Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Close call with disaster and a letter from St. Mary's
My day with Mom today. She was feeling very "strange" and weak, and I really had to urge her to have lunch. After lunch I talked her into going for a ride to enjoy the changing leaves. I was envisioning a trip up Dulaney Valley Road, and maybe through Loch Raven. As soon as we started Mom said she'd like to visit Emily. No problem. Too bad Emily wasn't home. Mom suggested that since we were close, she'd like a quick trip to the cemetery. No problem. Of course, as we approached she remembered that she heard some kind of service might be soon. Thanks, Uncle Jim, for giving her something to fret over. I gave her the details and told her Uncle Jim was picking her up to take her. (Right?)
It was too blustery to stay long, so after a quick trip to the altar she was ready to go. We headed up Charles Street, me thinking a shorter trip through Ruxton might be pretty. When we got to Stevenson Lane, Mom cried, "Turn here! (sniff, sniff) I'd like to see the... house." I asked if she was sure she wanted to do that, and she said, "As long as there isn't a For Sale sign." So we went. As we drove there I assured her that we'd been taking care of it, that we put out a few halloween decorations. I debated whether or not I would lie about not having a key should she want to go inside. In case she did want to go in, I filled her in that we had gone through lots of clothes and that Levelle was taking them to St. V de P.
It must of been my prayer to Dad when we were at the cemetery, because Mom seemed perfectly happy to just look at the house from her seat in the car. Or maybe it was a good thing she was feeling too weak. I had to explain that the car in the driveway was Paul's, that he was driving her car... I did gently say that we ought to think of doing something with the house soon. (A few minutes later she suggested that my daughter should live there after she finishes school this year. Sorry, Michael. You snooze, you lose :) Anyhow, the drive-by wasn't as bad as I feared. Maybe somewhere down the road she could handle a visit inside. Or not.
Regarding the letter from St. Mary's, it reads:
On Sunday, Nov. 2nd, St. Mary Parish will be celebrating its 159th Anniversary. As is our custom we will combine the regular 10 am and 12 noon Masses and hold a special Anniversary Mass at 10:30 am in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Since this year our anniversary coincides with All Soul's Day we are taking this opportunity to engage in a special remembrance of our recently deceased parishioners. The parish will remember our deceased sisters and brothers who have died the past two years. At the Prayer of the Faithful the names of each deceased will be called in thanksgiving for their presence in our lives.
We invite you, your family, relatives and friends to join us for this special Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery on Homeland Avenue, the site of the original church. We will also use this opportunity to dedicate our two new columbaria which were installed this summer. A reception will follow in the adjacent K of C Hall. In the event of inclement weather the Mass will be held at [the church] with the reception in the church hall.
We look forward to your presence... (yada, yada)
(P.S. call the church office after 3 on Saturday if the weather is questionable 410-435-5900)
End of letter. Any of you plan on going?
It was too blustery to stay long, so after a quick trip to the altar she was ready to go. We headed up Charles Street, me thinking a shorter trip through Ruxton might be pretty. When we got to Stevenson Lane, Mom cried, "Turn here! (sniff, sniff) I'd like to see the... house." I asked if she was sure she wanted to do that, and she said, "As long as there isn't a For Sale sign." So we went. As we drove there I assured her that we'd been taking care of it, that we put out a few halloween decorations. I debated whether or not I would lie about not having a key should she want to go inside. In case she did want to go in, I filled her in that we had gone through lots of clothes and that Levelle was taking them to St. V de P.
It must of been my prayer to Dad when we were at the cemetery, because Mom seemed perfectly happy to just look at the house from her seat in the car. Or maybe it was a good thing she was feeling too weak. I had to explain that the car in the driveway was Paul's, that he was driving her car... I did gently say that we ought to think of doing something with the house soon. (A few minutes later she suggested that my daughter should live there after she finishes school this year. Sorry, Michael. You snooze, you lose :) Anyhow, the drive-by wasn't as bad as I feared. Maybe somewhere down the road she could handle a visit inside. Or not.
