Monday, August 15, 2022

Monday, August 15, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. Mattie was in his first month of treatment, and despite the fact that the psychosocial staff was just getting to know us, they learned quickly that Mattie was all about creating. That day, Mattie's art therapists set up all sorts of glazing materials for Mattie's clay creations. Mattie did better when he was physically and emotionally engaged in a project. It did not take away from the fact that he had cancer, but it was the necessary distraction to journey through our long and challenging days. Ironically to this day, I have ALL the clay items you see on this table on display in my office! 

Quote of the day: Offering care means being a companion, not a superior. It doesn’t matter whether the person we are caring for is experiencing cancer, the flu, dementia, or grief. If you are a doctor or surgeon, your expertise and knowledge comes from a superior position. But when our role is to be providers of care, we should be there as equals. ~ Judy Cornish

When my parents got to the restaurant last night, they or I should say my mom was surprised to see flowers and a gift. I have worked all week with Cheryl (our wonderful server) on these surprises. I think I was successful. 

I am not the only one feed up with the usual routine. It gets to my mom and of course Peter. Peter and I tried to make yesterday go as smoothly as possible, in order for both of my parents to enjoy their day.

At dinner, I asked my dad to reflect on his wedding day. To remember one piece of information and share it! HE COULDN'T! Not even one. He had no idea where his wedding reception was, who was their maid of honor and best man, and the list went on. It is truly disturbing his level of memory loss and if he continued to live alone with my mom, they both would be very easy targets for people with bad intentions. 

Peter snapped a photo of me with my parents and Cheryl. We see Cheryl weekly, and have been doing this since December! She and Dawn (who is in Rockville, MD) are incredible people. 

Cheryl and her son picked up the flower arrangement and balloon I ordered and she even gave my parent's a gift!

Cheryl knows my parents prefer ice cream and sorbet. So she made a special trip to buy a number "6" and a number "2" candle, to spell out 62 (for their 62nd wedding anniversary). She is a real peach. 

Between our kitchen and family room, we have a pony wall. I have it lined up with flowers and cards to celebrate my parents.