2-9-2012

I went to see Mom much earlier today, just after lunch around 1:00.  Mom was sleeping while sitting up on one of the seats in the activity room, as were many of the other ladies. The took all the large rectangular tables out of the main room and replaced them with small round ones.  It's a big change, but definitely gives them more floor space, which will make it easier to maneuver with all those walkers and wheelchairs.

Mom was ok, but a little hazy today.  The first thing she said was: "I know how to get home. I just need to get a bus that goes downtown to J.C. Penney.  Are we going anywhere tomorrow?"

'I don't think so.'


"I saw you on tv this morning."  'Oh really, doing what?'  "You were talking to one of your classmates. I don't remember what you were talking about, but I know that hair when I see it.  How is everything working out for you?"


'Like what?' there was a long pause...I think she was still off, perhaps a post lunch fog of some sort. "I don't know...like the China.  It must be nice to have it."


'Oh yes, it's been working out great, Mom.  Thanks.'

"Mom (referring to my grandmother) would be so proud that we got on the tour.  Of course I can't tell her about it now, but it's the one she always wanted.  Boy did they walk us.  Those men walk so fast.  This is a big building!"

Slowly I think I started putting the pieces together.  I think the program director, Robert, must have taken them outside or a walk.  She probably saw the standard buses that serve the regular residents and somehow that evolved into some sort of trip in her mind.

"We walked and walked.  Chuck had invited me, well all of us, to a meeting to see what they were doing.  Of course we walked and walked until my legs got tired.  I end up sleeping when no one is around.  How is Jaymz doing?"

'He's great, Mom.'

"Well that's good.  Yesterday morning there was a 2 car collision by Chuck's house.  Luckily there were no injuries."  It is fun sometimes to watch the group dynamics of the residents.  It is very, very similar to running a day care center sometimes.

One of the residents was clearly bored and looking for something to do.  She started approaching tables, including ours, to invite people to join her at their table.  "Would you want to join us? We lost two or three already. I'm trying to find something for us to do.  You can come on over anytime."  I asked Mom if she wanted to join her at the table, which she did, so I walked her over there, gave her a hug and was about to leave.

The other woman had just come back from a stroll down the hall where she was hoping "if by some miracle' to find something for them to do.  She asked me "Could you get us some paper and crayons to color with?"

I got some coloring supplies from the nurses, and received tons of thanks you from the table.  I started to head out and Mom said "Ok honey.  See you tomorrow and thanks for stopping by."

As I walked out the door, I heard Mom whisper to the woman beside her - "Thant's my oldest daughter, Kim.  She's 18."    Don't I wish. :-)

 Men walk so fat. See if I have a miracle  very little hope.  Se e if I can find someone

As I was leaving,.i heard her tell the other woman shes eighteen. Coloring something to do.