2-1-2012

I got to Mom's around 6:30 tonight.  I grabbed a cup of decaf for her on my way up, knowing I couldn't stay long.  When I got to her unit, the nurse said "I just got your Mom all ready for bed.  Her numbers were looking good tonight.  She's been staying pretty low." So far so good.

I went into Mom's apartment.  'Mom? You here?'

"Yes." She had the perterbed tone in her voice, and then emerged from her room with that look on her face.  Part angry, part not in her right mind..  "6 hours.  6 hours!  I've been waiting 6 hours to use the bathroom. You would think as much as we pay here, and for them to keep all of us waiting all day for stools.  Ridiculous. I told them I'm going to have to call Kim, because she won't put up with this.  Not with all the money we pay to be here.  You have to be able to go to the bathroom."

We're up...we're down. Deep breath.  'Your bathroom's right there, Mom.'

"Oh, sure now it is.  But someone was in there.  All day.  Keeping the door locked, and I tried go into other rooms to try to find one.  Then they came in and took all my sodas, the ones grandma gave me.  They took all the food out of my cabinets, and that was given to me by my mother!"

'Here, Mom.  I brought you some coffee.' She sat down in her chair.  'Are you ok now?'

"Yes.  I was just irritated is all."

'The soda is still in your refrigerator Mom.'

"No, they came in and took it all."

'No, Mom.  The bottle's right here.'

"Really? I've got soda? That's great to hear."

I told her I couldn't stay tonight because I needed to get home to Jaymz.  He had 4 teeth extracted today and I needed to get him some ice cream and gauze ASAP.  Mom got weepy right away.

"Oh, pick him up something from me too.  I know how awful that is.  Just tell him it will be better tomorrow.  He just has to get through today.  Of course it will take a day, or that medicine probably won't work for a few days, but he'll get better."

'Yes, he'll be ok, I just need to get home to him now, Mom.  I'll see you tomorrow. Are you going to be ok?"

"Ok, I'll be fine.  Tell Jaymz I love him."

'I will.  Have a good night, Mom.'