4th grade ROCKS!

Last Friday (Halloween) the girls both had parties in their classrooms, and 1/2 day of school. In Zoey's class they had a "Harvest" party as they really don't celebrate Halloween. The party was awesome, and I loved spending some time with some 4th graders. Especially this one...

 

The whole school was asked to dress in something green, as part of their "Red Ribbon Week" which is focused on the fight against drug use. This year's theme had something to do with frogs and "Leaping away from drugs", therefore the green outfits. The classroom actually looked like it was St. Patrick's day.

 

There were games and crafts, and a celebration of Mrs. Klitzing's baptism birthday as her actual birthday falls in the summer and would not be celebrated during the school year. I continue to be impressed with the way she, a first year teacher, is handling the classroom. The kids love her, but have a great deal of respect for her, and work hard to please her. She is young, pretty, and fun...but also expects hard work and keeps the class in check, not an easy task with a room full of 9 and 10 year olds.

 

BINGO!!!!!!

 

How blessed we are to have our girls in this environment. So much goodness and genuine caring.

Heavenly Host

Have I mentioned how much I like spending time in Avery's Kindergarten class...and just soaking up all of the cool things they do there? I have?? Okay, let me just say it one more time...I dig it! Must be the Kindergarten teacher gene I got from my Mom, but there are few things that bring me as much enjoyment. And a perfect example of that was last Friday (okay, okay...I know I'm behind) when the 3 Kindergarten classes had a Reformation Day parade (you Lutherans know what I am talking about). No scary Halloween costumes, but instead the children were asked to dress as Bible characters.

 

There were SEVERAL angels (and if Blogger would let me post more than 4 pics at a time I would have them all) and they were all just beautiful (especially my Avery Rose). Lots of short little "men" with fake beards and staffs, or multi-colored coats.

 

There were lots of animals from the arc, and one particularly clever costume WAS the arc! There were Roman soldiers, and beautifully dressed "Queens". I hear one year there was even a burning bush...but we did not see that one this year.

 

The children paraded through every class at St. Paul's, and even went down to the preschool. I can tell you from our household that the whole idea of coming to school dressed as a Bible character was a BIG hit...and highly anticipated for literally weeks (oh yeah, and Avery was excited about it too...).

 

How very blessed I am as a Mama, to have such a wonderful school for my girls, and incredible teachers that enrich their lives daily with activities like this. As always, I thought about how very much Mom would have LOVED to witness this, and I guess I honestly believe that somehow, she did.

Zoey E. Warren, Attorney at Law

Anyone need an attorney? Now that is scary! She tells me she wants to be an attorney first, then the Governor, then the President. At least she's aiming high...

Update on Dad-November 5, 2008

I last saw Dad at Victoria on Sunday, November 2nd. He was actually doing quite well, and while his speech was very difficult to understand, he seemed pretty clear minded and there was no discussion of anything that was not "reality". He was interested in looking at the latest pictures I had brought, and the slide show from Rob's birthday party. He even asked me how much my computer costs, as he would like to have one...Yiiikes!

Physically he looked pretty good, I would say pretty much the way he was before he went into the hospital, except with less strength and stamina. He does seem quite weak, and even has trouble picking up the remote for the TV, etc. After I was there for about 1/2 hour he seemed to be getting tired and had trouble keeping his eyes open.

All in all a good visit. I am hoping that as he gets more healthy his mental state will continue to improve.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Dad.

Surprise!!!!

Let me just start by saying it's definitely not easy to pull one over on my Husband, especially when there are so many people involved (some of them being 5 years old and not very good with keeping surprises). But we did it!

 

Dave Hoover decided to throw a surprise party for Rob for his 50th birthday about 2 weeks before the actual party. So we didn't have much time to throw everything together (invitations, cake, decorations, slideshow, party details...) and we had to do all of this without Rob catching on. Even people at Rob's work were in on it, especially Tamame, who was able to procure the rare "Miss Babcock" photo for my slideshow (Thanks, Tamame!)

