Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Hello everyone, I would love to write to each of you, but time and health prevent it. Love you all. My big wonderful cyber family! I am going to share several post with you in one letter. I am so sorry, but this is the only way I can write to you. They are parts and bits of letters to all six of my children, who get one letter. Sorry to lump everyone. First, I do want to comment on Sandie. I am so sorry she is having trouble right now. I love her very much. From your letters I gather that she may have Prinzemetal's or Variant Angina. I know exactly where she is coming from. I was diagnosed with it in my early forties. It was caught during a treadmill test. All of your descriptions are right on the money Sherrie. The biggest help I have received was the channel blocker Cardizem. Now that I am in my mid seventies I no longer have that pain. I do have trouble now with Gerd, but it is not the same pain. I will say this in addition. No test show the tiny capillaries or tips of the arteries. Women can look as if they are as healthy as a horse and are having pain from those tiny blocked arteries. This is a relatively new finding. I pray our dear Sharon M. is doing well, and Ron. Jan, I do hope all is holding it's own with Jim. I haven't been able to keep up, so just know I do think about you. (1) July 18th Hi dear children, and I took Don to the doctor in Fredericksburg on the morning of the 18th. The Doctor Admitted Don right then and there. So we took him to the nursing home. We went back again on the 23ed to do all the Medicaid work with the Lady, and bring Don home, to be here for his surgery on the next morning. In the mean time I spent many hours getting all the paper work together for Medicaid. Thursday morning, the 24th, I flew around here getting things packed for me, (yes, alone. 's family had plans to go to the coast, with my blessing, as they had been given a free place to stay) I would take Don to have surgery at 9:30 A.M. All the Squamous Cell Carcinomas were removed, and he has done well. After the surgery I drove him up to Fredericksburg in a terrible rain from the hurricane sending rain up here from the coast. After I got him situated I told him I would be back for supper. I drove around looking for a place to stay, and goodness at the prices! It's a tourist town, and they didn't bat an eye when they told me their prices. I found one dive at 34.50 a day, but it was filthy! So I stayed in one at one hundred, (and that was cheap) yet, I found a mouse dropping on the floor. It was a beautiful place and the garden was a delight out my window. Don's daughter came to look in on me, and I ate fig bars and bananas, and told her to tell Don I couldn't make it for supper. I was so tired after all the driving in the rain, and looking for a place, that I went to sleep by six PM. and woke up at seven AM. Except for two trips to the bathroom, but I went right back to sleep both times. So, I got my hundred dollars worth of sleep. How about that! I visited with Don and had lunch with him. We sat on the verandah talking for quite a while, and it rung my heart out for him when he cried from being lonely for me. I want to move near him as soon as I can find a reasonable apartment. I want to keep the house so I can come back to it, but Katy can live here while I am up there. It is a terrible row to hoe to take the beginning steps for the end. I want to be with him all I can. We were always two love birds and still are, so while I can I intend to keep it so. Love you all through very tired eyes and fingers, Mama (2) I just talked to Don, and I could barely hear him some of the time, and at other times I couldn't hear him at all. He has a picture of me, and said it was his favorite. He also has my book that I just had bound. He said he has read about twelve pages of it already. It is 361 pages so he has a lot of reading, but then, it also has a lot of pictures. He loves his big chair to take his naps in. This is so hard on both of us, I just hope he doesn't start begging to stay home. If he does, I'll relent and keep him here. But, I can't. I just can't. Oh the agony! (3) Here is the latest, all you lovable people. The day of Don's surgery the water main down the road had broken. NO water for my bath, nor to flush the toilets, nor to brush our teeth. I had been flying around packing to go up to the nursing home, so I got in Don's cold bath water as he hadn't pulled the plug the night before. You talk about holler from that cold water! Then we used it to flush the toilets. (I didn't have time to heat it) Thank goodness I didn't realize he hadn't pulled the plug. He bathed in the bath tub, as he felt safe in it. Fortunately, I had some left over coffee that I heated in the Microwave. I almost always set up the coffee pot the night before, but I was running my legs off trying to help Don with his bath the night before, and to get his clothes, and help him get ready for bed, plus pack some things for me. So I neglected the coffee pot. We had a half jar of 7up that we used to brush our teeth. Such as it was. Were we having fun yet? (It's a laugh now). I am going to put a jar of water in the refrigerator. Yesterday, I visited Don. He cried about being separated from me. He can't express himself well, but did when he looked me in the eyes while crying, and pleaded, " Green eyes please come and live with me. " Can you imagine how that made me feel? I told him I would as soon as I could find a place that is suitable all around. (clean, and the cost) Don is fine and in the very best of hands. The man that bathes him and sees to it that Don brushes his teeth, is superb, and of course Don's Daughter looks after his other needs. As hard as it is, I am glad he is there. I have to get my hearing aids, Monday. I find I MUST have them. That two days with Don, and not being able to hear unless his cheek was touching mine, was extremely stress producing. That is what wore me out so badly. I am going to go up and be with Don as soon as I can on Tuesday after I get the hearing aids. But, this weekend I am going to rest. Yeah, right! I am doing three loads of laundry right now. Don's bed clothes, etc. And, I have to get ready by properly packing so I can be a little more organized. It is something when a situation is all over, how you can look back at the ridiculousness of it and have a big belly laugh. I sure have over that cold bath and teeth brushing. I love you all, Mama (4) Don was on a tear tonight, and his daughter let him talk to me on the phone. He was coming to me right now! She let him talk awhile and told me it is best if I don't come often as he expects to go home. She told me to stay away until he becomes adjusted. I have news for her! He tore me apart with his pleading, and said he was coming to me right now! He has always done best when I hug him a lot and reassure him. I told his daughter that. I said he is a scared man-child, and needs lots of hugs. She said one of the male aids was with him, and was averting his attention to the TV. I just want to ball. But, I told Don, we both knew this was going to be hard. Very hard. And, it is. Tues. the 26th, (my daughter) knows how I feel. So even though Don's daughter didn't think I should come around very much, took me up there. We spent the day visiting Don, (which was wonderful,) and we looked for apartments. We ate lunch and dinner (supper) with him. Sharon had the day off. Today, Sharon called and said, " Daddy was so much better all day. " She asked, " Are you are coming up on Friday? " I told her, " I sure am. " She was just confirming what Don had told her. She said, " He is really looking forward to your next visit, " and that she would be out of town Friday through the weekend. It will be Aug 17 before I know how much money I will be getting from Social Security. So, I can't rent a nice senior apartment near Don until I know. In fact, I can't rent anything until I know. We found that out when apartment looking. The woman said she needed a piece of paper stating my income. Monday, I ran many errands, including pharmacy for Don, until Medicaid kicks in. Tuesday, , and I, went up there, Joy, joy! We had quite a day! Today, I drove all over the place trying to find the Social Security office to find out how much I would actually have to work with. I nearly fell through the floor. The man's words really upset me. I asked if I would get even a portion of my husband's check. He said it has to go to the nursing home. Finally, he said well, it depends on where your husband wants his money sent. I said it has always gone into our checking account. He said Well, you will still have to pay the nursing home. I thanked him for being patient with me, and took my leave. I tend to believe the woman that set up Medicaid for Don to start with. She said I would get both of our checks, and that the month that Medicare should have paid will be covered by Medicaid too. It's a small