me again when she is "going home."  It breaks my heart when she says that as I want to think she is content where she is.  Coming back home now is next to impossible.  She can't climb even one step and I have tons of them.  And her care has reached a level beyond my abilities.  So technically she is "home."  During our last Family Meeting, the staff reported that mom seems "content."  Maybe she is content  at times, but there must be a small part of her that is not content.  It continues to pain me.

Guess there were a few topics to blog about after all!  :-)

Hope you all are doing well this hot summer.  Be back again soon.


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Take comfort in the fact that you have done and are doing the very best for her.

Michelle said...

That community center is a real find! I'd sign up in a heartbeat!

Your life doesn't sound boring at all, just occupied with things other than blogging. Take care.

J said...

I think you are a wonderful daughter to your dear mom. My mother had the same experience - congestive heart failure. I moved her in with me, but she would often ask about going home, even though she said she was happy here. I felt the same way you did. At one point she asked if she could have surgery to give her a few more years. Since she was too frail, and had only weeks to live, it broke my heart to tell her I would ask about it - knowing that what I told her wasn't true.

Linda said...

Mostly content isn't bad, sounds like she forgets about all the stairs. Nice community center - enjoy!

happyone said...

Wow that was some accident!!!
They do tend to hide things in Columbia. : )
Weather here today was beautiful. 70 sunny with a breeze.

Lynne said...

Love the thought of the inside walking trail in this hot steamy weather and at $25 per year, it sounds perfect. I felt heartache for you about your mom having lived with a similar time with my mom. The love you feel warms my heart . . . you are doing and being the best you can.

boysmum2 said...

I love the idea of indoor walking tracks, so useful, what a score at the community centre.
Don't worry about mum, she probably is content just every now and then will voice something that will concern you more than her.
Keep smiling

Laurie said...

So glad you found an indoor walking track. The heat and humidity can certainly take it's toll and you can't beat $25/yr. That's a deal. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. My heart breaks for you. I can only imagine the way you feel, but I'm sure your mom is in good hands and looks forward to your visits. I'll keep you both in my prayers. Hugs!