 

All of Rob's family was there except his Mom, and she was surely missed. His Dad was able to make it, thanks to Martha staying late to watch Henny in Canyon Lake. All of his siblings, his neices and nephew, and a roomful of friends all had a wonderful time helping him to celebrate.

 

So Happy 50th Birthday to my handsome husband, who I think does not look a day over 40! We love you very much honey, and look forward to celebrating many, many more!

 

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary!

Well, again I have fallen behind and have LOTS to blog about. Starting with a wonderful evening that took place last Friday, October 24th at my in law's home in Canyon Lake. Bea organized a wonderful dinner for 18 people in celebration of Joe and Henny's 60th wedding anniversary. The best part was the surprise that Johanna had flown in from Australia the day before on a VERY last minute trip (thank you Clive!).

 

Joe and Henny spent the evening with all 5 of their children and all 7 of their grandchildren. The only thing missing was their 3 beautiful great-grandchildren, who had not made the long journey from Australia with their Mom.

 

It was a beautiful evening, with lots of stories and laughter, awesome food (thank you Johanna) and incredible wine. The Warren's love to be together as a family, and Henny seemed to be feeling the love around her as she was in great spirits and even sang when the family was singing a Dutch "Happy Birthday" song to Pete and Rob. She sang every word!

 

We feel so blessed to celebrate this day together, and for myself it is in the forefront of my mind wondering how many more special days we will get to celebrate all together. Just makes each one that much more of a treasure.

 

Happy 60th Anniversary, Joe and Henny. You show us what an amazing marriage should look like, and you inspire us all. I love you!

Update on Dad-October 22, 2008

As I looked at my sidebar today I realized I have not updated on Dad in a while, mainly because there is little new to say. He has definitely gotten back into his routine at Victoria, and seems much more comfortable there. To me, his breathing seems much better, and his color and general appearance looks much better.

While his physical body seems to be improving slightly, his mental condition is of concern to David and myself. Dad continues to be very "fixated" on certain ideas, most of which seem to be things that happened to him 15-20 years ago, mixed with present day plus a little bit of ????? we have NO IDEA. His main concerns right now revolve around getting the keys back to his "brown station wagon in the parking lot" (Dad has not driven or owned a car in several years...had the station wagon over 20 years ago), and "buying the preschool down the street" (again we think this is something he is thinking about from when they DID buy/own the preschool...well over 20 years ago.) These things are as real and current to Dad as if they are part of his life right now, and he is very frustrated with us when we try to explain it is not reality...not something happening right now. I feel so bad for Dad in his frustration, as he believes so furvently that these things are real. We are thinking this is part of the Parkinson's Dementia that many patients develop 10-15 years into the disease, but have not gotten that specific diagnosis from his Dr.

So, we are kind of back to where we were a few months ago, before the hospital visit, except it seems his mental condition has changed. We don't know if this is a temporary thing, or a condition that will just "be this way" from now on. It is very discouraging.

Once again, Dad loves to recieve mail, and can get his mail at:

Stanley Monson
c/o Victoria Health Care
340 Victoria Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

You can also email Dad (it will be printed and brought to his room) at:

www.victoriacares.com

Click on the "Contact Us" section and then towards the bottom click on the "Email a Resident" button.

So this is the update for now. I will try an keep the updates more consistant :-)

Happy 8th Anniversary!

Eight years ago today I married my best friend. The day seemed to go without a hitch, and flew by...with beautiful friends and family there to witness us promising each other that we would walk together from that day forward for the rest of life's journey.

 

And we have. Not always easy, but so very worth it. Going through lifes ups and downs (but mainly ups) together has strenghthened and united us. Raising two beautiful daughters has been the joy of my life so far, and I cannot imagine travelling that journey with anyone but you. You are such a wonderful father.

 

So I look back at October 21, 2000 as one of the most important days of my life, the day I began a new life with you by my side. Honestly the 8 years that have followed have seemed to flown by, and we have had many adventures together...some amazing adventures during that time. But I look forward to the next 38, or 48, or 58 years we have together, and know we have just gotten started.

