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Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Finally, I can hear myself think....
...as the noisy, super dooper, heavy duty fans and dehumidifiers were turned off and carried away today. My floor is dry! My floor is dry! Hallelujah, my floor is dry! : )
Now that the sub-flooring has been removed and dried, the next step is to prepare the floors for the tile and the hardwood. Both decisions have been made and the materials have been ordered....so, things are moving along.
The dust in the house is beyond incredible. I am breathing it and, probably even eating a bit of it! It has settled on to everything that is exposed and, even though I wipe everything down daily, it is really a fruitless task...but, I do it anyway.
As I try to focus on the end of all of this mess and getting my house back....I turn on the television and see horrific photos of the devastation from the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan...and, I realize how very fortunate I truly am. I can't even imagine what the people over there are going through as they watch their homes wash away. Their destruction is of such a great magnitude, it is difficult for me to wrap my mind around it all.
Suddenly, my flood damage seems pretty inconsequential.
Now that the sub-flooring has been removed and dried, the next step is to prepare the floors for the tile and the hardwood. Both decisions have been made and the materials have been ordered....so, things are moving along.
The dust in the house is beyond incredible. I am breathing it and, probably even eating a bit of it! It has settled on to everything that is exposed and, even though I wipe everything down daily, it is really a fruitless task...but, I do it anyway.
As I try to focus on the end of all of this mess and getting my house back....I turn on the television and see horrific photos of the devastation from the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan...and, I realize how very fortunate I truly am. I can't even imagine what the people over there are going through as they watch their homes wash away. Their destruction is of such a great magnitude, it is difficult for me to wrap my mind around it all.
Suddenly, my flood damage seems pretty inconsequential.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Three **Alta Cockas**and a Car
(**Alta Cocka** is Yiddish for "old people")
I called Mom today so that I could get caught up on what was going on at The Home. I have had trouble getting in touch with her lately and I teasingly said, "So, you get a boyfriend and now you are never around to talk with me anymore!" She laughed, since she knew that it was true. She probably realized that I was grinning when I said it as her new friendships have given me more happiness than I can measure.
It seems as if Mom, her "boyfriend", and his best friend, went for a spin yesterday. Her boyfriend is the only one in the group who has a car and who can drive. He was needing to have some physical therapy outside of The Home.... and Mom and the friend went along for the ride.
At one point, Mom said that she had a hankering for something sweet. (Well, she didn't say "hankering", but I decided to add a little Southern touch to the story.) The men agreed and left it up to her to find a place.
Excitedly, she told me that they went to Burger King to get Smoothies. I never heard my mom quite that enthusiastic for a Smoothie....but, then there are a lot of things that Mom says lately that I I haven't ever heard before!!
When they arrived at the Burger King, Mom saw a picture of something new that they now carried: caramel sundaes! Not being able to resist, she ordered one while her two cohorts stayed with the original "Smoothie plan".
"Well," she said to me sounding like a giggly little girl, "that was the most delicious thing that I ever ate!" My generally low-key mom was beyond joyous as she described her ice cream delicacy. She even told me that she licked the bowl clean.....oh my.
Who is this lady who calls herself my mother.....and what have they done with my real mom???????
: ) : ) : )
I called Mom today so that I could get caught up on what was going on at The Home. I have had trouble getting in touch with her lately and I teasingly said, "So, you get a boyfriend and now you are never around to talk with me anymore!" She laughed, since she knew that it was true. She probably realized that I was grinning when I said it as her new friendships have given me more happiness than I can measure.
It seems as if Mom, her "boyfriend", and his best friend, went for a spin yesterday. Her boyfriend is the only one in the group who has a car and who can drive. He was needing to have some physical therapy outside of The Home.... and Mom and the friend went along for the ride.
At one point, Mom said that she had a hankering for something sweet. (Well, she didn't say "hankering", but I decided to add a little Southern touch to the story.) The men agreed and left it up to her to find a place.
