My Friday Letters

Dear Alarm Clock:  I didn't want to hear you this morning.  Oh I know you gave me an extra hour and a half but still it's Friday!  Dear Dr. Brown:  Why oh why did I schedule a 9AM appointment on a Friday.  That's my lazy morning day.  Dear Shel:  Thanks for getting out of bed and throwing on some clothes to go to breakfast with me.  We both needed that "lumberjack" breakfast and wonderful conversation.  Dear Christopher & Banks:  I luv your store, luv your clothes.  I should stay far away from you but when I need an outfit for something, you always have it.  Dear Jim:  Sorry honey, but after visiting 3 nights in a row, I'm taking tonight off to cook me a dinner and relax; maybe even have me a Jameson.  I love you!  Dear Emma:  I heard from mommy that at your doctor visit today you weighed in at 18 lbs, you little chunky monkey. Dear Greasy Cheeseburgers:  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.  Dear Weekend:  Please don't go by too fast!  Dear Work:  Even if the weekend does go by fast, I only have 2 days to work next week!  Ya!

Enjoy the weekend!

Importance of the Little Things!

In my visits to the nursing home to visit Jim, I find that because I am a frequent visitor, other residents are requesting my attention.  Some ask me to help them straighten their chair, or cut their meat, or move their foot on the chair pedals or just want to share a word or two.  Jim's dining table companion sees me helping Jim with a mouthful of food and requests my help.  I'm getting to know everyones name and I feel like a rock star when I exit the elevator or enter the dining room. 

I'm aware that they all want a little personal attention.  Although the nurses and aides are great, like every other business these days, they are pushed to their limit on minimal staff.  They are sweet to the residents and spend the time needed to fulfill each ones request, but they are busy and pulled in every direction.  They thank me for my help when I move someone up to the table or get a resident to sit or pick something up for one.  Just little gestures but appreciated.

Oh don't get me wrong, there are a few residents there that represent the image of the "crumpy old man".  They are rude, demanding, loud and argumentive.  Those I stay away from, although I have made an attempt at a friendly "Hello".

I guess what is important is that everyone likes attention. Nursing homes can be sad places, but if I can make not only Jim feel better when I visit, but Donald, Sy, Richard, Dorothy, Clare, Albert, Patricia, Agnes and many others, then I guess the time I take to visit 4 to 5 times a week, is well worth it!

Fathers Day Weekend

My time was not as full this weekend and I got to visit Jim for a couple of hours everyday.

Friday was a beautiful day. When I got there I took him outside.  We parked his wheelchair next to a bench facing the parking lot and admired the beautifully manicured lawn and watched the birds.  Jim kept  saying what a beautiful day it was and then wanted to know "what's the name of this park?"  I said "Loretto" and he chuckled and said "that's a coincidence".

Friday was Jim's Grooming Day.  We cut his hair, trimmed his mustache, groomed his eyebrows, trimmed the hair in his nose, cut the hair growing out of his ears and shaved him.  Jim may be missing his memory and may have lost his ability to walk BUT the one thing he hasn't lost is hair!  It seems to be growing everywhere.  He laughed when I said that to him and said "you can call me Sasquatch!"



Yesterday Jim's roommate Glenn (Hoot) passed away. He had been the first roommate that Jim has talked to.  So I said "you'll be getting a new roommate" and he responded "probably another man, I don't think they would let a woman stay in here".  Spot on Jimmy!


Today I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner per his request although he didn't remember asking.  I went up to his room and told him we should go outside and get some fresh air.  We got out there and found our spot near a bench where I could sit with him.  It was very windy but 85 degrees.  I had to go back up to his room and get his hoodie because he had goosebumps.  As he was eating he said to me "what are you going to do when we can't picnic here anymore?"  I said "why don't you want me to bring lunch to eat outside anymore?"  He said "Yeah but we can picnic anywhere we want - because we are spontaneous".  Yep!             On Thursday last week he asked if I could get a Fathers Day card out to his father and while I was at it send one to my father.  My dad has been dead for 30 years and when I told him that I didn't think they would deliver it there, he looked at me and said "Heaven?"  "Well you can try."   I try not to let myself think about what has happened with Jim and focus on our visits and enjoy that he still has a sense of humor and makes me laugh.  Happy Fathers Day Jimbo!

T

Drivin to Cape Cahd for some Chowdah!

In an attempt to become more knowledgeable, my boss took 3 of us to Boston to attend the annual AADSM (American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine) Conference.  We arrived on Wednesday evening and left Saturday evening.  The majority of the time was spent in forums and conference rooms trying to absorb a multitude of statistics, reports, research and techniques. 

When we got breaks we were eating.  The first morning we had the most expensive eggs, bagels and sausage I've ever had the opportunity to eat.  At lunch break we found that there was a beautiful mall attached to the hotel by enclosed crossovers and we ventured out to find a place for lunch.  We came across PF Chang's and liked it so much we went there for the next 2 days for lunch.  Everyday we tried something new.

After a long afternoon soaking up information from lecturers we decided to head for Legal Seafood, a highly suggested restaurant nearby.  Some good wine, a succulent dinner and walk back to our room was what we all needed.

Getting invited to the "First Time Attendee Breakfast" was exciting.  We got there expecting omelette's and such and what we got was fruit, buns, coffee, juice and pound cake.  Needless to say we were a bit hungry when it came around to lunch, which is why decided to back to PF Chang's for another yummy lunch.

We enjoyed dining at on Friday night.  More good food and great conversation, we kept adding pounds to our butts.  We sit all day and eat and sit and eat then sleep.  Reminds me a little of my dogs day except no one lectures to him.

We had a great trip both intellectually and socially.  We didn't haav to pahk the cah in Havid Yahd!