Something to Consider

I was just talking to my boss about the situation with mom. She had a similar situation, where her father needed to go back into the hospital to get ulcerated bedsores operated on. He refused any and all pleas from Mary, her mother and her siblings. What finally worked was that all 6 of them confronted the father at once. Seeing the solidarity broke his resolve.

Think about this option: all of us presenting the Brighton Gardens plan at once. Especially considering we haven't had any luck with the driving issue by each of us talking to her separately. She'll see we are all unified in our opinion and serious about our concern. We will be supported by each other and get through it. We can still have one person do the talking.

If this isn't our first choice, it merits serious consideration as a second try, if Danny and I can't swing her opinion in a smaller meeting.

Also, at this time, we will take the car keys away. Which we have to do sooner rather than later.

Thoughts?

Happy Father's Day

not sure if Danny sent a text message to all, but he just sent one to me that says: they finished a late dinner of burgers and taters cooked on dad's Webber Grill.

Sounds like things are calm there. PTL!

Love you all, Lel

Sales Pitch to get her to consider looking

From Lel: Some ideas for start of sales pitch. All ideas welcome!:

Mom, we love you and we care for you.

We understand your independence is very important to you.

We are extremely concerned because the doctor has said "..." (you're losing weight, Your blood count is bad, etc.)

We are also concerned that the house is too much for you. You don't need all this room (yard, basement, 2ND bedroom). You can't take care of the yard and house by yourself.

Again, your independence is very important to you and we want you to enjoy your independence.

We have heard of a place and it seems perfect for you.

• You can have your privacy more so than you have for the past weeks with all of us hovering around and people checking on you several times a day.
• You can have your independence and continue doing the things you enjoy (walking, everyday Mass, visiting, going out with friends, volunteering, if you want. )
• But even better, you won't be burdened or have to deal with things you don't want (constant house guests, people checking on you all the time, yard work, constant cooking)

We have an appointment to tour this apartment today and we want you to to go with an open mind.

Sitting at Mom's

I got here around 4:30 today. Stuart et al were here already so he can fill you in on prior conversations. Mom was particularly out of it. Talking about her father buying stamps and other things I can't remember (uh-oh). But very out of it.
But once she drank 2 glasses of water, had grilled cheese and cake for dinner and took her anti-biotic (for UTI) she seemed much better. Little Lacey came over for a visit and stayed at least an hour. We all had a nice chat. Mom was telling whole stories and finishing sentences. Best story was about her last trip to the beach when her friends thought she was lost - very detailed and accurate.
Funny thing was as Lacey was leaving, Mom looked at me out of the side of her eyes and whispered to Lacey "I'll walk you to your car" I'd love to know what conversations followed. Even funnier, Lacey wasn't even out of the droveway when Mom told me a long story about how Lacey didn't used to be nice to her. Of course, she thinks that Little Lacey is Aunt Lacey and that's who she thought just left. Oh my.
Also, every time someone would leave the room to talk on a cell phone, Mom would say to me, "I hate when he/she does that. I know they're talking about me."

Alex called and asked Mom to go to lunch with him tomorrow at noon. Should be fun for all.
See all the locals in the morning, after 8:15 Mass at Cathedral. Feel free to join us :) - Lel

Hi Strott Family! Congratulations on your victory last night, Megan. Hope those clutch shots(?) continue. Relax and enjoy your trip. You are not missing much here. Send more pix Lel:>)

I'll be there Friday afternoon

I (Leland) get out of work at noon on Friday and plan on heading to Baltimore directly. I'll stay til Saturday morning. Probably Jim will be down on saturday to work on Internet/lights.