Monday, August 14, 2023

Monday, August 14, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken on August 9, 2009, four days after we found out that Mattie's cancer was terminal. Mattie requested that Peter put up his big outdoor tent in our living room. I am quite sure under normal circumstances I wouldn't have been keen on this tent taking up our first floor. But it is ironic how cancer turns your priorities around and quickly. Within the tent we put aero-mattresses, and Mattie and I slept in there for a few nights. What you can't see were the multiple IVs attached to Mattie, including a pain pump. Peter apparently snapped this photo of us while we were sleeping and it captured our sheer exhaustion. 

Quote of the day: When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Despite the chaos of my life, I tried to make my parent's 63rd wedding anniversary special. I started their day out with a bouquet of flowers. Then I took my mom to DC to have her hair and nails done, while my dad was at the memory care center. 

Then I drove back to pick up my dad, and then turned around and drove to Maryland to take them out to eat for their anniversary. Needless to say, I probably drove about four hours today!

Dawn, one of the special servers in our life, got my parents a balloon, card, flowers, and a cake. She made them feel very special. 

The three of us!

Their cake!

The card was charming and it read.... I am never not thinking of you!

Meanwhile, the  battle continues. My dad is constantly scratching his skin. If there is a fly or mosquito around he gets bitten. My dad is rarely outside and typically he has his fleece jacket on (yes even in the summer, as he is always cold) and long pants and socks. Despite that, he gets bitten and with his dementia, he fixates on his bites and scratches constantly. Mind you we bought UV sport sleeves and have them on his arms. That doesn't matter, he scratches right through the material. Tonight he was bleeding and I sent photos to the doctor. When I tell you I am at my wit's end, I am NOT kidding. I have been at it with his skin and scratching for over a month. His left arm is healing, his left foot is a mess and now we have a brand new problem on his right arm!