town and a lot of strings were pulled to get help for Don. I will wait until the 17th when I have it in writing and then get a place to live. I am going to be with him! (sleep in the car? Yeah right!) (grin) I do wish I now had the old camper. The food at the NH is excellent. A man told he thought so when she waited for us in the Doctor's office. Well, one person's likes are not necessarily everyone's. Believe me it IS very good. I am so glad. It is not hospital food. Don is wearing a bracelet so that he can't leave. He became very adamant with me just before dinner, (really, supper to me). He wanted to go out the back way and go home right then! " Just do what I say and come on! " he ordered. So I walked with him and said, " Honey, I am really, really hungry can we please eat before we go? " Three more steps and he would have made a scene trying to go out the door. But, instead he turned around and we went to the dining hall. After eating he felt better, and we kissed good-bye. He walked back to his room. could hardly believe it. That was LBD in action. She has no idea what went on here at home. Love a big bunch, and then some more, Mama So Cyber family there you have it. He is torn up, I am torn up, but we had to take the help that has so generously been extended to us. I have my hearing aids now, and will be able to hear Don. In fact I could when I was there Tuesday. That was a real blessing. I do plan to be with him. If I am not left enough money, then I will join him in the nursing home. Let the kids have the house. Thank goodness I'm not materialistic. Love is far more important. And in six weeks I will be 76, so I can do it just fine. I have already been there enough to know what the place is like. Tomorrow I will see him, and hopefully stay a couple of days. 'Til later " gators " From time to time I will keep you posted. I sure hope this hasn't been too long to go in one mailing, Lift your hearts and do a happy dance in your mind (or for real). And certainly I don't want to forget to tell all of you new family members, " HELLO, a big warm welcome from me " Love a lot, and sing in your heart, Imogene **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Imogene, I can't believe it, but we are just about 30 miles from Fredericksburg. I must be able to help you, some how. My daughter has taken our spare room, but I am sure we would be able to manage something. I know that she is planning to move to Dallas in the not too distant future, and she doesn't spend every night here, don't do anything in haste. If you'd like to talk I'll send you my telephone number. , wife and cg of Fisher, aged 70. Once a strong and vibrant man. Diagnosed in July of 2008, but well into it by now. > > Hello everyone, > > I would love to write to each of you, but time and health prevent it. > Love you all. My big wonderful cyber family! > > I am going to share several post with you in one letter. I am so sorry, but > this is the only way I can write to you. They are parts and bits of letters > to all six of my children, who get one letter. Sorry to lump everyone. > > First, I do want to comment on Sandie. I am so sorry she is having trouble > right now. I love her very much. From your letters I gather that she may have > Prinzemetal's or Variant Angina. I know exactly where she is coming from. I > was diagnosed with it in my early forties. It was caught during a treadmill > test. All of your descriptions are right on the money Sherrie. The biggest help > I have received was the channel blocker Cardizem. Now that I am in my mid > seventies I no longer have that pain. I do have trouble now with Gerd, but it is > not the same pain. I will say this in addition. No test show the tiny > capillaries or tips of the arteries. Women can look as if they are as healthy as a > horse and are having pain from those tiny blocked arteries. This is a > relatively new finding. > > I pray our dear Sharon M. is doing well, and Ron. Jan, I do hope all is > holding it's own with Jim. I haven't been able to keep up, so just know I do > think about you. > > (1) July 18th > > Hi dear children, > > and I took Don to the doctor in Fredericksburg on the morning of the > 18th. The Doctor Admitted Don right then and there. So we took him to the > nursing home. We went back again on the 23ed to do all the Medicaid work with > the Lady, and bring Don home, to be here for his surgery on the next morning. > In the mean time I spent many hours getting all the paper work together for > Medicaid. > > Thursday morning, the 24th, I flew around here getting things packed for me, > (yes, alone. 's family had plans to go to the coast, with my > blessing, as they had been given a free place to stay) I would take Don to have > surgery at 9:30 A.M. All the Squamous Cell Carcinomas were removed, and he has > done well. After the surgery I drove him up to Fredericksburg in a terrible rain > from the hurricane sending rain up here from the coast. After I got him > situated I told him I would be back for supper. I drove around looking for a > place to stay, and goodness at the prices! > > > > It's a tourist town, and they didn't bat an eye when they told me their > prices. I found one dive at 34.50 a day, but it was filthy! So I stayed in one at > one hundred, (and that was cheap) yet, I found a mouse dropping on the > floor. It was a beautiful place and the garden was a delight out my window. Don's > daughter came to look in on me, and I ate fig bars and bananas, and told her > to tell Don I couldn't make it for supper. I was so tired after all the > driving in the rain, and looking for a place, that I went to sleep by six PM. and > woke up at seven AM. Except for two trips to the bathroom, but I went right > back to sleep both times. So, I got my hundred dollars worth of sleep. How > about that! > > I visited with Don and had lunch with him. We sat on the verandah talking > for quite a while, and it rung my heart out for him when he cried from being > lonely for me. I want to move near him as soon as I can find a reasonable > apartment. I want to keep the house so I can come back to it, but Katy can live > here while I am up there. > > It is a terrible row to hoe to take the beginning steps for the end. I want > to be with him all I can. We were always two love birds and still are, so > while I can I intend to keep it so. > > Love you all through very tired eyes and fingers, > Mama > > (2) > > I just talked to Don, and I could barely hear him some of the time, and at > other times I couldn't hear him at all. He has a picture of me, and said it > was his favorite. He also has my book that I just had bound. He said he has > read about twelve pages of it already. It is 361 pages so he has a lot of > reading, but then, it also has a lot of pictures. He loves his big chair to take > his naps in. > > This is so hard on both of us, I just hope he doesn't start begging to stay > home. If he does, I'll relent and keep him here. But, I can't. I just can't. > Oh the agony! > > (3) > > > Here is the latest, all you lovable people. > > > The day of Don's surgery the water main down the road had broken. NO water > for my bath, nor to flush the toilets, nor to brush our teeth. I had been > flying around packing to go up to the nursing home, so I got in Don's cold bath > water as he hadn't pulled the plug the night before. You talk about holler > from that cold water! Then we used it to flush the toilets. (I didn't have time > to heat it) Thank goodness I didn't realize he hadn't pulled the plug. He > bathed in the bath tub, as he felt safe in it. > > Fortunately, I had some left over coffee that I heated in the Microwave. I > almost always set up the coffee pot the night before, but I was running my > legs off trying to help Don with his bath the night before, and to get his > clothes, and help him get ready for bed, plus pack some things for me. So I > neglected the coffee pot. We had a half jar of 7up that we used to brush our teeth. > Such as it was. Were we having fun yet? (It's a laugh now). I am going to > put a jar of water in the refrigerator. > > Yesterday, I visited Don. He cried about being separated from me. He can't > express himself well, but did when he looked me in the eyes while crying, and > pleaded, " Green eyes please come and live with me. " Can you imagine how that > made me feel? I told him I would as soon as I could find a place that is > suitable all around. (clean, and the cost) > > Don is fine and in the very best of hands. The man that bathes him and sees > to it that Don brushes his teeth, is superb, and of course Don's Daughter > looks after his other needs. As hard as it is, I am glad he is there. > > I have to get my hearing aids, Monday. I find I MUST have them. That two > days with Don, and not being able to hear unless his cheek was touching mine, > was extremely stress producing. That is what wore me out so badly. I am going > to go up and be with Don as soon as I can on Tuesday after I get