I trust you are all doing ok. We are doing the best we can. With coaching, Momma continues to smile, but we fight every single day as all of you. She continues to amaze me with her sweet disposition -- even with all of the loss she has experienced.
Mom can no longer speak, and I miss our talks so very much. I have to work really hard to get simple "yes or no" from her -- we managed a thumbs up or a thumbs down. Her right hand has curled, and I have to keep her nails short, and a small soft ball is what she tends to hold on to. I am massaging her hands daily. Her right eye, is closed most of the time; she has a hard time opening it --- it comes and goes.
For those that may not know, my Mom stopped walking quite some time ago. I am her caretaker 100%, and she is dependent upon me to do everything. We have managed to soften her diet, and now have a routine that we follow with chewing, swallowing, swallowing again, and one more time -- then we do small short sips. Its working and cutting the coughing episodes down. Whew.
We sing -- I read books to her - we do puzzles together, she struggles with the large pieces now, but we still do it -- my attempt to keep things normal as possible.
We are still using the stand assist -- my miracle worker, truly.
This has been a long journey, and this disease is consuming .. but, we face each day with a FIGHT, and continue to look for the slivers of joy whenever we can.
Tonight -- we enjoyed very cold CHOCOLATE MILK! Oh so good! I have also found some really good white cheddar cheeto's -- she loves them! (No more popcorn for us, so we have adjusted)
These covid days are overwhelming, and not being able to be with family -- we miss hugs, and I love on Momma every day -- I remind her that she is the best Mom, and I am blessed to be her daughter -- she smiles. I reminisce with her all the time -- I remind her of all the good she has done, the memories that she has made, and how she provided the very best childhood, any kid could have ever wanted. Her eyes twinkle when I take her down memory lane. Joy is a beautiful thing to witness.
I want to send virtual hugs to all of you -- and wish that we could sit down, have some tea and share our highs and lows --- Thank you to every single one of you on here -- I haven't been able to get on here much lately -- I myself, I am dealing with some horrible sciatica nerve pain -- almost unbearable ... but, I think of you all often, and I appreciate this forum so very much!
Stay healthy ... praying that this pandemic is over very soon!
Blessings -
Kim