 

The Best is Yet to Be.

 

I Love You so very much honey. I feel honored...and like the luckiest girl in the world to be your wife.

Happy Anniversary!

FINALLY...some good news!

Well, this is the update I've been wanting to give for 7 weeks now...Dad has been moved back to Victoria! David got the call yesterday afternoon that they were ready to move him, and everything had been coordinated between the hospital and Victoria to get him back in his same room, back where he is so much more comfortable. Both David and I feel a little concerned about this, as we have seen so much up-and-down with his condition...but we both feel he is so much more comfortable at Victoria, and that is where he wants to be, so we are just taking it one day at a time.

He is still receiving oxygen, but is down from 8 liters per day to 3. Also, they are still giving him antibiotics for his left lung (Dr. says it's still a little "cloudy") but they are able to manage that at Victoria. All in all I think it is a very positive move, and now we hope he will continue to improve.

Thank you for everyone who has sent prayers Dad's way, I know they make a big difference!

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. (Mary Jean Iron)

Just a little humor, folks...

Okay...I know this is really stupid. But it made me laugh. And I'm not even a "Cruise-hater" but this just cracked me up.

A little levity. Hey...I get it where I can!



Happy Wednesday.

Saturdays are for soccer!

Well, the soccer season is in full swing around here, and what that means for us is practice 4 days a week, and two games on Saturdays. This weekend was another great day for the Warren girls, as we had wins all of the way around.

 

I'll start with Zoey's team, the "Maniacs" even though their game was later in the day. They are still undefeated, and have been kicking the boo-teh of every team they have faced. This week was no exception. At the half they were 4-0, and the coach warned the players to take it easy, as a new rule this season mandates if a team gets up by 5 points, they must bench TWO players, and play 6 players against 8 for the remainder of the game.

 

Indeed, about 60 seconds into the second half they scored their 5th goal, and two players had to take a seat. But the girls fought hard, and still came out victorious...winning 6-2...even playing basically half of the game two players short! We were SO PROUD of them!!!

Avery also had an awesome game, scoring 2 goals during her game. With her age group the team is split onto two fields, so there are two games going on at once and "no score is kept". Yeah, right! The "RazzleBerries" went down in a stunning defeat, and the Firecrackers remain undefeated. That makes 9 goals that Avery has scored during games so far this year, and again we just love watching it happen.

 

Of course by the time it was late afternoon and she was at her sister's game, just waiting on the sidelines for it to be over so we could go home...her enthusiasm for the game had waned. It's tough to be a soccer star...

Update on Dad-October 6, 2008

My updates have been few lately, and mostly because there is not much to report...or maybe just not too much positive, so I hate to report it.

Dad seems to be mostly the same, and that is to say he is still at Kindred Hospital in Westminister. He is still on oxygen, and still receiving antibiotics for his lung infection. His condition seems to me to go up and down by the day, especially mentally. One day I will see him and he seems pretty clear mentally, and the next he is impossible to understand, mumbling about things that don't make sense. On these days he seems to stare at the ceiling, and be completely "out of it". Yesterday, on his birthday, it was one of those visits. Very discouraging.

Rob and the girls and I went to see Dad for his birthday, and I doubt that he was aware it was his birthday, which is very unusual for him, as those types of holidays have always been a big deal for Dad. The girls had made him "birthday cards" or drawings for Grandpa, and they were anxious to share those with him and explain what they had drawn. Normally he would have really enjoyed that, but yesterday he seemed unable to really focus on what they were saying, or the drawings they were showing him. He seemed very thin to me, or just very drawn and frail. His eyes looked pretty glassy, and seemed to look at things that were not there. All in all, the visit was very discouraging, and when we left I felt very down. I called David, who had been there earlier in the day, and he had had a very similar experience. We both really question the reality of Dad getting back to Victoria any time soon.