the hearing > aids. But, this weekend I am going to rest. > > Yeah, right! I am doing three loads of laundry right now. Don's bed clothes, > etc. > And, I have to get ready by properly packing so I can be a little more > organized. > > It is something when a situation is all over, how you can look back at the > ridiculousness of it and have a big belly laugh. I sure have over that cold > bath and teeth brushing. > > I love you all, > Mama > > (4) > > Don was on a tear tonight, and his daughter let him talk to me on the phone. > He was coming to me right now! She let him talk awhile and told me it is > best if I don't > come often as he expects to go home. She told me to stay away until he > becomes adjusted. I have news for her! > > He tore me apart with his pleading, and said he was coming to me right now! > He has always done best when I hug him a lot and reassure him. I told his > daughter that. I said he is a scared man-child, and needs lots of hugs. She > said one of the male aids was with him, and was averting his attention to the > TV. I just want to ball. But, I told Don, we both knew this was going to be > hard. Very hard. And, it is. > > > Tues. the 26th, (my daughter) knows how I feel. So even though Don's > daughter didn't think I should come around very much, took me up > there. We spent the day visiting Don, (which was wonderful,) and we looked for > apartments. We ate lunch and dinner (supper) with him. Sharon had the day off. > > Today, Sharon called and said, " Daddy was so much better all day. " She > asked, " Are you are coming up on Friday? " I told her, " I sure am. " She was just > confirming what Don had told her. She said, " He is really looking forward to > your next visit, " and that she would be out of town Friday through the weekend. > > It will be Aug 17 before I know how much money I will be getting from Social > Security. So, I can't rent a nice senior apartment near Don until I know. In > fact, I can't rent anything until I know. We found that out when apartment > looking. The woman said she needed a piece of paper stating my income. > > Monday, I ran many errands, including pharmacy for Don, until Medicaid kicks > in. Tuesday, , and I, went up there, Joy, joy! We had quite a day! > Today, I drove all over the place trying to find the Social Security office to > find out how much I would actually have to work with. > > I nearly fell through the floor. The man's words really upset me. I asked if > I would get even a portion of my husband's check. He said it has to go to the > nursing home. Finally, he said well, it depends on where your husband wants > his money sent. I said it has always gone into our checking account. He said > Well, you will still have to pay the nursing home. I thanked him for being > patient with me, and took my leave. > > I tend to believe the woman that set up Medicaid for Don to start with. She > said I would get both of our checks, and that the month that Medicare should > have paid will be covered by Medicaid too. It's a small town and a lot of > strings were pulled to get help for Don. I will wait until the 17th when I have > it in writing and then get a place to live. I am going to be with him! (sleep > in the car? Yeah right!) (grin) I do wish I now had the old camper. > > The food at the NH is excellent. A man told he thought so when she > waited for us in the Doctor's office. Well, one person's likes are not > necessarily everyone's. Believe me it IS very good. I am so glad. It is not hospital > food. > > Don is wearing a bracelet so that he can't leave. He became very adamant > with me just before dinner, (really, supper to me). He wanted to go out the back > way and go home right then! " Just do what I say and come on! " he ordered. So > I walked with him and said, " Honey, I am really, really hungry can we please > eat before we go? " Three more steps and he would have made a scene trying to > go out the door. > But, instead he turned around and we went to the dining hall. After eating > he felt better, and we kissed good-bye. He walked back to his room. > > could hardly believe it. That was LBD in action. She has no idea > what went on here at home. > > Love a big bunch, and then some more, > Mama > > So Cyber family there you have it. He is torn up, I am torn up, but we had > to take > the help that has so generously been extended to us. I have my hearing aids > now, and will be able to hear Don. In fact I could when I was there Tuesday. > That was a real blessing. > > I do plan to be with him. If I am not left enough money, then I will join > him in the nursing home. Let the kids have the house. Thank goodness I'm not > materialistic. > Love is far more important. And in six weeks I will be 76, so I can do it > just fine. I have already been there enough to know what the place is like. > > Tomorrow I will see him, and hopefully stay a couple of days. 'Til later > " gators " > From time to time I will keep you posted. I sure hope this hasn't been too > long to go in one mailing, > > Lift your hearts and do a happy dance in your mind (or for real). And > certainly I don't want to forget to tell all of you new family members, " HELLO, a > big warm welcome from me " > > Love a lot, and sing in your heart, > Imogene > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Imogene, My heart goes out to you and Don. I'd like to send the powers that be your email and show them first hand how difficult it is to have one's loved one placed in care and then have to figure out a way to be with them on a limited income. You know, the so called leaders of this world talk a pretty line about how much they care about the people but when I read stories such as yours I just get so damned angry. I do hope that God and good friends will come to your aid and help you and Don out so that you can be near each other again. I wish there was something I could do. Hugs to you both, Courage The upheaval around here Hello everyone, I would love to write to each of you, but time and health prevent it. Love you all. My big wonderful cyber family! I am going to share several post with you in one letter. I am so sorry, but this is the only way I can write to you. They are parts and bits of letters to all six of my children, who get one letter. Sorry to lump everyone. First, I do want to comment on Sandie. I am so sorry she is having trouble right now. I love her very much. From your letters I gather that she may have Prinzemetal's or Variant Angina. I know exactly where she is coming from. I was diagnosed with it in my early forties. It was caught during a treadmill test. All of your descriptions are right on the money Sherrie. The biggest help I have received was the channel blocker Cardizem. Now that I am in my mid seventies I no longer have that pain. I do have trouble now with Gerd, but it is not the same pain. I will say this in addition. No test show the tiny capillaries or tips of the arteries. Women can look as if they are as healthy as a horse and are having pain from those tiny blocked arteries. This is a relatively new finding. I pray our dear Sharon M. is doing well, and Ron. Jan, I do hope all is holding it's own with Jim. I haven't been able to keep up, so just know I do think about you. (1) July 18th Hi dear children, and I took Don to the doctor in Fredericksburg on the morning of the 18th. The Doctor Admitted Don right then and there. So we took him to the nursing home. We went back again on the 23ed to do all the Medicaid work with the Lady, and bring Don home, to be here for his surgery on the next morning. In the mean time I spent many hours getting all the paper work together for Medicaid. Thursday morning, the 24th, I flew around here getting things packed for me, (yes, alone. 