Sunday, March 20, 2022

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2009. I never really reflected on this but this clay piece Mattie was working on became a Mother's Day present for me. I am not sure why I never connected two and two together. But this piece was glazed a  beautiful bright red and then Mattie and his art therapists created tissue paper flowers, put them in the vase, and Mattie presented it to me on Mother's Day. To this day I still have this red vase. It sits in our family room and is a constant reminder of Mattie and the bond we will always share. 

Quote of the day: Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. ~ Mother Teresa

When I got into my parents bedroom today, my mom looked more tired than usual. In fact most people tell me my mom looks sicker than my dad. It turns out my dad was up three times in the middle of the night having to use the bathroom. I made note of this because if this is what the diuretic will produce, this medication will have to stop. 

I got my dad up, washed, dressed, and downstairs for breakfast. I did his brain games with him and had him walk for five minutes. However, he is chronically exhausted and out of it. My parents wanted to go out for an early dinner, so Peter and I made this happen. 

This was my dad at dinner. Totally zoned out, not engaged with us or the world around him. It is a very sad sight. While eating our entrees, my mom stopped eating. I asked her what was going on and she proceeded to tell me that she hasn't been feeling well since last night. Why she waited to tell me at 4pm is beyond me, but then I had to mobilize and respond. It is my usual mode these days, I am constantly dealing with issues and crises. 

I called my mom's pulmonologist office and left a message for a call back from the after hours physician. I heard nothing back and after 45 minutes called Dopey, my parent's concierge doctor. Dopey responded and basically said he couldn't help. He told me to call back the pulmonology office until someone responded (as if I couldn't figure this out). Dopey lives up to his permanent dopey status. 

Thankfully the pulmonology office did call back. The doctor was wonderful and compassionate. He listened to all my concerns and he looked at her case notes. Since we just visited this week and completed a battery of tests, he was able to easily help us. He prescribed her antibiotics, steroids, and inhalers. But of course I live in the boonies, where the pharmacy closes at 6pm on a Sunday. Unlike my city pharmacy which was open 24 hours a day. In any case, I called CVS and spoke to the pharmacist. She was nice enough to process the four scripts and I told her I was on my way to pick them up before they closed their doors. 

Each day I hope for a smoother, calmer, and more manageable day. A day where I could do just 30 minutes of work for the Foundation! I haven't had a moment's peace yet and forget a minute for myself.