I guess the reason this is so puzzling for us is that earlier, or mid-week Dad seemed to be doing quite a bit better. He seemed much clearer mentally, and his eyes were clear, his color looked pretty good. On Wednesday of last week I would have said it was only maybe a matter of 7-10 days before he would be ready to go back to Victoria. Then, just a few days later he appeared really no better to me than when he was admitted to Kindred, almost 5 weeks ago.

What causes these ups and downs I do not know. What I do know is it is very discouraging, and seeing him that way is extremely depressing, and frustrating. I feel so very helpless, and wish more than anything he did not have to go through this...and many times a day I wonder why he does.

Please send your prayers his way.

Update on Dad-September 29, 2008

This is from an update email to my Dad's brother, my Uncle Lefty. Pretty much sums up what is going on right now. Sorry about the infrequency of the updates...I guess it is just pretty discouraging right now.

Well, I am really overdue on an update, but I guess I have been pretty discouraged at the lack of change and have not felt there was much to say. Dad seems to be in a holding pattern right now, in my opinion he does not seem to be improving. On Wednesday it will be 6 weeks since he has gone into the hospital, and two weeks from being transferred to "Kindred" Hospital, the long term acute care facility. When I really think about how he was doing 4 weeks ago when he was transferred up to this point, I see very little, if any improvement. He is up and down...some days (or even some moments) he seems pretty clear minded, and like himself. Then other days, or even minutes after he seems fine, he will go into a state where he is staring at the ceiling, mumbling, and talking about things that make no sense. David told me last night that on Saturday he was VERY out of it, and telling David that Mom was "locked in the mailbox" and he needed to go get her out. Often he will mention Mom, and ask if she is there, and if not where is she. He seems very uncertain of where he is many times, and has told both David and I to call before we come the next day as he will not be there, or that he is in a hotel, or even "Karen's Friend's House".

So, honestly I have begun to really doubt if he will ever be improved enough to return to Victoria. He seems very weak, even unable to move a sheet on his bed. He even seems to have lost interest in watching TV, even sports as both David and I have noticed, which is so unlike Dad. His condition is very discouraging to me, as I know it is to David, as we feel as of this point he honestly has NO quality of life...nothing he looks forward to, nothing he enjoy. He is existing...in a room, often staring at the ceiling, not able to eat food, hardly able to move, with medical procedures being done to him all day that he does not seem to enjoy. David and I were discussing it last night, and it even seems that he gets little enjoyment from our visits any more either. He does not say much (what does he have to talk about...) and mostly stares into space with short yes or no responses. As I mentioned, some days he seems slightly better, and more able to focus and communicate. But I try to be realistic and not put too much hope into those little glimmers of his "good days" as I have seen too often that he can be right back to "out of it" the next day, or even 5 minutes later. Right now my greatest fear for Dad is that he will remain in this "limbo" condition for months or maybe years to come, staying alive because of the medical treatment he is recieving, but living in a greatly diminished condition from where he was before he went into the hospital.


Hopefully this answers some of your questions, sorry I have not been better about the updates.

Soccah Starz-The Firecrackers

Well, one of my new favorite things about Fall is soccer, namely the soccer my two beautiful daughters are involved in. Yes, it's a pain the the you-know-what to have soccer practice FOUR (yes that's (4) days a week)...but I am learning to embrace and love those several hours a week. They are becoming forced hours of "me time" where I can sit on a chair and read, or work on the computer, or talk on the phone. Rare and precious time.

 

But then we get down to the actual soccer. Last year Avery despised it, every moment of it. She cried at practice almost every time, and hated the games, only running at the back of the "pack" never trying to even kick the ball, never mind score a goal. It was torture for her, but even more so for Rob and I.

 

But this year something different has happened. She actually likes it. No, I think she loves it. Week one, she scores one goal. Week two, she scores SIX goals. Week 3 she scores no goals, and is so upset by that she cries and has a cow...she wants those goals, and is not okay with not getting one.

 

I'll be curious to see what the future holds for my daughter and her soccer conquests. For right now, I am enjoying just watching her play (and 5 year-old girls playing soccer can be quite a hoot). Play on, Avery!