's family had plans to go to the coast, with my blessing, as they had been given a free place to stay) I would take Don to have surgery at 9:30 A.M. All the Squamous Cell Carcinomas were removed, and he has done well. After the surgery I drove him up to Fredericksburg in a terrible rain from the hurricane sending rain up here from the coast. After I got him situated I told him I would be back for supper. I drove around looking for a place to stay, and goodness at the prices! It's a tourist town, and they didn't bat an eye when they told me their prices. I found one dive at 34.50 a day, but it was filthy! So I stayed in one at one hundred, (and that was cheap) yet, I found a mouse dropping on the floor. It was a beautiful place and the garden was a delight out my window. Don's daughter came to look in on me, and I ate fig bars and bananas, and told her to tell Don I couldn't make it for supper. I was so tired after all the driving in the rain, and looking for a place, that I went to sleep by six PM. and woke up at seven AM. Except for two trips to the bathroom, but I went right back to sleep both times. So, I got my hundred dollars worth of sleep. How about that! I visited with Don and had lunch with him. We sat on the verandah talking for quite a while, and it rung my heart out for him when he cried from being lonely for me. I want to move near him as soon as I can find a reasonable apartment. I want to keep the house so I can come back to it, but Katy can live here while I am up there. It is a terrible row to hoe to take the beginning steps for the end. I want to be with him all I can. We were always two love birds and still are, so while I can I intend to keep it so. Love you all through very tired eyes and fingers, Mama (2) I just talked to Don, and I could barely hear him some of the time, and at other times I couldn't hear him at all. He has a picture of me, and said it was his favorite. He also has my book that I just had bound. He said he has read about twelve pages of it already. It is 361 pages so he has a lot of reading, but then, it also has a lot of pictures. He loves his big chair to take his naps in. This is so hard on both of us, I just hope he doesn't start begging to stay home. If he does, I'll relent and keep him here. But, I can't. I just can't. Oh the agony! (3) Here is the latest, all you lovable people. The day of Don's surgery the water main down the road had broken. NO water for my bath, nor to flush the toilets, nor to brush our teeth. I had been flying around packing to go up to the nursing home, so I got in Don's cold bath water as he hadn't pulled the plug the night before. You talk about holler from that cold water! Then we used it to flush the toilets. (I didn't have time to heat it) Thank goodness I didn't realize he hadn't pulled the plug. He bathed in the bath tub, as he felt safe in it. Fortunately, I had some left over coffee that I heated in the Microwave. I almost always set up the coffee pot the night before, but I was running my legs off trying to help Don with his bath the night before, and to get his clothes, and help him get ready for bed, plus pack some things for me. So I neglected the coffee pot. We had a half jar of 7up that we used to brush our teeth. Such as it was. Were we having fun yet? (It's a laugh now). I am going to put a jar of water in the refrigerator. Yesterday, I visited Don. He cried about being separated from me. He can't express himself well, but did when he looked me in the eyes while crying, and pleaded, " Green eyes please come and live with me. " Can you imagine how that made me feel? I told him I would as soon as I could find a place that is suitable all around. (clean, and the cost) Don is fine and in the very best of hands. The man that bathes him and sees to it that Don brushes his teeth, is superb, and of course Don's Daughter looks after his other needs. As hard as it is, I am glad he is there. I have to get my hearing aids, Monday. I find I MUST have them. That two days with Don, and not being able to hear unless his cheek was touching mine, was extremely stress producing. That is what wore me out so badly. I am going to go up and be with Don as soon as I can on Tuesday after I get the hearing aids. But, this weekend I am going to rest. Yeah, right! I am doing three loads of laundry right now. Don's bed clothes, etc. And, I have to get ready by properly packing so I can be a little more organized. It is something when a situation is all over, how you can look back at the ridiculousness of it and have a big belly laugh. I sure have over that cold bath and teeth brushing. I love you all, Mama (4) Don was on a tear tonight, and his daughter let him talk to me on the phone. He was coming to me right now! She let him talk awhile and told me it is best if I don't come often as he expects to go home. She told me to stay away until he becomes adjusted. I have news for her! He tore me apart with his pleading, and said he was coming to me right now! He has always done best when I hug him a lot and reassure him. I told his daughter that. I said he is a scared man-child, and needs lots of hugs. She said one of the male aids was with him, and was averting his attention to the TV. I just want to ball. But, I told Don, we both knew this was going to be hard. Very hard. And, it is. Tues. the 26th, (my daughter) knows how I feel. So even though Don's daughter didn't think I should come around very much, took me up there. We spent the day visiting Don, (which was wonderful,) and we looked for apartments. We ate lunch and dinner (supper) with him. Sharon had the day off. Today, Sharon called and said, " Daddy was so much better all day. " She asked, " Are you are coming up on Friday? " I told her, " I sure am. " She was just confirming what Don had told her. She said, " He is really looking forward to your next visit, " and that she would be out of town Friday through the weekend. It will be Aug 17 before I know how much money I will be getting from Social Security. So, I can't rent a nice senior apartment near Don until I know. In fact, I can't rent anything until I know. We found that out when apartment looking. The woman said she needed a piece of paper stating my income. Monday, I ran many errands, including pharmacy for Don, until Medicaid kicks in. Tuesday, , and I, went up there, Joy, joy! We had quite a day! Today, I drove all over the place trying to find the Social Security office to find out how much I would actually have to work with. I nearly fell through the floor. The man's words really upset me. I asked if I would get even a portion of my husband's check. He said it has to go to the nursing home. Finally, he said well, it depends on where your husband wants his money sent. I said it has always gone into our checking account. He said Well, you will still have to pay the nursing home. I thanked him for being patient with me, and took my leave. I tend to believe the woman that set up Medicaid for Don to start with. She said I would get both of our checks, and that the month that Medicare should have paid will be covered by Medicaid too. It's a small town and a lot of strings were pulled to get help for Don. I will wait until the 17th when I have it in writing and then get a place to live. I am going to be with him! (sleep in the car? Yeah right!) (grin) I do wish I now had the old camper. The food at the NH is excellent. A man told he thought so when she waited for us in the Doctor's office. Well, one person's likes are not necessarily everyone's. Believe me it IS very good. I am so glad. It is not hospital food. Don is wearing a bracelet so that he can't leave. He became very adamant with me just before dinner, (really, supper to me). He wanted to go out the back way and go home right then! " Just do what I say and come on! " he ordered. So I walked with him and said, " Honey, I am really, really hungry can we please eat before we go? " Three more steps and he would have made a scene trying to go out the door. But, instead he turned around and we went to the dining hall. After eating he felt better, and we kissed good-bye. He walked back to his room. could hardly believe it. That was LBD in action. She has no idea what went on here at home. Love a big bunch, and then some more, Mama So Cyber family there you have it. He is torn up, I am torn up, but we had to take the help that has so generously been extended to us. I have my hearing aids now, and will be able to hear Don. In fact I could when I was there Tuesday. That was a real blessing. I do plan to be with him. If I am not left enough money, then I will join him in the nursing home. Let the kids have the house. Thank goodness I'm not materialistic. Love is far more important. And in six weeks I will be 76, so I can do it just fine. I have already been there enough to know what the place is like. Tomorrow I will see him, and hopefully stay a couple of days. 'Til later " gators " From time to time I will keep you posted. I sure hope this hasn't been too long to go in one mailing, Lift your hearts and do a happy dance in your mind (or for real). And certainly I don't want to forget to tell all of you new family members, " HELLO, a big warm welcome from me " Love a lot, and sing in your heart, Imogene **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 And I love you darling, Sharon, hope Donnie has his schooling underway for a trucking job. Love all the time, Cyber Mom Imogene > > > Subject: The upheaval around here > To: LBDcaregivers > Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 9:41 PM > > > > > > > Hello everyone, > > I would love to write to each of you, but time and health prevent it. > Love you all. My big wonderful cyber family! > > I am going to share several post with you in one letter. I am so sorry, but > this is the only way I can write to you. They are parts and bits of letters > to all six of my children, who get one letter. Sorry to lump everyone. > > First, I do want to comment on Sandie. I am so sorry she is having trouble > right now. I love her very much. From your letters I gather that she may have > Prinzemetal' s or Variant Angina. I know exactly where she is coming from. I > was diagnosed with it in my early forties. It was caught during a treadmill > test. All of your descriptions are right on the money Sherrie. The biggest help > I have received was the channel blocker Cardizem. Now that I am in my mid > seventies I no longer have that pain. I do have trouble now with Gerd, but it is > not the same pain. I will say this in addition. No test show the tiny > capillaries or tips of the arteries. Women can look as if they are as healthy as a > horse and are having pain from those tiny blocked arteries. This is a > relatively new finding. > > I pray our dear Sharon M. is doing well, and Ron. Jan, I do hope all is > holding it's own with Jim. I haven't been able to keep up, so just know I do > think about you. > > (1) July 18th > > Hi dear children, > > and I took Don to the doctor in Fredericksburg on the morning of the > 18th. The Doctor Admitted Don right then and there. So we took him to the > nursing home. We went back again on the 23ed to do all the Medicaid work with > the Lady, and bring Don home, to be here for his surgery on the next morning. > In the mean time I spent many hours getting all the paper work together for > Medicaid. > > Thursday morning, the 24th, I flew around here getting things packed for me, > (yes, alone. 