Watching, waiting

Good New Years' Eve to you all. Today is also the third wedding anniversary of my beautiful daughter Mary, and my favorite son-in-law, Mike. The picture to the left is the Interfaith Chapel here at Strong Hospital. It's not such a great pic, but the words are the 23rd Psalm inlaid in tile. It's a beautiful, peaceful area.

Update on my mom- last night was quite disconcerting. She has been yelling out for help and moving her arm around. It seems to be an issue that she can not relax more than one of pain. We now have her on anxiety meds and pain medication every hour. Unfortunately, that also means she has fewer moments of lucidity. It seems the nights are the worse for her. During one moment when she was aware of us here she called Beth closer to her and just stared at her. Beth asked her "What are you looking at, Gammie?" She replied. "You". Beth said "Me? Why?" and mom answered, "Because you are so beautiful!" There was also a moment last night when she pulled Beth close to her, kissed her cheek and said "Good-Bye". This is such a difficult time, and I want to thank all of you for you help, you good thoughts, and your prayers. Thank you Dad and Gail and thank you Tom.

Hospice

Just some background for those of you who do not know...the day after Christmas, my mother was taken to the hospital because her temperature was 95 degrees. The doctor contacted me the next day to tell me that she was experiencing kidney failure due to her diabetes and fragile health. When the doc called, I was in Jackson, Tennessee on my way back to Oklahoma from Beth's house in North Carolina. I flew up to Buffalo, N. Y. from Oklahoma City on Monday afternoon and Beth took a flight out of Raleigh. We met in Buffalo. My favorite brother-in-law, Tom, was at the airport with a rental car for us. It was nice to see a friendly face after so much stress and hurry. Beth and I drove to Rochester last night and are now at my mom's room in hospice. This unit of the hospital is brand new and located right next to the pediatric intensive care unit. The horse in the picture is right off the elevator. She is not doing well, but she is at peace. No pain, no discomfort, but she has been sleeping much. This has been so unexpected and quick. Send good thoughts.

love,

mommy

Merry Christmas!!!

When life hands you lemons, make Lemoncello liquor! We made the best of A.J. not being here by hooking up the webcam and not only did we have A.J. share the gift opening, but Erica was also able to be with us. It rained all day today here in Raleigh, but back in Oklahoma, they have a glorious white Christmas. We are leaving tomorrow about noon or so and the weather should be clear the whole way home. Hope you all are well,

love, mommy

The Weather outside is frightful...

The good new is that every one is well and healthy. The bad news is that flights were canceled in Oklahoma City due to the massive blizzard hitting the Midwest. Erica took A.J. to the airport, but his flight was canceled and no others going out tonight. They have white out conditions right now. Erica took him to her house in Norman and the normally 30 minute drive took almost 5 hours. All of the interstates have been closed and they are now snowed in. He can't come here for Christmas. So we did the next best thing...webcam the dirty Santa game! A.J. hooked up his computer and we hooked up ours and opened dirty Santa gifts. We will do the same webcam Christmas in the morning with all the gifts. Don't you just love technology???

Hope you all are well and safe,

love,

mommy

Twas the night before Christmas

I forgot to post a picture of A.J.'s birthday cake. This is it! It is Red Velvet with a cream cheese frosting and then covered with fondant. The only thing NOT edible is the rubber duckie. We took him out to a neat Irish pub in OKC. We are at Beth's in North Carolina with Dad and Gail and, weather permitting, A.J. will be with us tonight. There is a raging snow storm making it's way across the Midwest, but we are hoping he will make it through. Then we will have a dirty Santa exchange tonight. The weather here has been chilly, but no more snow. We are leaving Saturday morning, and may run into the snow, but should be alright.

Hope all of your Christmas' are well.

love,

mommy

Winter Wonderland

In October of this year, there was a major rock slide on Interstate 40 going through the Great Smokey Mountains. We are now detoured around the spot by taking the original pass through the mountains. We should take the detour all the time as the view is just breath taking. The big winter storm passed through a few days prior and provided a glorious winter wonderland. Rick, Katie, and I are in North Carolina with Beth and Mike. Dad and Gail will join us on Wednesday and A.J. will be here Christmas Eve. Beth has snow here, but not as much as is pictured. Hope all is well.

Happy Birthday, A.J.!!!!

How on earth can 25 years go by so quickly? My baby boy is 25 years old today. I got him a special cake, which I will post after he sees it, and then dinner at a nice Irish pub in downtown Oklahoma City.

Happy Birthday, booger!

love, mom

Dr. Mom

It's now official...I am Dr. Mom! The hooding ceremony was last night and in honor of the event, Katie made me a cake! She is so Rachel Ray...it's a dark chocolate with coffee icing. The ring is chocolate covered espresso beans that she hand made.

The "Hood" in academia, is the sash that is placed around the neck signifying rank. Mine is made out of velvet and is multi colored, but predominantly black, orange, and a lovely navy blue.

love,

mommy