 

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. And let's just talk about your sister and her soccer year. WOW! More on that later...

One more...Update on Rob...Sept. 23, 2008

I wish for the boring. The uneventful. The endless days of nothing to do. No one to worry about. No problems. No one sick, or hurt. Please???

Yeah, right. What do they say...when it rains it pours?

Today Rob had a medical procedure to relieve some of his chronic back pain. He had a "radio frequency denervation", which basically means isolating the sensory nerves in his back that cause him constant pain, and frying them. Okay, so "frying them" is probably not the technical term...but you get the idea.

I was his driver, as he had some meds during the procedure that required that. When it was done he commented that it was much more painful than he had anticipated (and he is definitley not a whiner) and seemed to be pretty uncomfortable the rest of the day. He slept on and off, and I did my best to adjust the pillows, bring him food and drink and rub him where it was not sore (no, not there...).

So in between trying my best to keep him comfortable I at least got a few loads of laundry done. See, there's an up-side to everything!

The Dr. says he will feel like he has been "kicked in the back by a horse" for the next week, but I'm sure he will go back to work tomorrow (and I know many people that would not). The good news is that this might possibly aliviate his back pain for 6-9 months...maybe even a year.

If it works...

Update on Henny-Sept. 23, 2008

We spent our Sunday visiting my in-laws in Canyon Lake. Henny (Rob's Mother) is in the very advanced stages of Alzheimers, and is under the care of hospice. She has two full time caregivers, plus the 24/7 caregiver that is unmatched, that of her husband of almost 60 years, Joe.

Henny looked very good to me this visit. She is in the hospital bed that is in their living room, but was full of smiles, and obvious happiness when she saw us...but especially when she saw her granddaughters. Once a mother, always a mother, and rarely have I met such a Mother as Henny. The love and caring she has so ingrained in her...deep to the core, comes out even when much of her mind cannot function. When she sees the girls, and especially when they hug and kiss her, her expression changes to one of pure joy. She closes her eyes as one does when they want to savor the moment, and her wide smile is an obvious sign of pure contentment. Ah, the simple things in life.

She seems to be in no pain, and for the most part seems to be just passing the days. We are happy for each day we get to share with her. I am learning just how much each day with someone you love is a blessing.

We love you Henny. May God hold you in His hands.

Update on Dad-Sept 23, 2008

Not much new to report. Dad is basically doing the same, he is still at Kindred Health Care, but no longer in the ICU. He has had his chest tube removed, and his breathing seems slightly better.

David spoke to the Dr. about Dad, and the Dr. feels that Dad is improving slightly. He also feels he will recover enough to return to Victoria, but has given no timeline as to how long that will take. Right now the Dr. wants to focus on physical therapy for Dad, to improve his strength to the point he is able to go back to a skilled nursing facility. We are paying to keep Dad's bed open at Victoria, and he is anxious to get back there.

Other than that, not much to report. Dad's progress is agonizingly slow, and that has much to do with his Parkinson's disease. Any improvement is good, even if that improvement is just his ability to move the sheets on his bed.

Maybe God is teaching us a lesson in patience?

Update on Dad from David-Sept 17th

This was an update in an email in response to Dad's brother (Uncle Lefty) written by David.
Just thought it was a good summary of what is going on right now.

In general, we have been pretty discouraged by the “holding pattern” of the last week. Throughout the week Dad’s vital stats have remained quite stable but much of the time he just seems very frail and tired. Despite the stability, it feels as though he can’t quite get “over the hump” in regards to the pneumonia. He remains on antibiotics and it just doesn’t seem like his immune system is capable of adding much to the fight.

Right now, I just don’t know what to expect when I go to see him. On Friday and Saturday, he was barely lucid and couldn’t stay awake long enough to even try to have a conversation. I left the hospital on Sat. night convinced that we had moved to a slow, inevitable wait for his passing.