's family had plans to go to the coast, with my > blessing, as they had been given a free place to stay) I would take Don to have > surgery at 9:30 A.M. All the Squamous Cell Carcinomas were removed, and he has > done well. After the surgery I drove him up to Fredericksburg in a terrible rain > from the hurricane sending rain up here from the coast. After I got him > situated I told him I would be back for supper. I drove around looking for a > place to stay, and goodness at the prices! > > > > It's a tourist town, and they didn't bat an eye when they told me their > prices. I found one dive at 34.50 a day, but it was filthy! So I stayed in one at > one hundred, (and that was cheap) yet, I found a mouse dropping on the > floor. It was a beautiful place and the garden was a delight out my window. Don's > daughter came to look in on me, and I ate fig bars and bananas, and told her > to tell Don I couldn't make it for supper. I was so tired after all the > driving in the rain, and looking for a place, that I went to sleep by six PM. and > woke up at seven AM. Except for two trips to the bathroom, but I went right > back to sleep both times. So, I got my hundred dollars worth of sleep. How > about that! > > I visited with Don and had lunch with him. We sat on the verandah talking > for quite a while, and it rung my heart out for him when he cried from being > lonely for me. I want to move near him as soon as I can find a reasonable > apartment. I want to keep the house so I can come back to it, but Katy can live > here while I am up there. > > It is a terrible row to hoe to take the beginning steps for the end. I want > to be with him all I can. We were always two love birds and still are, so > while I can I intend to keep it so. > > Love you all through very tired eyes and fingers, > Mama > > (2) > > I just talked to Don, and I could barely hear him some of the time, and at > other times I couldn't hear him at all. He has a picture of me, and said it > was his favorite. He also has my book that I just had bound. He said he has > read about twelve pages of it already. It is 361 pages so he has a lot of > reading, but then, it also has a lot of pictures. He loves his big chair to take > his naps in. > > This is so hard on both of us, I just hope he doesn't start begging to stay > home. If he does, I'll relent and keep him here. But, I can't. I just can't.. > Oh the agony! > > (3) > > > Here is the latest, all you lovable people. > > > The day of Don's surgery the water main down the road had broken. NO water > for my bath, nor to flush the toilets, nor to brush our teeth. I had been > flying around packing to go up to the nursing home, so I got in Don's cold bath > water as he hadn't pulled the plug the night before. You talk about holler > from that cold water! Then we used it to flush the toilets. (I didn't have time > to heat it) Thank goodness I didn't realize he hadn't pulled the plug. He > bathed in the bath tub, as he felt safe in it. > > Fortunately, I had some left over coffee that I heated in the Microwave. I > almost always set up the coffee pot the night before, but I was running my > legs off trying to help Don with his bath the night before, and to get his > clothes, and help him get ready for bed, plus pack some things for me. So I > neglected the coffee pot. We had a half jar of 7up that we used to brush our teeth. > Such as it was. Were we having fun yet? (It's a laugh now). I am going to > put a jar of water in the refrigerator. > > Yesterday, I visited Don. He cried about being separated from me. He can't > express himself well, but did when he looked me in the eyes while crying, and > pleaded, " Green eyes please come and live with me. " Can you imagine how that > made me feel? I told him I would as soon as I could find a place that is > suitable all around. (clean, and the cost) > > Don is fine and in the very best of hands. The man that bathes him and sees > to it that Don brushes his teeth, is superb, and of course Don's Daughter > looks after his other needs. As hard as it is, I am glad he is there. > > I have to get my hearing aids, Monday. I find I MUST have them. That two > days with Don, and not being able to hear unless his cheek was touching mine, > was extremely stress producing. That is what wore me out so badly. I am going > to go up and be with Don as soon as I can on Tuesday after I get the hearing > aids. But, this weekend I am going to rest. > > Yeah, right! I am doing three loads of laundry right now. Don's bed clothes, > etc. > And, I have to get ready by properly packing so I can be a little more > organized. > > It is something when a situation is all over, how you can look back at the > ridiculousness of it and have a big belly laugh. I sure have over that cold > bath and teeth brushing. > > I love you all, > Mama > > (4) > > Don was on a tear tonight, and his daughter let him talk to me on the phone.. > He was coming to me right now! She let him talk awhile and told me it is > best if I don't > come often as he expects to go home. She told me to stay away until he > becomes adjusted. I have news for her! > > He tore me apart with his pleading, and said he was coming to me right now! > He has always done best when I hug him a lot and reassure him. I told his > daughter that. I said he is a scared man-child, and needs lots of hugs. She > said one of the male aids was with him, and was averting his attention to the > TV. I just want to ball. But, I told Don, we both knew this was going to be > hard. Very hard. And, it is. > > > Tues. the 26th, (my daughter) knows how I feel. So even though Don's > daughter didn't think I should come around very much, took me up > there. We spent the day visiting Don, (which was wonderful,) and we looked for > apartments. We ate lunch and dinner (supper) with him. Sharon had the day off. > > Today, Sharon called and said, " Daddy was so much better all day. " She > asked, " Are you are coming up on Friday? " I told her, " I sure am. " She was just > confirming what Don had told her. She said, " He is really looking forward to > your next visit, " and that she would be out of town Friday through the weekend. > > It will be Aug 17 before I know how much money I will be getting from Social > Security. So, I can't rent a nice senior apartment near Don until I know. In > fact, I can't rent anything until I know. We found that out when apartment > looking. The woman said she needed a piece of paper stating my income. > > Monday, I ran many errands, including pharmacy for Don, until Medicaid kicks > in. Tuesday, , and I, went up there, Joy, joy! We had quite a day! > Today, I drove all over the place trying to find the Social Security office to > find out how much I would actually have to work with. > > I nearly fell through the floor. The man's words really upset me. I asked if > I would get even a portion of my husband's check. He said it has to go to the > nursing home. Finally, he said well, it depends on where your husband wants > his money sent. I said it has always gone into our checking account. He said > Well, you will still have to pay the nursing home. I thanked him for being > patient with me, and took my leave. > > I tend to believe the woman that set up Medicaid for Don to start with. She > said I would get both of our checks, and that the month that Medicare should > have paid will be covered by Medicaid too. It's a small town and a lot of > strings were pulled to get help for Don. I will wait until the 17th when I have > it in writing and then get a place to live. I am going to be with him! (sleep > in the car? Yeah right!) (grin) I do wish I now had the old camper. > > The food at the NH is excellent. A man told he thought so when she > waited