Excitedly, she told me that they went to Burger King to get Smoothies. I never heard my mom quite that enthusiastic for a Smoothie....but, then there are a lot of things that Mom says lately that I I haven't ever heard before!!
When they arrived at the Burger King, Mom saw a picture of something new that they now carried: caramel sundaes! Not being able to resist, she ordered one while her two cohorts stayed with the original "Smoothie plan".
"Well," she said to me sounding like a giggly little girl, "that was the most delicious thing that I ever ate!" My generally low-key mom was beyond joyous as she described her ice cream delicacy. She even told me that she licked the bowl clean.....oh my.
Who is this lady who calls herself my mother.....and what have they done with my real mom???????
: ) : ) : )
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Waiting....
"I am ready any time. Do not keep me waiting. "
John Mason Brown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am sitting here this morning awaiting: the tree man, who is supposed to be returning to finish the tree cutting job that was started last week; the duct man, who is coming to check out my heating/air-conditioning duct situation since the flood; the mitigation gentleman, who is coming by to check the percentage of water still in my flooring; the woman who works for my contractor, who should be bringing by some more tile samples for me to see for the kitchen floor; and, finally, the ADT security technician to check out why the sensor on my front door is no longer working.
Other than that....it is a pretty normal day around here. Ha!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"But the important thing about learning to wait, I feel sure, is to know what you are waiting for."
Anna Neagle
John Mason Brown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am sitting here this morning awaiting: the tree man, who is supposed to be returning to finish the tree cutting job that was started last week; the duct man, who is coming to check out my heating/air-conditioning duct situation since the flood; the mitigation gentleman, who is coming by to check the percentage of water still in my flooring; the woman who works for my contractor, who should be bringing by some more tile samples for me to see for the kitchen floor; and, finally, the ADT security technician to check out why the sensor on my front door is no longer working.
Other than that....it is a pretty normal day around here. Ha!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"But the important thing about learning to wait, I feel sure, is to know what you are waiting for."
Anna Neagle
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Why is this man up in my tree?
OK, I decided that having my house torn up wasn't enough stress for me soooooo, I had some dead trees cut down yesterday, too. Any of you who have had this done know that it does not come cheaply....nor quietly. Of course, during the cutting, they pointed out a huge tree in my back that was leaning precariously towards my upstairs bedroom. After some bartering back and forth I made the decision to go ahead and let them take down this ginormous tree that was threatening to some day come crashing down on my house (!). After all, they reminded me, spring is coming and that means high winds and strong storms.
I believe that the tree cutters caught me at my most vulnerable state of mind.
Whatever they did, it worked and I am now forking out more $$$ for another tree removal.
Are we having fun yet?
I believe that the tree cutters caught me at my most vulnerable state of mind.
Whatever they did, it worked and I am now forking out more $$$ for another tree removal.
Are we having fun yet?
Friday, March 04, 2011
Rest in Peace, Dad.
I can't believe that it has been three years since we lost you.
Missing you today, and always.
XOXO
(Dad, many years ago...)
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Sleep escapes me these days....
...as I find myself wide awake at all hours of the night thinking (and worrying!) about what is going on in my home right now: Construction workers coming and going....meeting with contractors.....once beautiful floors being torn up and carried off....the steady noise of powerful industrial fans and dehumidifiers going 24/7....the buzzing of electric saws cutting through wood....dust, dust, dust everywhere...huge sheets of plastic sheeting flapping in the wind caused by the fans while attempting to cover up shelves and the valuables that they contain...heading out to flooring showrooms to sift through piles of tile samples.....and the crow bars lifting up soggy sub-flooring with possibilities of finding more moisture in newly exposed places...etc. etc. etc.
I am trying desperately to look at the bright side of all of this....when all is said and done, I will have new flooring in my kitchen and great room....and new carpeting (again) put in downstairs. The men will be gone....the noises will stop....the plastic sheets will be taken down....my rugs and tables and lamps and art work and personal items will be put back where they belong....and I will have my house back again. These are just things.....and things can be replaced. I tell myself this countless times a day. It has become my daily mantra.