On Sunday afternoon, he was awake, sitting up and willing to watch some football with me. He wanted to know the result of the Angel game and had a better sense of their upcoming schedule than I did…..go figure???? And yet, he was very much as Stef described – 50% on point and 50% in his own absurd unreality.

Last night he was a little more lucid but seemed tired again.

In all cases, he does not seem to be in any condition to be going anywhere very soon and I am feeling more and more like we may continue to be at this stage for awhile.



Welllllll…….I don’t want to go overboard with upbeat and cheery so I’ll stop for now and put myself back to work!

Sorry the message is something of a downer but, quicksand is kind of our reality of the moment.

Gone but NOT forgotten...Mom Sept 16th, 2008

Happy Birthday Mom...today would have been your 72nd birthday.

 

A very difficult day for your children, and all of those that love and miss you. How much I wished I could have gone deep under the covers today and been alone, just with my sadness and tears.

 

But God works in mysterious ways, and today worked for me through my dear friend Loretta...who knew it was a very difficult day for me and brought a beautiful card and flowers to me at my office today with a reminder.

 

Probably what I should have been focusing on all along...and that was to think about all of the things I love about Mom, instead of how much I miss her.

 

I love you Mom, and miss you so much. Thinking about what a wonderful person you are and how lucky I was to have you as a Mom makes me grateful...but also makes me miss you more.

I guess the wonderful thing is...when I think about memories of Mom, I think about her as a whole person, before she got sick.

I hope she is in heaven celebrating her birthday today...doing what she always said a "Grandma's reward in heaven" would be...rocking the baby angels to sleep.

I Love You Mom. Happy Birthday.

Grrr...frustration...Update on Dad Sept 16

Well, I've been trying to post an update about Dad and running into technical difficulties with Internet Explorer this morning, so hopefully I can get this out before it shuts down on me again.


Dad has had several ups and downs this last week, and we have been very frustrated with his situation, and where he is being treated (or not treated) but I think for the time being we have evened those out, and things seem "okay" right now.

Dad is still at Kindred Hospital, which is an "Long Term Acute Care Hospital". He is finally out of the ICU, and in a regular hospital room. He has really gone up and down, from fighting breathing difficulties and having fluid in his left lung to having quite a few hallucinations or visions or dreams that are upsetting to him. He has also struggled just with strength and energy, often not being able to even stay awake for a few minutes when you come to visit, just seeming to have NO energy at all.

Right now, he seems to be on the upswing, ever so slightly. He has had a bit more energy the last few days, and is able to remain awake during a visit. Half of what he says is right on, and clear as a bell mentally, and half seems very confused, with visions of Mom being there, and secret Army work he has been up to. He is very anxious to get back to Victoria, and really does not think he needs to be in the hospital, but is too weak to even pull the sheet away from his body.

He still has the chest tube in, but is draining almost no fluid from it. The Dr's have been deliberating about taking it out/replacing it/or just taking it out period.

So bottom line is, he is slightly stronger and breathing has been a little better the last few days. He is having enough energy to argue with the nurses about treatment, and pull tubes out of his body. But his body is still extremely weak, and his mind is quite confused. What this all means, and the long term prognosis we are still not sure of. The Dr. told David last week that he felt this week would show a shift one way or the other...either moving toward improvement, or continuing further decline. We seem to be in kind of a holding pattern right now.

Please keep Dad in your prayers.

Okay...back at it!

Sorry for my blogging absence, but I have to say the last week has been one of the craziest, busiest, most stressful weeks I have had in a LONG time. I think I was working so hard to "keep it together" that finally I ran out of steam and hit a wall.

But I'm back. And before I get into an update on Dad...here is something I found funny, no matter what your political affiliation is. I think Tina Fey's impersonation of Sarah Palin is amazing (besides the acting dumb part)...she certainly has her mannorisms DOWN. And while I lately just feel sick and tired of all of the political BS, I thought this clip was just all in good fun ;-)

Update on Dad-September 9, 2008

Dad seemed to be doing much better tonight, although I am cautious of one step forward, two steps back progression. He was very lucid, and his blood pressure was much more normal.