Regarding the letter from St. Mary's, it reads:
On Sunday, Nov. 2nd, St. Mary Parish will be celebrating its 159th Anniversary. As is our custom we will combine the regular 10 am and 12 noon Masses and hold a special Anniversary Mass at 10:30 am in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Since this year our anniversary coincides with All Soul's Day we are taking this opportunity to engage in a special remembrance of our recently deceased parishioners. The parish will remember our deceased sisters and brothers who have died the past two years. At the Prayer of the Faithful the names of each deceased will be called in thanksgiving for their presence in our lives.
We invite you, your family, relatives and friends to join us for this special Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery on Homeland Avenue, the site of the original church. We will also use this opportunity to dedicate our two new columbaria which were installed this summer. A reception will follow in the adjacent K of C Hall. In the event of inclement weather the Mass will be held at [the church] with the reception in the church hall.
We look forward to your presence... (yada, yada)
(P.S. call the church office after 3 on Saturday if the weather is questionable 410-435-5900)
End of letter. Any of you plan on going?
Friday, October 24, 2008
Michael - Last Call for Clothes
Michael, we're saving you a light blue fishing hat of Dad's. Do you want anything else, clothes-wise, I mean?
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Peace,
Lel
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Peace,
Lel
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
This weekend
Anybody want to meet at the house this weekend to figure out what to do with all of the stuff?
If nothing else, I think it is time to get any valuables out. Clothes? Dishes? Un-assigned stuff? Drink the beer? Eat the scrapple?
If nothing else, I think it is time to get any valuables out. Clothes? Dishes? Un-assigned stuff? Drink the beer? Eat the scrapple?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Nice Visit
I had a nice visit with Mom yesterday. Quinn and I met there (solidarity breeds courage, but turns out, no courage needed.) Mom was just getting back from a walk. We sat in the lobby living room and pretended there was a fire (that would have been great on this chilly morning!) I brought a bunch of Beanie Babies to donate as Bingo prizes so we had fun choosing a few for Mom's room before handing them in. We convinced Mom to go out for lunch to Nautilus Diner. After a trip to the store, I went back with her to play Bingo - I won the $4 game but had to split it with 3 other winners.
It's funny to talk with her and see what she remembers. Her recount of the Emmitsburg trip with Megan on Friday were sketchy and different from reality. She hangs on to some things like a steel trap, but forgets other things instantly. I think I blog so the world will remember that I visited, because Mom might not by tomorrow. But she's so happy in the moment to have some company, that it's fun to be with her. She told me that her friends have been wonderful about visiting, too, in addition to all of you local sibs.
Few notes:
Take care all, TTYL
Lel
It's funny to talk with her and see what she remembers. Her recount of the Emmitsburg trip with Megan on Friday were sketchy and different from reality. She hangs on to some things like a steel trap, but forgets other things instantly. I think I blog so the world will remember that I visited, because Mom might not by tomorrow. But she's so happy in the moment to have some company, that it's fun to be with her. She told me that her friends have been wonderful about visiting, too, in addition to all of you local sibs.
Few notes:
- I bought Mom new reading glasses (pink wire frames, +2.25) but I'm not sure they are the right strength. She lost hers and therefore doesn't know what day it is because she can't read the paper without glasses. On the next treasure hunt through her room, be sure to look for her real glasses. Toss out any lemonade you find.
- Mom was having a hard time finding one-dollar bills for Bingo. I didn't go through her wallet - maybe she has a bunch. Or maybe a bank run is necessary?
- I used Quinn's advice and let Mom be the one to operate the elevator even if it took a few seconds for her to remember to push the button until a light comes on. Hopefully she's not getting stuck in the elevator too much.
- House plans? I don't want the locals to have to deal with that all winter. Everybody should start thinking about what to do with their part of the legacy. During Michael's visit home at Christmas we should defintely take the time to divide up the unassigned stuff. Quinn, don't you know a local kid we could pay to take care of the yard and shoveling? Any other ideas for renting it out?
Take care all, TTYL
Lel
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Happy 21st Birthday to Shannon and Leland. Thank God they both have the good sense to celebrate in a very restrained fashion.