However, since none of this was planned...it becomes a stress that I hadn't anticipated....and, that is the part that is difficult. That, and being concerned about having just had a major flood in 2010 and how all of this will affect my insurance coverage.
But, for now, I will just have to deal with lying in bed at all hours of the night while I allow my racing mind to continue to go through its myriad of thoughts and concerns.
A few sleepless nights producing heavy bags under the eyes never hurt anyone......I will get through this newest challenge....and, hopefully, laugh about it someday.
I can't wait for that day to be here.... : )
I am trying desperately to look at the bright side of all of this....when all is said and done, I will have new flooring in my kitchen and great room....and new carpeting (again) put in downstairs. The men will be gone....the noises will stop....the plastic sheets will be taken down....my rugs and tables and lamps and art work and personal items will be put back where they belong....and I will have my house back again. These are just things.....and things can be replaced. I tell myself this countless times a day. It has become my daily mantra.
However, since none of this was planned...it becomes a stress that I hadn't anticipated....and, that is the part that is difficult. That, and being concerned about having just had a major flood in 2010 and how all of this will affect my insurance coverage.
But, for now, I will just have to deal with lying in bed at all hours of the night while I allow my racing mind to continue to go through its myriad of thoughts and concerns.
A few sleepless nights producing heavy bags under the eyes never hurt anyone......I will get through this newest challenge....and, hopefully, laugh about it someday.
I can't wait for that day to be here.... : )
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
First there was the flood....then the hail....then the phone, cable and computer....what's next?
Am I experiencing plagues or is it just bad luck?
That is what it is feeling like these days....
The back of the refrigerator caused a pretty massive flood in my home while I was out of town.
Now, I wake up to the lovely "glass-breaking" sounds of tile being removed from my kitchen floor as well as
loud hammering and electric sawing of my den hardwood floors being ripped from the sub-flooring.
When the truck arrived yesterday to pick up my furniture so that the destruction could begin, they accidentally tore the cable line which meant that I had no phone, computer, or television for most of the day. (Of course, my biggest concern was that I might miss American Idol! ha!!)
Like all of life's little blips......this too shall pass.
RIGHT???
More to come.... : (
That is what it is feeling like these days....
The back of the refrigerator caused a pretty massive flood in my home while I was out of town.
Now, I wake up to the lovely "glass-breaking" sounds of tile being removed from my kitchen floor as well as
loud hammering and electric sawing of my den hardwood floors being ripped from the sub-flooring.
When the truck arrived yesterday to pick up my furniture so that the destruction could begin, they accidentally tore the cable line which meant that I had no phone, computer, or television for most of the day. (Of course, my biggest concern was that I might miss American Idol! ha!!)
Like all of life's little blips......this too shall pass.
RIGHT???
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
"If I could put time in a bottle...."
My dear, sweet Jeffrey is 34 today.
I don't know when that happened.
It must have been when I wasn't looking?
Jeffrey, you have gone from a kind and gentle child to an equally kind and gentle man.
You always have that wonderful smile on your face...
Watching you as a daddy to Celia and Dylan brings tears to my eyes....
You are such a "natural".
I'm so proud of you....and, don't forget that, no matter how many birthdays you have...
You will always be my "baby".
Happy, happy Birthday!
I love you so very much,
Mom
Monday, February 28, 2011
Seeing the magic in my grandchildren's eyes....
While in Minnesota last week, I couldn't help but see the world through Audrey and Owen's eyes.
It was quite magical....and, I liked it there.
After putting Audrey's hair up in two crazy pigtails, I saw her transform back into a little girl. Five minutes earlier she had been dressed in a "princess dress" and a tiara. She had picked up a wand and was no longer a little girl....but full blown royalty. Before long, she was playing a "mommy" as she strolled her babies around the living room. Later on, she would put on Owen's Buzz Lightyear outfit and I would see her running around "capturing" bad guys with her brother who was dressed head to toe as Spiderman.
