A couple weekends ago, we went to Odessa to move my mom and dad into an assisted living facility. We left Show Low at about 6 p.m. and drove all night, arriving in Odessa at 5 a.m. Texas time. What a LONG night. I was tired, but Jim was pretty much exhausted as he did all the driving. It's a long drive to Odessa, especially when you drive all night.
I'm posting these pictures mainly so Dana can see Mother and Daddy's place with all their stuff in it. Here's one of me with mother and daddy. Every chance I get I want to take a picture with them. I never know when it might be the last one I take. :( Neither one of them are very healthy, mentally or physically. They are both very weak and just generally don't feel that good most of the time. They put on a good face when we kids are there and always seem to enjoy having us around however.
After about 3 hours of sleep, we got up early Friday morning and started moving mother and daddy's things to their "new home." It was a chore and took us most of the day to get things moved and organized the way I thought Mother would like them to be.
Outside each doorway, the residents usually hang a few decorations, so this is what I hung by their front door.
Here is their little entryway and mother's table and painting that we put there. It made it look kind of homey.
We thought having some of their own things around them would help them feel more at home. Sadly, they really didn't recognize many of their things. It's sad when your parents' memories start to fade. Guess it is part of life, but still it's sad.
This is the doorway going into their little bedroom.
Took a picture of Sharon one night while we were visiting and sitting around at mother and daddy's big old empty house. Well, the family room is mostly empty anyway. But I'm glad we were able to take some of their own things and make them a homey place to stay for the time being. It's not home but I hope they will feel at home there. We love them and I so appreciate what Dana and Gene and Gary and Sharon have done to be of help to our parents. We have all pitched in and done what we could do to help and I love my brothers and sisters for all they do for our family.
I didn't get a picture of Gary, but I'm sure he won't mind!! :)
5 comments:
Been there and done that. It is hard but it might actually be easier for them if their memories are fading. When they remember the "good old days" they get so frustrated because they can't have all that still.
I was surprised that it kind of hurt my feelings when my parents did know me or had forgotten things about my childhood, etc. A different experience, isn't it?
Oh Tamra you guys must have been axhausted both mentally and physicaly! I'm so sorry this has got to be a hard time for you. I didn't have to go through any of this. So far daddy is doing well and I'm thankful he has Mary to watch over him and he her.
I'm thankful your parents still have each other...everday that you can say that is a blessing...I'm sure you know that.
Take care and will be saying prayers for you guys.
Aunt Tamra,
I am so sorry. I can not imagine what a difficult and trying time this is for you and your family at this time. I think that their "new home" looks great. I am sure they feel better having some of their things around them.
Spencer's Mom has gone down hill drastically since Sage passed away. The thought of her moving on has been a hard thing to think about. I know it is the plan but sometimes it is just plain hard to watch.
Your Mom and Dad are in our prayers. I will also keep you in our prayers.
What a nice post! You and Jim are such hard workers and it shows! It looks really nice and even tho they might not say or remember things...they feel loved...that you cannot deny!
Hey Tamra! I don't mind...I love it when I found out people stalk my blog. Although I don't update it nearly enough! Thanks for the compliment. I hear you're a pretty awesome friend & mom, too! ;) Have a good one!
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