for us in the Doctor's office. Well, one person's likes are not > necessarily everyone's. Believe me it IS very good. I am so glad. It is not hospital > food. > > Don is wearing a bracelet so that he can't leave. He became very adamant > with me just before dinner, (really, supper to me). He wanted to go out the back > way and go home right then! " Just do what I say and come on! " he ordered. So > I walked with him and said, " Honey, I am really, really hungry can we please > eat before we go? " Three more steps and he would have made a scene trying to > go out the door. > But, instead he turned around and we went to the dining hall. After eating > he felt better, and we kissed good-bye. He walked back to his room. > > could hardly believe it. That was LBD in action. She has no idea > what went on here at home. > > Love a big bunch, and then some more, > Mama > > So Cyber family there you have it. He is torn up, I am torn up, but we had > to take > the help that has so generously been extended to us. I have my hearing aids > now, and will be able to hear Don. In fact I could when I was there Tuesday.. > That was a real blessing. > > I do plan to be with him. If I am not left enough money, then I will join > him in the nursing home. Let the kids have the house. Thank goodness I'm not > materialistic. > Love is far more important. And in six weeks I will be 76, so I can do it > just fine. I have already been there enough to know what the place is like. > > Tomorrow I will see him, and hopefully stay a couple of days. 'Til later > " gators " > From time to time I will keep you posted. I sure hope this hasn't been too > long to go in one mailing, > > Lift your hearts and do a happy dance in your mind (or for real). And > certainly I don't want to forget to tell all of you new family members, " HELLO, a > big warm welcome from me " > > Love a lot, and sing in your heart, > Imogene > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 What a wonderful person you are . Write to me personally and I will get in touch. I am pulling out of here tomorrow morning, and am going to Knopps #2. Don is in room 111. Love so very much, Imogene > > > > Hello everyone, > > > > > I would love to write to each of you, but time and health prevent > it. > > Love you all. My big wonderful cyber family! > > > > I am going to share several post with you in one letter. I am so > sorry, but > > this is the only way I can write to you. They are parts and bits > of letters > > to all six of my children, who get one letter. Sorry to lump > everyone. > > > > First, I do want to comment on Sandie. I am so sorry she is having > trouble > > right now. I love her very much. From your letters I gather that > she may have > > Prinzemetal's or Variant Angina. I know exactly where she is coming > from. I > > was diagnosed with it in my early forties. It was caught during a > treadmill > > test. All of your descriptions are right on the money Sherrie. The > biggest help > > I have received was the channel blocker Cardizem. Now that I am in > my mid > > seventies I no longer have that pain. I do have trouble now with > Gerd, but it is > > not the same pain. I will say this in addition. No test show the > tiny > > capillaries or tips of the arteries. Women can look as if they are > as healthy as a > > horse and are having pain from those tiny blocked arteries. This is > a > > relatively new finding. > > > > I pray our dear Sharon M. is doing well, and Ron. Jan, I do hope > all is > > holding it's own with Jim. I haven't been able to keep up, so just > know I do > > think about you. > > > > (1) July 18th > > > > Hi dear children, > > > > and I took Don to the doctor in Fredericksburg on the > morning of the > > 18th. The Doctor Admitted Don right then and there. So we took him > to the > > nursing home. We went back again on the 23ed to do all the > Medicaid work with > > the Lady, and bring Don home, to be here for his surgery on the > next morning. > > In the mean time I spent many hours getting all the paper work > together for > > Medicaid. > > > > Thursday morning, the 24th, I flew around here getting things > packed for me, > > (yes, alone. 's family had plans to go to the coast, with > my > > blessing, as they had been given a free place to stay) I would > take Don to have > > surgery at 9:30 A.M. All the Squamous Cell Carcinomas were > removed, and he has > > done well. After the surgery I drove him up to Fredericksburg in a > terrible rain > > from the hurricane sending rain up here from the coast. After I > got him > > situated I told him I would be back for supper. I drove around > looking for a > > place to stay, and goodness at the prices! > > > > > > > > It's a tourist town, and they didn't bat an eye when they told me > their > > prices. I found one dive at 34.50 a day, but it was filthy! So I > stayed in one at > > one hundred, (and that was cheap) yet, I found a mouse dropping on > the > > floor. It was a beautiful place and the garden was a delight out my > window. Don's > > daughter came to look in on me, and I ate fig bars and bananas, and > told her > > to tell Don I couldn't make it for supper. I was so tired after all > the > > driving in the rain, and looking for a place, that I went to sleep > by six PM. and > > woke up at seven AM. Except for two trips to the bathroom, but I > went right > > back to sleep both times. So, I got my hundred dollars worth of > sleep. How > > about that! > > > > I visited with Don and had lunch with him. We sat on the verandah > talking > > for quite a while, and it rung my heart out for him when he cried > from being > > lonely for me. I want to move near him as soon as I can find a > reasonable > > apartment. I want to keep the house so I can come back to it, but > Katy can live > > here while I am up there. > > > > It is a terrible row to hoe to take the beginning steps for the > end. I want > > to be with him all I can. We were always two love birds and still > are, so > > while I can I intend to keep it so. > > > > Love you all through very tired eyes and fingers, > > Mama > > > > (2) > > > > I just talked to Don, and I could barely hear him some of the > time, and at > > other times I couldn't hear him at all. He has a picture of me, and > said it > > was his favorite. He also has my book that I just had bound. He > said he has > > read about twelve pages of it already. It is 361 pages so he has a > lot of > > reading, but then, it also has a lot of pictures. He loves his big > chair to take > > his naps in. > > > > This is so hard on both of us, I just hope he doesn't start > begging to stay > > home. If he does, I'll relent and keep him here. But, I can't. I > just can't. > > Oh the agony! > > > > (3) > > > > > > Here is the latest, all you lovable people. > > > > > > The day of Don's surgery the water main down the road had broken. > NO water > > for my bath, nor to flush the toilets, nor to brush our teeth. I > had been > > flying around packing to go up to the nursing home, so I got in > Don's cold bath > > water as he hadn't pulled the plug the night before. You talk > about holler > > from that cold water! Then we used it to flush the toilets. (I > didn't have time > > to heat it) Thank goodness I didn't realize he hadn't pulled the > plug. He > > bathed in the bath tub, as he felt safe in it. > > > > Fortunately, I had some left over coffee that I heated in the > Microwave. I > > almost always set up the coffee pot the night before, but I was > running my > > legs off trying to help Don with his bath the night before, and to > get his > > clothes, and help him get ready for bed, plus pack some things for > me. So I > > neglected the coffee pot. We had a half jar of 7up that we used to > brush our teeth. > > Such as it was. Were we having fun yet? (It's a laugh now). I am > going to > > put a jar of water in the refrigerator. > > > > Yesterday, I visited Don. He cried about being separated from me. > He can't > > express himself well, but did when he looked me in the eyes while > crying, and > > pleaded, " Green eyes please come and live with me. " Can you > imagine how that > > made me feel? I told him I would as soon as I could find a place > that is > > suitable all around. (clean, and the cost) > > > > Don is fine and in the very best of hands. The man that bathes him > and sees > > to it that Don brushes his teeth, is superb, and of course Don's > Daughter > > looks after his other needs. As hard as it is, I am glad he is > there. > > > > I have to get my hearing aids, Monday. I find I MUST have them. > That two > > days with Don, and not being able to hear unless his cheek was > touching mine, > > was extremely stress producing. That is what wore me out so badly. > I am going > > to go up and be with Don as soon as I can on Tuesday after I get > the hearing > > aids. But, this weekend I am going to rest. > > > > Yeah, right! I am doing three loads of laundry right now. Don's > bed clothes, > > etc. > > And, I have to