Some of my favorite moments were spent watching the two of them in independent play. Audrey would "mother" her two "children" baby dolls as she was deep into pretend play. She would talk to them and soothe them in her two year old "motherly" way. Sometimes she would even break out in song....or "read" a book to them. It was so sweet.
Owen is heavy into being a Super Hero and he plays this role very well. He loved putting the full Spiderman mask on and gallivanting around playing the part of this character out to save the world. Ta dum! He especially loved the little webs that had been sewn into the underarms of the outfit and told me that his super powers were contained within those webs. Who was I to disagree?
Of course, just as easily, I would watch Owen grab his favorite stuffed animal (Moosey Toosey, for sure!), place it in one of the strollers....and, begin role playing as the caretaker parent. Then he and Audrey would stroll their "babies" around and around without a care in the world.
Everything holds so much fascination to us as children. Why do we have to lose that wonderful vision of a magical world as we grow older?
Maybe Peter Pan had it right when he sang, "I'll never grow up....":
" ... 'Cause growing up is awfuller
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up,
No sir,
Not I,
Not me,
So there!"
: )
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A long, but inspiring day.....
Today started with my participation in the "Ovarian Cancer Cycle Ride to Change the Future". As I slowly pedaled on the stationary bicycle, I couldn't help but remember this time a year ago when my dear friend was in the midst of a difficult chemotherapy for her newly diagnosed ovarian cancer. She was weak from the chemicals being infused into her body.....her hair was gone.....and she was full of fear for her future.
Today, she is a strong women who is trying to get the word out to others about ovarian cancer. She sports a beautiful short haircut that frames her smiling face perfectly. She is healthy and cancer free.
This disease was new to all of us in my circle of friends and it hit us hard. During this last year and a half since the discovery of her cancer, we have all learned so much about this insidious disease. Most importantly, we have learned of the dire need to educate the public about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
I am hopeful that this fund raising ride will help us find a way to detect ovarian cancer earlier and, even better....a possible cure....so that our children and grandchildren will not have to face this disease in their lifetime.
*******************************************************
After my ride, I headed over to a funeral. My friend's father had passed away at the age of 92. Just four months earlier I was standing in the same area mourning the passing of this same friend's mother.
While it was such a sad time for the family, I saw how lucky they all were to have their kids and siblings there with them to remember this wonderful man. As I listened to the eulogies, I realized what a full and wonderful life this gentleman had lived and what a beautiful legacy he had left for the family that he left behind.
I was saddened, touched and inspired.
The circle of life in its truest form.
Today, she is a strong women who is trying to get the word out to others about ovarian cancer. She sports a beautiful short haircut that frames her smiling face perfectly. She is healthy and cancer free.
This disease was new to all of us in my circle of friends and it hit us hard. During this last year and a half since the discovery of her cancer, we have all learned so much about this insidious disease. Most importantly, we have learned of the dire need to educate the public about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
I am hopeful that this fund raising ride will help us find a way to detect ovarian cancer earlier and, even better....a possible cure....so that our children and grandchildren will not have to face this disease in their lifetime.
*******************************************************
After my ride, I headed over to a funeral. My friend's father had passed away at the age of 92. Just four months earlier I was standing in the same area mourning the passing of this same friend's mother.
While it was such a sad time for the family, I saw how lucky they all were to have their kids and siblings there with them to remember this wonderful man. As I listened to the eulogies, I realized what a full and wonderful life this gentleman had lived and what a beautiful legacy he had left for the family that he left behind.
I was saddened, touched and inspired.
The circle of life in its truest form.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Returning home from my week away in Minnesota.....I never imagined what was waiting for me at home!
Walking into the house I immediately noticed a musty smell. Next came that "all too familiar" squish, squish sound of a soaking wet carpet...
"Not again!" I yelled out....as this was reminiscent of my "Great Flood of 2010" ...and I didn't want to go through all of that mess again.