Tomorrow they will replace his existing chest tube with a new one, apparently the existing one is blocked and no longer effective. His left chest area/lung is still having a lot of fluid around it, and the hope is that the tube can drain much of this fluid, making it easier for Dad to breathe. He does not complain about how he feels, as a matter of fact he tells me he feels "fine". He is anxious to get back to Victoria, and wants to schedule a poker game with Rob for next week.

There is talk about moving Dad out of the ICU and into a regular room in the next few days. Based on the treatment I saw him receive in the "regular" rooms in the past that makes me nervous, but we are watching very closely and will monitor the level of care. Hopefully that will be a short visit and he will be back at Victoria in no time at all.

More updates tomorrow.

Dad-Update Sept 8th

Not too much change today, but perhaps a little bit of good news. I am a little hesitant to say..."he's getting better" as I have found one step forward can just as quickly mean 2 steps back.

 

David had a better visit this morning than I had had last night. Dad was more lucid, more awake than I had seen him, and even remembered that I had been there to visit the night before. David reported that his breathing was "not too bad" and that he seemed generally comfortable.

 

We are still waiting to hear from the Dr., and even though David made it clear to a (as he called it) "brain dead" receptionist at the Dr.s office that he needed to speak to him about Dad's condition (the Dr. has not spoken to a family member since Dad was checked in...almost a week ago), David still did not recieve a call back today.

 

Hopefully we will get to have a conversation tomorrow with the Dr. and get an idea about long-term prognosis. We are hoping and praying that he continues a positive path of healing, and gets a little better each day. This has not been the path we have seen over the last several days, but perhaps the turn-around we have been hoping for is starting to happen.

 

I tell myself to focus on faith. Let's God will be done. I know that Mom is his angel, on his shoulder.

More updates tomorrow.

Zoey-Newsletter Month 114

Well, I feel a little guilty as I have yet to do a "newsletter" for your sister. But as I did not start yours until you were already almost 9 1/2, and she is not even 6 years old...I'll get over it. I've had a few other things to write about this month (unfortunately) and will hopefully start hers in 10 days from now. Believe me, I have plenty to say about your sister.

But as for you...this is what is going on this month. You began 4th grade, and have a new teacher, and when I say new I mean she is 22 years old and this is her very first year of teaching. Her name is Mrs. Klitzing, and she is not only a new teacher, but is also a newlywed. She is very pretty, and seems full of new ideas. You seem to really like her, and I feel the same. I like the fact that she does not "grade" religion, and I agree with her completely, how do you "grade" somebody's view and instinct about their religious beliefs? Educate, but do not stifle. I like it. Reminds me of Mom.

 

I can't believe that my first born is now a 4th grader, and I could not be more proud. Today your first week's homework and tests came home and your lowest grade on anything was 95%. Your spelling test was 100% + 1 (extra credit) as well as your memory test (100% +1). You are working so hard, and it shows. And it's not easy. You go from 8AM to 4:30ishPM every day at school, then straight to soccer practice which lasts until 6:30. Then there is homework to be done, and dinner, bath, and by the time you are finished with the "mandatory" stuff you maybe have 1/2 hour to yourself, which you choose to spend reading. And lately your "1/2 hour" is spent driving to the hospital to see Grandpa Stan. You NEVER complain. You give Mommy extra hugs and tell me how much you love me...or give me reminders that God has Grandpa in his hands. And more often than not, that simple reminder is enough to smack me out of my reverie, and make me focus on NOW...and the fact that my Dad is in God's hands, and that what is happening to him is part of God's plan.
Thank you, baby. You are wise beyond your years.

 

So this Saturday was your first soccer game, and while it was "pre-season" it was just as real to you as to your opponents. And the "Maniacs" kicked butt...winning 7-0!!!" I am so proud of you, and while I was not able to be there this week, I was monitering the game via text message with Daddy, who was updating me with every score. Word is that your coach had to tell the team to "take it easy" on the other team half way through the game...to not make the other team too discouraged! Daddy says you missed a goal by just a few inches, and I just can't wait so see you score one, I know it won't be long!