get ready by properly packing so I can be a little > more > > organized. > > > > It is something when a situation is all over, how you can look > back at the > > ridiculousness of it and have a big belly laugh. I sure have over > that cold > > bath and teeth brushing. > > > > I love you all, > > Mama > > > > (4) > > > > Don was on a tear tonight, and his daughter let him talk to me on > the phone. > > He was coming to me right now! She let him talk awhile and told > me it is > > best if I don't > > come often as he expects to go home. She told me to stay away > until he > > becomes adjusted. I have news for her! > > > > He tore me apart with his pleading, and said he was coming to me > right now! > > He has always done best when I hug him a lot and reassure him. I > told his > > daughter that. I said he is a scared man-child, and needs lots of > hugs. She > > said one of the male aids was with him, and was averting his > attention to the > > TV. I just want to ball. But, I told Don, we both knew this was > going to be > > hard. Very hard. And, it is. > > > > > > Tues. the 26th, (my daughter) knows how I feel. So even > though Don's > > daughter didn't think I should come around very much, took > me up > > there. We spent the day visiting Don, (which was wonderful,) and > we looked for > > apartments. We ate lunch and dinner (supper) with him. Sharon had > the day off. > > > > Today, Sharon called and said, " Daddy was so much better all day. " > She > > asked, " Are you are coming up on Friday? " I told her, " I sure am. " > She was just > > confirming what Don had told her. She said, " He is really looking > forward to > > your next visit, " and that she would be out of town Friday through > the weekend. > > > > It will be Aug 17 before I know how much money I will be getting > from Social > > Security. So, I can't rent a nice senior apartment near Don until > I know. In > > fact, I can't rent anything until I know. We found that out when > apartment > > looking. The woman said she needed a piece of paper stating my > income. > > > > Monday, I ran many errands, including pharmacy for Don, until > Medicaid kicks > > in. Tuesday, , and I, went up there, Joy, joy! We had quite > a day! > > Today, I drove all over the place trying to find the Social > Security office to > > find out how much I would actually have to work with. > > > > I nearly fell through the floor. The man's words really upset me. > I asked if > > I would get even a portion of my husband's check. He said it has to > go to the > > nursing home. Finally, he said well, it depends on where your > husband wants > > his money sent. I said it has always gone into our checking > account. He said > > Well, you will still have to pay the nursing home. I thanked him > for being > > patient with me, and took my leave. > > > > I tend to believe the woman that set up Medicaid for Don to start > with. She > > said I would get both of our checks, and that the month that > Medicare should > > have paid will be covered by Medicaid too. It's a small town and a > lot of > > strings were pulled to get help for Don. I will wait until the > 17th when I have > > it in writing and then get a place to live. I am going to be with > him! (sleep > > in the car? Yeah right!) (grin) I do wish I now had the old camper. > > > > The food at the NH is excellent. A man told he thought so > when she > > waited for us in the Doctor's office. Well, one person's likes are > not > > necessarily everyone's. Believe me it IS very good. I am so glad. > It is not hospital > > food. > > > > Don is wearing a bracelet so that he can't leave. He became very > adamant > > with me just before dinner, (really, supper to me). He wanted to > go out the back > > way and go home right then! " Just do what I say and come on! " he > ordered. So > > I walked with him and said, " Honey, I am really, really hungry can > we please > > eat before we go? " Three more steps and he would have made a scene > trying to > > go out the door. > > But, instead he turned around and we went to the dining hall. > After eating > > he felt better, and we kissed good-bye. He walked back to his > room. > > > > could hardly believe it. That was LBD in action. She has > no idea > > what went on here at home. > > > > Love a big bunch, and then some more, > > Mama > > > > So Cyber family there you have it. He is torn up, I am torn up, but > we had > > to take > > the help that has so generously been extended to us. I have my > hearing aids > > now, and will be able to hear Don. In fact I could when I was there > Tuesday. > > That was a real blessing. > > > > I do plan to be with him. If I am not left enough money, then I > will join > > him in the nursing home. Let the kids have the house. Thank > goodness I'm not > > materialistic. > > Love is far more important. And in six weeks I will be 76, so I can > do it > > just fine. I have already been there enough to know what the place > is like. > > > > Tomorrow I will see him, and hopefully stay a couple of days. 'Til > later > > " gators " > > From time to time I will keep you posted. I sure hope this hasn't > been too > > long to go in one mailing, > > > > Lift your hearts and do a happy dance in your mind (or for real). > And > > certainly I don't want to forget to tell all of you new family > members, " HELLO, a > > big warm welcome from me " > > > > Love a lot, and sing in your heart, > > Imogene > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up > for > > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > > (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Darling Courage, your moral support is enough, Thanks you. Love you, Imogene > > Imogene, > > My heart goes out to you and Don. I'd like to send the powers that be your email and show them first hand how difficult it is to have one's loved one placed in care and then have to figure out a way to be with them on a limited income. You know, the so called leaders of this world talk a pretty line about how much they care about the people but when I read stories such as yours I just get so damned angry. > I do hope that God and good friends will come to your aid and help you and Don out so that you can be near each other again. I wish there was something I could do. > Hugs to you both, Love you Imogene > Courage > > The upheaval around here > > > Hello everyone, > > I would love to write to each of you, but time and health prevent it. > Love you all. My big wonderful cyber family! > > I am going to share several post with you in one letter. I am so sorry, but > this is the only way I can write to you. They are parts and bits of letters > to all six of my children, who get one letter. Sorry to lump everyone. > > First, I do want to comment on Sandie. I am so sorry she is having trouble > right now. I love her very much. From your letters I gather that she may have > Prinzemetal's or Variant Angina. I know exactly where she is coming from. I > was diagnosed with it in my early forties. It was caught during a treadmill > test. All of your descriptions are right on the money Sherrie. The biggest help > I have received was the channel blocker Cardizem. Now that I am in my mid > seventies I no longer have that pain. I do have trouble now with Gerd, but it is > not the same pain. I will say this in addition. No test show the tiny > capillaries or tips of the arteries. Women can look as if they are as healthy as a > horse and are having pain from those tiny blocked arteries. This is a > relatively new finding. > > I pray our dear Sharon M. is doing well, and Ron. Jan, I do hope all is > holding it's own with Jim. I haven't been able to keep up, so just know I do > think about you. > > (1) July 18th > > Hi dear children, > > and I took Don to the doctor in Fredericksburg on the morning of the > 18th. The Doctor Admitted Don right then and there. So we took him to the > nursing home. We went back again on the 23ed to do all the Medicaid work with > the Lady, and bring Don home, to be here for his surgery on the next morning. > In the mean time I spent many hours getting all the paper work together for > Medicaid. > > Thursday morning, the 24th, I flew around here getting things packed for me, > (yes, alone. 