Unfortunately, as I headed upstairs I noticed that the hardwood floor in the great room was beginning to curl up and the tile floor in the kitchen was pretty much underwater! Dave had picked me up from the airport and was with me as we investigated this source of water. It turned out that the little tubing that goes from the water source to the back of my refrigerator (and feeds into the icemaker and cold water feature in the door) was leaking.
Apparently, it was leaking most of the week that I was out of town and the house was empty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a mess to come home to.
So, the carpeting downstairs is, once again, ripped up.....the big (LOUD) blowers are going 24 hours a day....the dehumidifiers are taking out the extra moisture in the flooded areas.....and all I can do is just walk around shaking my head in bewilderment that this is happening again!
Monday morning, the crew will be here to remove all of the furniture that sits on the hardwood floors, which will then be ripped up....and replaced. Then, the carpeting downstairs will be replaced (again). We are hopeful that the kitchen tile will be okay and not need to be replaced....but, time will tell on that.
I can't wait to see my water bill this month....and, I can't even think about what my homeowner's insurance premiums are going to do.
Such is life when you are a homeowner...
*sigh*
"Not again!" I yelled out....as this was reminiscent of my "Great Flood of 2010" ...and I didn't want to go through all of that mess again.
Unfortunately, as I headed upstairs I noticed that the hardwood floor in the great room was beginning to curl up and the tile floor in the kitchen was pretty much underwater! Dave had picked me up from the airport and was with me as we investigated this source of water. It turned out that the little tubing that goes from the water source to the back of my refrigerator (and feeds into the icemaker and cold water feature in the door) was leaking.
Apparently, it was leaking most of the week that I was out of town and the house was empty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a mess to come home to.
So, the carpeting downstairs is, once again, ripped up.....the big (LOUD) blowers are going 24 hours a day....the dehumidifiers are taking out the extra moisture in the flooded areas.....and all I can do is just walk around shaking my head in bewilderment that this is happening again!
Monday morning, the crew will be here to remove all of the furniture that sits on the hardwood floors, which will then be ripped up....and replaced. Then, the carpeting downstairs will be replaced (again). We are hopeful that the kitchen tile will be okay and not need to be replaced....but, time will tell on that.
I can't wait to see my water bill this month....and, I can't even think about what my homeowner's insurance premiums are going to do.
Such is life when you are a homeowner...
*sigh*
(look familiar?!?)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
This "Southern Gal" hasn't ever seen anything like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I went out for a walk in this fluffy, white stuff and found myself almost knee deep in the snow in some spots.
But, with camera in hand, I tried to capture some of the beauty of this Minnesota blizzard....and found it all very invigorating.
I wish that the grandkids were up from their nap so that they could play with me in it!! But, then again, this isn't really that exciting to them since it is a pretty common occurence around these parts.
But, for Grammie, it is a pretty incredible experience... : )
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Minnes-OH-ta : )
In spite of some of the "craziness" here in Minnesota, I find it hard to wipe the huge smile from my face! I am loving every single exhausting moment with Owen and Audrey!
Our days are filled with such joy and, truth be told, when the grandkids are both in bed for the night, Mimi (the other grandma) and I share a glass (or two!) of wine together....talk and laugh and sigh.Of course, the best laid plans are always open to not working out exactly as you would like....but, somehow in the end, it turns out to be just fine. For example, we said our good-byes to Mommy and Daddy as they headed off to the airport...and, eventually, Cancun, Mexico. They got their tickets upgraded, got comfy in their seats on the plane while anticipating ordering a couple of bloody mary's....dreaming of warm weather and the beach....until, the announcement came on telling then that this plane wasn't going anywhere due to some technical issues.
Unfortunately, they weren't able to get off until 6 a.m. the following morning....at which time blizzard conditions were expected (!!)....however, the snow held off for a few hours and they did make it out today! I am picturing them on the lounge chairs now with a good book and a frozen drink in hand.