 

This week you also started your first week of "Junior Girl Scouts"...the ones with the green uniforms. You are excited about the upcoming events, and Mommy is excited about the fact you can participate in Girl Scouts without me being a leader! But if the truth be known...I honestly miss it more than just a little, and miss my girls and my troop. If I didn't have to work a full time job, I would love to have continued on with our troop, and move forward with you. I know you will have a great year, though, and I will be there to help you any way I can.

 

So this is your life right now. School, homework, soccer, Girl Scouts, and dealing with a Grandpa and Grandma that are so very ill. You handle it all with grace and empathy, and I could not possibly be more proud of you. I am, indeed, the luckiest Mommy on the planet.

I love you baby!
Mommy

Update on Dad-Sept 7, 2008

Sorry no update yesterday...just worn out I guess.

We went to see Dad last night (Saturday) and he was still very disoriented. Very upset about some hallucinations he was having, mostly to do with Mom. He is very convinced she is still living, and was there in his hospital room to see him. His breathing still seemed very labored to me. A Dr. had called me earlier in the day to ask our wishes about putting Dad back on the vent. if needed, as his breathing is not great. Of course I said yes, we would want that.

We don't have the results for his chest x-ray taken yesterday yet, to see how his pneumonia is changing.

As of tonight (Sunday) he was pretty much non-responsive when I went to see him. His nurse told me he had been given some medication to raise his blood pressure, and while I was there it was about 78/53. He had a pretty high heart rate as well, but I read when I got home that that is a common side-effect to the Dopamine medication he has been given for his blood pressure. His face was pretty red as well, and I was not really able to awaken him. He mumbled hello, but could not stay awake. His breathing still seems very labored to me.

Unfortunately I don't really see an improvement for Dad this weekend. He does not look better today than yesterday. I keep hoping and praying to see him start to turn around, and be a little better each day, but as of now that is not happening.

More updates tomorrow.

Dad tonight-Sept. 5th

 

Well, this person is somebody I know well. He is my Father. He gave me life, and I am genetically 50% him. I love him completely, and feel SO VERY SAD at what he has to go through now. I KNOW there is a reason (because my parents taught me so) why this must all be happening, but I am really struggling to understand it. My mind keeps saying, "GIVE THE GUY A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

So, my update tonight is this. I went to the "hospital" he is in, and his care is much improved from last night. He is in the ICU at Kindred Hospital in Westminister, and now he has a 1 nurse/2 patient ratio. He is getting some respiratory care (although his breathing seemed very labored to me...and the nurse commented on the same), and his rash seems much better due to a medication change and specific medication for his itching. The nurse told me tonight that the "main" Dr. had ordered a derm. evaluation but the derm. Dr. for that facility was "on vacation" until Sept. 17th (12 days from now) and that in the meantime they would give Dad a med for itching and stop the antibiotic that they believe is causing the problem.

Okay...good. Dad is not itching at this moment, and says he is comfortable. What I think about the 12 day lag time for an elderly person to be evaluated in a "acute skilled nursing facility" I will leave for another day. If I go into that now I think I might bust an artery.

 

So Dad's update is this: he is having trouble breathing, but is not on a respirator. His arms are tied down (to the point of an altercation with today's "day" nurse, because he is trying to pull out tubes, and if he pulled out his chest tube it could be life threatning) and he does not like this (who would?). He is still having some major memory/hallucination problems and demonstrated that tonight with visions of Mom visiting him today and requests to buy some major businesses with "all his money in the bank". So this concerns me, more than I can say.

 

I left this hospital tonight with what I felt was...for the first time in my life...an anxiety attack. Could not breathe, hands shaking, feeling like I would be sick. I do feel like Dad is getting the care he needs, but also worry that he is suffering, and that it may not be enough.


God's will be done.

I'll update tomorrow.
Stef