Hello all!
I've received a few notes wondering how things are going and when was the next update coming? I think the sub-text there was, "Did I get dropped from the list??" Relax--no one got left out (that I know of--email me if you don't get this update!). I was having a sad, cranky week and decided not to inflict myself on my family. Jo? Too bad for her, she's stuck with me!
Jo and I went to Woodstock yesterday, in the fog. Alice had lots of visitors--brother-in-law Bob was there with Doug and Trish Weir came in later. Alice was quiet, but bright-eyed and listening. She always smiles broadly when Joanne comes in--Wednesday was no exception.
I did a presentation to Embro's UCW that night, on working with developmentally handicapped people. My thesis was that many people think it's a sad job, so Jo and I were brainstorming funny anecdotes from group home life. There are truly many more amusing stories than sad ones, so it seemed like a good place to start (of course, there's quite a pile of frustrating stories, but we won't go there...) So we regaled Alice and Trish with tales of 'our guys'--Bill wearing his hard hat to bowling because the weather person had called for hail! Susan eating breakfast at 9:30 pm because she didn't have time in the morning! Margaret insisting that she needed small bills at the bank--even when withdrawing $300 for clothing shopping (this was back in the day when we had one and two dollar bills)! My little talk went well--the ladies of Embro were very well-behaved and asked very thoughtful questions about funding and daytime activities and staffing structure. And they gave me shortbread and hot chocolate! The gift bag was quite a surprise and full of my favourite things.
Alice has settled in nicely to Sakura House, I think. It has taken us a while to understand their routine. It is so relaxed that there are not 'regular' meal-times. If there are visitors, it is expected that they will wander down to the kitchen to request a meal on behalf of the resident. Most of the meals are frozen, from Meals on Wheels, so prep time is not an obstacle. There are about 10 different entrees, and almost that many soups. Fresh baked cookies are always available, as are coffee and tea. There is quite a variety of sandwiches and many options for breakfast. Family can buy a sandwich for $3 and a hot dinner for $5.25. Alice can have anything--she has only to ask. This was the piece that we were missing--the resident or the visitors have to initiate meal-times. Quite different from the regimented schedule of the hospital. If no one is visiting, a staff member or volunteer will go down and ask if she's hungry. She never admits to hunger, but she can always eat! I think because she has so many visitors, this routine did not get established right away. Hopefully we're on the right track now.
Today was beautiful, so Joyce and I took Alice outside for a rest in the sun. We wheeled her out in her bed and found a place on the edge of the patio where the sun could shine on her face, but not in her eyes. She turned her face into the warm light and napped. I almost expected to hear her purring, like a cat! The breeze was warm and the view was of fields and gardens. What could be better? We sat outside for over an hour, in a chickadee flight path. We seemed to be parked between a feeder and some other important chickadee location because they would buzz and swoop between our heads! My sister had been visiting Alice this past weekend and brought her a bird feeder for her window. The chickadees haven't found it yet, but it's close to their flight path, so I'm sure they'll discover it soon. Sitting outside was a balm to all of us. Another family saw us out there and came out to enjoy the weather, too. It was nice. It felt kind of normal.
Some of the staff and volunteers discovered something today, about my mom and her sisters. Of course, it's nothing new for them when people walk up and say, "Are you really triplets?" They even had a request for a photograph! No one asked for autographs, but I'm sure that's coming!
Doug has not been feeling well, lately. His blood pressure is fearfully low and he fainted this morning, while opening the front door to his brother. Thank goodness Jack was there! Doug came around and refused to go the hospital (!). There is water and gatorade in Alice's fridge, along with some salty meals in the freezer. We can all help him stay a little healthier. If I am feeling cranky and overwhelmed with the situation, I cannot imagine the depth of Doug's feelings. I think eating regularly and staying hydrated are just not making his priority list, right now. We told Alice that he wasn't feeling well and was going to nap for a couple of days. Didn't seem any point in burdening her with the details.
Okay. I must be off. Cross your fingers for more lovely weather. Take care of yourselves. Keep visiting.
love, Robin.
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