My visit with Mom today was not bad. Only a few tears were shed as she struggled to express whatever thoughts vanished before she could come up with the words. And I had to work hard to convince her that, yes, she was going to be one of Dr. Lavin's privileged few patients. She wasn't satisfied until she urged me to call Quinn to make sure. Thanks for answering your phone, Quinn. Mom was so happy when I left, she must have hugged me four times on the way out. She was then overjoyed to find that Bingo was just starting. (It was by then 5 p.m. I hope she stopped playing long enough to have dinner.) Tomorrow, of course, is another day. It remains to be seen if she will still remember about Lavin.
One thing did have me totally confused when she was telling me about the doctor visit. She kept insisting that a Lavin had a woman in the office who had lots of good quality clothes that she was selling or giving away. There were several things that Mom was interested in, but she didn't have any money and left without them. She hopes Quinn got them. Anybody have a clue what she's referring to?
And do any of you know of any plans Mom has for Friday. I offered to take her for a country drive to Emmitsburg, and she liked the idea.
My visit with Mom today was not bad. Only a few tears were shed as she struggled to express whatever thoughts vanished before she could come up with the words. And I had to work hard to convince her that, yes, she was going to be one of Dr. Lavin's privileged few patients. She wasn't satisfied until she urged me to call Quinn to make sure. Thanks for answering your phone, Quinn. Mom was so happy when I left, she must have hugged me four times on the way out. She was then overjoyed to find that Bingo was just starting. (It was by then 5 p.m. I hope she stopped playing long enough to have dinner.) Tomorrow, of course, is another day. It remains to be seen if she will still remember about Lavin.
One thing did have me totally confused when she was telling me about the doctor visit. She kept insisting that a Lavin had a woman in the office who had lots of good quality clothes that she was selling or giving away. There were several things that Mom was interested in, but she didn't have any money and left without them. She hopes Quinn got them. Anybody have a clue what she's referring to?
And do any of you know of any plans Mom has for Friday. I offered to take her for a country drive to Emmitsburg, and she liked the idea.
Monday, October 13, 2008
When Life Gives you Lemons, Make Lemonade...
... but whatever you do, don't drink the lemonade at Mom's.
Quinn will probably be blogging later, but I know she's running around today. Just a quick update I got from her earlier. The Doctor's appointment went well. Dr Lavin explained all the details of his concierge service, which will cost a relatively low $1,500 a year. Mom really likes him, so it seems like a bargain. Also, Quinn will have access to all records on-line so she can monitor for mistakes, etc. If Quinn can get Dr. Lavin to take Mom's vitamin pills off his orders at Brighton Gardens, Mom will save $13 a day and more than cover the cost of Dr. Lavin. We can give Mom her vitamins at least 5 days a week.
Mom mentioned to Quinn in the doctor's office, that she thought she might be needing a urine sample, so she had done one back at BG. Upon return to the room, Quinn searched high and low to no avail. It wasn't until half way home that she realized she forgot to look in the refrigerator.
So you've all been warned :)
PS: Quinn tells the story way funnier than I have recounted here. I was laughing so hard, she almost made me ... never mind - TMI.
Keep smiling folks!
Lel
Quinn will probably be blogging later, but I know she's running around today. Just a quick update I got from her earlier. The Doctor's appointment went well. Dr Lavin explained all the details of his concierge service, which will cost a relatively low $1,500 a year. Mom really likes him, so it seems like a bargain. Also, Quinn will have access to all records on-line so she can monitor for mistakes, etc. If Quinn can get Dr. Lavin to take Mom's vitamin pills off his orders at Brighton Gardens, Mom will save $13 a day and more than cover the cost of Dr. Lavin. We can give Mom her vitamins at least 5 days a week.
Mom mentioned to Quinn in the doctor's office, that she thought she might be needing a urine sample, so she had done one back at BG. Upon return to the room, Quinn searched high and low to no avail. It wasn't until half way home that she realized she forgot to look in the refrigerator.
So you've all been warned :)
PS: Quinn tells the story way funnier than I have recounted here. I was laughing so hard, she almost made me ... never mind - TMI.
Keep smiling folks!
Lel
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Outsprinkles
These are the people whose love and support get us through each day and who we owe so much. They also helped a little producing......
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