Back at the house, the kids were getting up from their naps when we noticed that Owen's cheeks were bright red and he seemed to be feeling a little punky. A thermometer was stuck under his tongue and I gasped as I watch it go up to 102.8. Since both of his parents were recently treated for strep throat....and, thinking of the impending storm....a decision was made to take him to a walk-in clinic and check out the situation. Several hours later....the verdict was, yep, strep! A prescription for an anti-biotic was filled and home we went...
So far, this was becoming an interesting trip...
Fast forward to today....Owen seems to be feeling better.....Audrey is her usual adorable self....we gave them a couple of our surprises that we had both brought for them---Owen, a Buzz Lightyear outfit (see above photo) and Audrey a doll that drinks and pees and even comes with its own commode. Of course, we didn't realize it, but as soon as you feed the doll the water....it immediately comes out the other end!
So, there have been lots of giggles....lots of playtime....building tracks and racing the little cars, playing pretend, singing, dancing, silliness, trains, books, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.
I have given up on not eating any chocolate as Mimi and I decided that we must have some M and M's as well as chocolate covered raisins in the house for when the blizzard hits. And, talking about that, it is snowing quite heavily outside and several inches of snow are forecast for today and tomorrow.
All this.....and, it is only Sunday... : )
Thursday, February 17, 2011
"Tomorrow, you're always a day away...." Annie
After an early flight to Chicago and then Minneapolis, I will meet up with my partner in crime, the other Grandma, "Mimi", who I love and adore.....as we begin our babysitting adventure together!
The kids know us as "The Screaming Greemies" because we have a reputation for expressing our joy, etc. by throwing up our arms and screaming together. Thus the combination of "Grammie" and "Mimi" became "Greemie"... the name stuck....and, we love it.
When Owen was first born we made our debut by singing a song of sorts to him. The lyrics were quite brilliant (ha) as it went something like: "He poops he pees, he hears he sees....that's Owen...Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Owen." The song was then followed with both of us laughing so hard that tears filled our eyes. I can even remember that Mimi wasn't getting the words quite right and sang: "He poops, he peeps...." which totally put me over the edge as I became hysterical thinking that she was talking about a bird....not our brand new grandson.
And, that was even before the wine drinking had begun!
Laughter and silliness will abound as we enjoy our grandchildren together all next week....we always have so much fun....AND, it is so nice sharing the exhausting days with "someone my own age"! ha ha
One forgets how all consuming and exhausting watching two toddlers can be....especially two adorably energetic and high spirited toddlers!
Owen and Audrey have no idea what to expect when the "Greemies" come to town.
Watch out! The Screaming Greemies are back.....
....and, I, for one, cannot wait! : )
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Somebody's got to do it....
....pack my suitcase, that is.
I'm too tired to post tonight......mostly from figuring out what to take and pack as I get ready to head to Minnesota Friday (!) .............and, I can't lie......... from watching two full hours of American Idol...and loving all 120 minutes of it.
Again, I have gotten myself seriously hooked on that show.
*sigh*
g'night : )
I'm too tired to post tonight......mostly from figuring out what to take and pack as I get ready to head to Minnesota Friday (!) .............and, I can't lie......... from watching two full hours of American Idol...and loving all 120 minutes of it.
Again, I have gotten myself seriously hooked on that show.
*sigh*
g'night : )
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
As Mom and I walked into the dining room at "The Home".....
...I could immediately spot her "men and Minna"!
These four men have dinner with my 88 yr. old mom every night. Rounding out the dinner "group" is 97 year old Minna, the only other female at the table.
None of them looked their age. In fact, I was struck by what a nice-looking group this was and how spry they all looked!
After a couple of not-so-easy years getting used to living in "The Home" (Independent/Assisted Living facility), Mom has finally found her joy.....and, she owes a lot of it to this group of friends. They all seem to have really bonded together....and they adore my mom which thrills me to no end.
