Wednesday, February 20, 2013

 Tonight Mom and I are enjoying a new song playlist on my iPod. It is comprised of modern Psalms that Michelle Nielsen sent my mom to "bring a smile" to her face. Below is the list.

1. Build Me Up Buttercup (The Foundations) 
2. Daybreak (Barry Manilow)
3. Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion)
4. Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof)
5. Just the Way You Are (Billy Joel)

Thank you for the wonderful gift, Michelle.

Monday, February 18, 2013

I apologize for not posting as regular as I know many of you would like. Things have become very difficult, as Mom is not able to walk. I am hoping that we can all get some respite now that her radiation cycle is complete. The daily trips to Milwaukee are especially draining.

The biggest obstacle of the week has been getting Mom down the garage stairs to the van. Without the use of her legs, stairs are absolutely terrifying for Mom. On Sunday, my Uncle Roger, Cousin Brian, Aunt Karen and their granddaughter Cameryn made an early trip to Kenosha to help my dad build a ramp. By the time I arrived at my parents house around 1:00, the ramp was complete and the family was heading to lunch. I cannot even describe how grateful we are to have such a loving extended family.

Today we met with a physical therapist who taught us the best way to transport Mom from her wheelchair to the car, a chair, or the potty. On our way home we stopped at a special store that sells all kinds of disability equipment and bought a disc that will allow us to turn Mom when she is in a standing position. It is like a "Lazy Susan". Mom calls it a "Lazy Mimi". But, Mom is not lazy at all. Her strength, determination and resilience are absolutely amazing. 

Every day Mom is blessed with an endless stream of cards, phone calls, visits, and prayers from her family and friends. Every night she tells me, with tears in her eyes, how lucky she is to have you. She is so very grateful for your love and support. We all are.




Sunday, February 10, 2013

It has been a difficult week. With Mom's mobility hardships, once simple activities like putting on socks or moving a cup of coffee from the counter to the table are challenges. Add a daily trip to Milwaukee for radiation treatments to the mix and you can begin to imagine how exhausting this week has been. And yet, Mom continues to push ahead. Her spirit and determination are nothing short of pure inspiration. I only wish that I could take her place for even a day.

As hard as this week has been, I am happy to report that Saturday was an excellent day.

Mom, Charlie and Conrad set out on an adventure. Mom had been asking Charlie to take her to the gaming store. When I say "gaming store" I am referring to one of those cracks in the sidewalk where Dungeons and Dragons basement dwellers socialize. No, Mom has not taken up a new hobby. But, as always, she shows her love by taking interest in the hobbies of her loved ones. And, gaming is my husband's passion. After perusing the shelves of comic books, dice, and warrior figures, the threesome met me at the Super China House Buffet. This too was another first for Mom. She was determined to spend the afternoon "Charlie style" and we had a great time trying new foods and just being together.

That evening, Mom, Conrad and I watched a two-hour special episode of Little House on the Prairie. It was the show where Mary, whose greatest dream was to become a teacher, loses her sight. At first I thought  the story might be too depressing. But, it ended on a positive note with Mary fulfilling her lifelong dream by becoming a teacher at a school for the blind. We had a wonderful time, snuggled in blankets in front of the T.V. and eating a late dinner of fish sticks and pizza pockets.

Tomorrow, Mom begins her second week (and last week in this cycle) of radiation. As I fall asleep tonight I will be asking God and my deceased grandmother for continued strength for us all. But, especially for my mom. We have many more adventures to share.

Monday, February 4, 2013

As I write this, Mom and Dad are headed up to Froedtert for Mom's first treatment in this next cycle of brain radiation. My parents will travel more than two hours every day for the next two weeks. I wish Mom could just stay home, read her books, organize her treasures, go to coffee with her friends, and see her grandchildren off the school bus. I wish Dad could just stay home, putz on his computer, walk Luci, and go to breakfast with his buddy. But, I am so very grateful that the doctors are actively treating the tumors. And, I know that Mom is, too.

We had a wonderful weekend. For that I am also grateful. On Saturday Mom, Charlie, Conrad, and I went to the Civil War museum and to lunch at Culvers. Sunday, Mom and I went to church, out for breakfast, and then headed to her house to put her feet up.

Unfortunately, Mom's feet have gotten painfully swollen. When I came to pick her up on Sunday, she wasn't able to get her shoes on and her socks were biting into her skin. We managed with some low cut socks and moccasins. That afternoon and evening she put her feet up and I went shopping for some comfortable socks. This morning before work, I stopped by to help her with her feet and they were looking much better. She was going to call her doctor today to report this problem. Perhaps it is time to wean her off of the steroids. 

Tonight my heart is a little heavy. I wish Mom didn't have an evening appointment. Those are especially difficult on her. I am hoping that the rest of these treatments are going to be scheduled earlier in the day. I just want things to be a little easier for both Mom and Dad.

I am going to post Mom's treatment schedule when I receive it. Please feel free to give Mom a call, send her a card, or stop by for a visit. She would never ask, but I know that your simple, loving gestures make a world of difference.