's family had plans to go to the coast, with my > blessing, as they had been given a free place to stay) I would take Don to have > surgery at 9:30 A.M. All the Squamous Cell Carcinomas were removed, and he has > done well. After the surgery I drove him up to Fredericksburg in a terrible rain > from the hurricane sending rain up here from the coast. After I got him > situated I told him I would be back for supper. I drove around looking for a > place to stay, and goodness at the prices! > > > > It's a tourist town, and they didn't bat an eye when they told me their > prices. I found one dive at 34.50 a day, but it was filthy! So I stayed in one at > one hundred, (and that was cheap) yet, I found a mouse dropping on the > floor. It was a beautiful place and the garden was a delight out my window. Don's > daughter came to look in on me, and I ate fig bars and bananas, and told her > to tell Don I couldn't make it for supper. I was so tired after all the > driving in the rain, and looking for a place, that I went to sleep by six PM. and > woke up at seven AM. Except for two trips to the bathroom, but I went right > back to sleep both times. So, I got my hundred dollars worth of sleep. How > about that! > > I visited with Don and had lunch with him. We sat on the verandah talking > for quite a while, and it rung my heart out for him when he cried from being > lonely for me. I want to move near him as soon as I can find a reasonable > apartment. I want to keep the house so I can come back to it, but Katy can live > here while I am up there. > > It is a terrible row to hoe to take the beginning steps for the end. I want > to be with him all I can. We were always two love birds and still are, so > while I can I intend to keep it so. > > Love you all through very tired eyes and fingers, > Mama > > (2) > > I just talked to Don, and I could barely hear him some of the time, and at > other times I couldn't hear him at all. He has a picture of me, and said it > was his favorite. He also has my book that I just had bound. He said he has > read about twelve pages of it already. It is 361 pages so he has a lot of > reading, but then, it also has a lot of pictures. He loves his big chair to take > his naps in. > > This is so hard on both of us, I just hope he doesn't start begging to stay > home. If he does, I'll relent and keep him here. But, I can't. I just can't. > Oh the agony! > > (3) > > > Here is the latest, all you lovable people. > > > The day of Don's surgery the water main down the road had broken. NO water > for my bath, nor to flush the toilets, nor to brush our teeth. I had been > flying around packing to go up to the nursing home, so I got in Don's cold bath > water as he hadn't pulled the plug the night before. You talk about holler > from that cold water! Then we used it to flush the toilets. (I didn't have time > to heat it) Thank goodness I didn't realize he hadn't pulled the plug. He > bathed in the bath tub, as he felt safe in it. > > Fortunately, I had some left over coffee that I heated in the Microwave. I > almost always set up the coffee pot the night before, but I was running my > legs off trying to help Don with his bath the night before, and to get his > clothes, and help him get ready for bed, plus pack some things for me. So I > neglected the coffee pot. We had a half jar of 7up that we used to brush our teeth. > Such as it was. Were we having fun yet? (It's a laugh now). I am going to > put a jar of water in the refrigerator. > > Yesterday, I visited Don. He cried about being separated from me. He can't > express himself well, but did when he looked me in the eyes while crying, and > pleaded, " Green eyes please come and live with me. " Can you imagine how that > made me feel? I told him I would as soon as I could find a place that is > suitable all around. (clean, and the cost) > > Don is fine and in the very best of hands. The man that bathes him and sees > to it that Don brushes his teeth, is superb, and of course Don's Daughter > looks after his other needs. As hard as it is, I am glad he is there. > > I have to get my hearing aids, Monday. I find I MUST have them. That two > days with Don, and not being able to hear unless his cheek was touching mine, > was extremely stress producing. That is what wore me out so badly. I am going > to go up and be with Don as soon as I can on Tuesday after I get the hearing > aids. But, this weekend I am going to rest. > > Yeah, right! I am doing three loads of laundry right now. Don's bed clothes, > etc. > And, I have to get ready by properly packing so I can be a little more > organized. > > It is something when a situation is all over, how you can look back at the > ridiculousness of it and have a big belly laugh. I sure have over that cold > bath and teeth brushing. > > I love you all, > Mama > > (4) > > Don was on a tear tonight, and his daughter let him talk to me on the phone. > He was coming to me right now! She let him talk awhile and told me it is > best if I don't > come often as he expects to go home. She told me to stay away until he > becomes adjusted. I have news for her! > > He tore me apart with his pleading, and said he was coming to me right now! > He has always done best when I hug him a lot and reassure him. I told his > daughter that. I said he is a scared man-child, and needs lots of hugs. She > said one of the male aids was with him, and was averting his attention to the > TV. I just want to ball. But, I told Don, we both knew this was going to be > hard. Very hard. And, it is. > > > Tues. the 26th, (my daughter) knows how I feel. So even though Don's > daughter didn't think I should come around very much, took me up > there. We spent the day visiting Don, (which was wonderful,) and we looked for > apartments. We ate lunch and dinner (supper) with him. Sharon had the day off. > > Today, Sharon called and said, " Daddy was so much better all day. " She > asked, " Are you are coming up on Friday? " I told her, " I sure am. " She was just > confirming what Don had told her. She said, " He is really looking forward to > your next visit, " and that she would be out of town Friday through the weekend. > > It will be Aug 17 before I know how much money I will be getting from Social > Security. So, I can't rent a nice senior apartment near Don until I know. In > fact, I can't rent anything until I know. We found that out when apartment > looking. The woman said she needed a piece of paper stating my income. > > Monday, I ran many errands, including pharmacy for Don, until Medicaid kicks > in. Tuesday, , and I, went up there, Joy, joy! We had quite a day! > Today, I drove all over the place trying to find the Social Security office to > find out how much I would actually have to work with. > > I nearly fell through the floor. The man's words really upset me. I asked if > I would get even a portion of my husband's check. He said it has to go to the > nursing home. Finally, he said well, it depends on where your husband wants > his money sent. I said it has always gone into our checking account. He said > Well, you will still have to pay the nursing home. I thanked him for being > patient with me, and took my leave. > > I tend to believe the woman that set up Medicaid for Don to start with. She > said I would get both of our checks, and that the month that Medicare should > have paid will be covered by Medicaid too. It's a small town and a lot of > strings were pulled to get help for Don. I will wait until the 17th when I have > it in writing and then get a place to live. I am going to be with him! (sleep > in the car? Yeah right!) (grin) I do wish I now had the old camper. > > The food at the NH is excellent. A man told he thought so when she > waited for us in the Doctor's office. Well, one person's likes are not > necessarily everyone's. Believe me it IS very good. I am so glad. It is not hospital > food. > > Don is wearing a bracelet so that he can't leave. He became very adamant > with me just before dinner, (really, supper to me). He wanted to go out the back > way and go home right then! " Just do what I say and come on! " he ordered. So > I walked with him and said, " Honey, I am really, really hungry can we please > eat before we go? " Three more steps and he would have made a scene trying to > go out the door. > But, instead he turned around and we went to the dining hall. After eating > he felt better, and we kissed good-bye. He walked back to his room. > > could hardly believe it. That was LBD in action. She has no idea > what went on here at home. > > Love a big bunch, and then some more, > Mama > > So Cyber family there you have it. He is torn up, I am torn up, but we had > to take > the help that has so generously been extended to us. I have my hearing aids > now, and will be able to hear Don. In fact I could when I was there Tuesday. > That was a real blessing. > > I do plan to be with him. If I am not left enough money, then I will join > him in the nursing home. Let the kids have the house. Thank goodness I'm not > materialistic. > Love is far more important. And in six weeks I will be 76, so I can do it > just fine. I have already been there enough to know what the place is like. > > Tomorrow I will see him, and hopefully stay a couple of days. 'Til later > " gators " > From time to time I will keep you posted. I sure hope this hasn't been too > long to go in one mailing, > > Lift your hearts and do a happy dance in your mind (or for real). And > certainly I don't want to forget to tell all of you new family members, " HELLO, a > big warm welcome from me " > > Love a lot, and sing in your heart, > Imogene > > **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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