Merry Christmas Everyone.  December leaves finds me caught up.  Where in the world did 2012 go, we have survived 2 high level graduations. 2 major surgeries lots of extra chores.  But all in all very blessed.  

Funny stories this year, and sad ones.

This story, from September

Well, today I needed to take my mom to the bank, for an appt.

she had called at noon to tell me she was dressed and ready.  "I'll be there at 1:30, mom, appts. at two
 (5 min away).

I will preface this by saying it is common for R & C to leave their keys in the car (locked in the garage).

We got to the car and mom got in  so far so good. I got the wheel chair loaded and shut the hatch.  Next I went around to the passenger side to shut mom's door.  That is when it struck me (I must have subconsciously heard the lock get hit by mistake).

Yes, mom was locked in the car with the keys on the floor of the driver's side.  Simple enough, right.  Well the controls on the driver's side are different than the passenger side and I sit in the driver's side in the car. 

OK mom, unlock it.......

I don't know how

push that button

I can't hear you

push the button

which one

2 (holding up 2 fingers for the second button)

she pushes it and it makes a noise (there she says) but alas she has pushed the "lock" side of that button

the other side mom

to that she keeps pushing the wrong side

ok mom lets try this

see the handle (I shout), with that she begins trying to yank it off

no no no above it there is another lock fiddle with that

mom still trying to yank off the handle

just a minute I say

We continued this survivor challenge for almost 10 minutes pass and I call home (mike answers; unable to drive) thankfully Daniel is home and comes with the extra set of keys (2 minutes)

unlocks the door and waits til I get into the car

to which mom says,

How did you get it unlocked from the trunk

I explained the extra keys

to that she says

"what would you have done if your 4 year old locked themselves in"

I only thought, I never locked my kids and keys in the car and my 4 yr. olds all knew how to get out of a car.  We just made it to the appt. on time and I needed a stiff drink.

Yet another chapter of "Life with Mother".

 

And then another story, from a week before Christmas.

Today, a bright and sunny one to be sure.  Mike had PT appointments and my chores and errands are under control.  I hit the road to go and see Aunt Phyllis.

Gord had told me that she was declining and it was hard to watch.  My thoughts had been about her for a couple weeks, so with great weather in December I set out.

When I arrived in her room, she was asleep.  Standing quietly watching for a bit noticing the extreme decline from a few months ago.  Noticing her resemblance to those who have passed. 

After a bit, I called sweetly, Aunt Phyllis Dear.  Phyllis.....after a bit Sweetie, Phyllis... touching her shoulder.  Frail.  Returning to the foot of the bed calling out gently once again...Phyllis, softly rubbing her feet. No response.

At times she looked laboring, hooked up to the oxygen, brows furrowed.  Then at times her expression would change as if she were intent on the person speaking to her in her dreams.  It was definitely someone she loved.  

Standing in that room with the memories of the wonderful woman she is.  An aide appeared and I stated that I had not been there in a while and how long had she been like this.  A couple days.  Still no stir from Aunt Phyllis, content in her dreams.

I hope that I can get back soon and that it will be an "up" day.

Leaving a short note, a plate of cookies I had to get back to Jackson.  This week I will send a card and some Pictures.  There are pictures of her great grands and a beautiful pic of Cheri and Family.

In closing, let it be said that she is in a wonderful place, very clean and cheerful with happy employees. Her room has a pretty bedspread and cute blankets and several teddy bears.

There is no expectation in this letter, it is simply to keep you informed and it needed to be a story not merely a statement.

If you feel like praying, pray for a lovely lady.

 

Peace to you and yours.  

 

Yesterday I received word from my Cousin that his mother has remained 

 

unresponsive for an entire week.  My Dear Aunt Phyllis will be with the Her Creator and His Angels soon.