Not only do they eat together every night, but after dinner they sit and chat. Sometimes, weather permitting, they will sit outside in the pleasant Florida night air....or else they spend time in the "lounge" that is right next to the dining room. They enjoy this time together so much as it is filled, not only with great conversation, but lots of laughter....and, sometimes even a little singing. In fact, recently, one of the men has renewed his musical passion and has gotten together with two other harmonica players who have little impromtu concerts after dinner. They also enjoy going to the entertainment that "The Home" provides....musicians, comedians, speakers, etc.
And, after finding out that one of the men in the group was a good cook, they had a "private" dinner at Mom's condo one night where he prepared a delicious garlic pasta dish. Someone brought wine and Mom prepared a salad and dessert and they enjoyed a wonderful evening together....eating at tv tables (since Mom's one bedroom condo is quite small and without a dining area) while they savored this home-cooked meal.
So, you can imagine my delight in getting to spend time with these friends of Mom's while I was recently down in Florida last month. I loved getting to know these remarkable people and hearing their stories. They are quite a varied group made up of a retired dentist, a furniture salesman, and, even a door to door "peddler" from long ago. All had lost their spouses at one point and were now living and adapting on their own. I watched their faces as they each spoke about themselves and saw their "younger faces" behind the signs of the aging that had taken place..... leaving creases and wrinkles behind.
Now it seems as if a stronger "friendship" has developed with Mom and one of her "men". Lately, she sounds a bit like a teenager as she talks about what is going on at "The Home"...more specifically with this wonderful (I adored him when we met!) gentleman. I am now learning what "strong friendship" means when one is 88 and one is nearing 90....it is more about companionship than anything else.....and, I have to tell you that my happiness and joy for both of them is unlike any emotion that I have ever felt.....and, I am smiling now as I look at this picture of Mom's beautiful, smiling face. : )
XOXO Mom
These four men have dinner with my 88 yr. old mom every night. Rounding out the dinner "group" is 97 year old Minna, the only other female at the table.
None of them looked their age. In fact, I was struck by what a nice-looking group this was and how spry they all looked!
After a couple of not-so-easy years getting used to living in "The Home" (Independent/Assisted Living facility), Mom has finally found her joy.....and, she owes a lot of it to this group of friends. They all seem to have really bonded together....and they adore my mom which thrills me to no end.
Not only do they eat together every night, but after dinner they sit and chat. Sometimes, weather permitting, they will sit outside in the pleasant Florida night air....or else they spend time in the "lounge" that is right next to the dining room. They enjoy this time together so much as it is filled, not only with great conversation, but lots of laughter....and, sometimes even a little singing. In fact, recently, one of the men has renewed his musical passion and has gotten together with two other harmonica players who have little impromtu concerts after dinner. They also enjoy going to the entertainment that "The Home" provides....musicians, comedians, speakers, etc.
And, after finding out that one of the men in the group was a good cook, they had a "private" dinner at Mom's condo one night where he prepared a delicious garlic pasta dish. Someone brought wine and Mom prepared a salad and dessert and they enjoyed a wonderful evening together....eating at tv tables (since Mom's one bedroom condo is quite small and without a dining area) while they savored this home-cooked meal.
So, you can imagine my delight in getting to spend time with these friends of Mom's while I was recently down in Florida last month. I loved getting to know these remarkable people and hearing their stories. They are quite a varied group made up of a retired dentist, a furniture salesman, and, even a door to door "peddler" from long ago. All had lost their spouses at one point and were now living and adapting on their own. I watched their faces as they each spoke about themselves and saw their "younger faces" behind the signs of the aging that had taken place..... leaving creases and wrinkles behind.
Now it seems as if a stronger "friendship" has developed with Mom and one of her "men". Lately, she sounds a bit like a teenager as she talks about what is going on at "The Home"...more specifically with this wonderful (I adored him when we met!) gentleman. I am now learning what "strong friendship" means when one is 88 and one is nearing 90....it is more about companionship than anything else.....and, I have to tell you that my happiness and joy for both of them is unlike any emotion that I have ever felt.....and, I am smiling now as I look at this picture of Mom's beautiful, smiling face. : )
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