Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 

Today's picture was taken on December 24, 2008. Mattie received this beautiful Super Mattie quilt from a colleague of mine. Ironically I had no idea she was a quilter until she sent us the quilt. Mattie posed in front of it. Though he was smiling, it actually wasn't a happy time for us. Mattie was dealing with chronic and intense pain, trauma, and depression. I understand why hospitals send people home for the holidays, but in all reality home wasn't the best place for us. Instead it was isolating and overwhelming, because we had to balance all of Mattie's medical needs ourselves. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 49,498,936
• Number of people who died from the virus: 792,883

I was able to join my parents for breakfast today which I wasn't expecting. I thought I would be at the house with the movers again today. Thankfully they completely packed the house up yesterday. 

We are pictured with Tony. Tony is an outstanding Marriott employees. He has been at this hotel for 21 years. About 3 or 4 years ago, my parents stayed at this hotel for several months, while their house rental was being assessed and repaired from flood damage. During that hotel stay they met Tony. Tony provided excellent service daily to my parents. Unfortunately my dad doesn't remember Tony at all!

This is the other caregiver, Zhaine, who provided outstanding service to my dad. She really bonded with him, has positive energy, and motivates him. So today was a bittersweet day, as he had to say good-bye to her. Naturally I am sure my dad is worried who will care for him now!

All I know is am exhausted. If I stop moving, I want to sleep. I can hardly keep my eyes open. Tomorrow we have to leave the hotel at 4:45am in order to get to LAX in time for an 8:15am flight. I know that sounds ridiculous, but not for the LA airport, which is always terribly congested at all hours. I have to factor getting my dad, up, dressed, packed and downstairs. Therefore I have no choice but to get up at 2am in order for me to get myself ready and get everything done. Sometimes I wonder where I find physical resources to get stuff done. I haven't found the answer yet. 

Meanwhile back in Virginia, Long Fence came to replace the broken fence and to correct property lines as part of the old fence was on our neighbor's property. 

Peter sent me this photo! Do you see the hawk on our outdoor fireplace? The next time I write, I will be in Virginia. I can't grasp the concept that my time in LA is over, that 22 days have passed, and now it is time for all of us to move East.