Cute Pat!! Lol. yes we're old but strong!! Jeanie went today and took balloons and told Mom that we all loved her and hugged her. Absolutely kills me but she's better that we are in a way since she has no clue that she's not ok or see how much this hurts us all. That would just kill her!! Just sad is all I got!!! I cry really easily over all of this as I'm sure we all do. I do now KNOW that sending her back was right even though I hated it because she would want to be with Dad if she could make the decision for herself. We will get through this together. Love to all, Judy

Amen, Judy!  I've thought about Mother all day!  Wish she could enjoy her birthday.  I plan on going down tomorrow when I get off work to check on them .   Monday was really a hard day for me, but I am doing better.  The picture  Jamie sent was priceless.  Of course, I boo-hooed a ton after that.  I am also thankful that I have lots of sisters (even if they're all old).  hee hee!  pat

Happy Birthday to our sweet Mom!! Whoever goes today be sure and give her a kiss for me!! I just called to check on them and they were up in the dining room eating. She said mom was about the same with no changes. I guess that's a good thing since she has only one way to go. Makes me sick!! Love to all my sisters cause I truly don't know how only one child could do it! Love to all, Judy

Debbie called me this morning to tell me Mom is running a temp and they had started her on an antibiotic and oxygen. They hadn't gotten the results of the x-ray at that time, but they were starting her on this because. She called me a little while ago to say that Mom does have pneumonia in the lower lobe of her lung. I asked about changing the antibiotic and she wasn't sure yet what they'd do. She had called radiology herself to get the results---she still didn't have the report. She has been precious. She told me some signs to watch for---shallow breathing, slower breathing, changing color starting with her feet. Right now she said Mom was exhibiting none of those signs. I'm heading down there at lunch to be sure to see Dad. I don't want him scared or too worried if I can help it for now. Not good. Will post when I get back. Love you all, Jeanie

I always hate turning my heater on first thing each year too because of the burn smell but like Jeanie I chalk it up to burning the dust off! Stinky but necessary. As for Mom, I think I already said that I wasn't in favor of a feeding tube and I'm sticking with that. I realize I can be out voted if and one when my vote is asked for but that will be it. Does it all make me sick??? YES!! But I truly believe that it's loving her enough to let her go with all the dignity she has left instead of having her stay alive for me to just watch her with tubes. On a different note, I'm game for a sleep over! Just tell me when and where and me and jams will show up!! Lol Love to you all, Judy

Ok, I don't even know where to start! I did go Fri and I was frightened by Mom's 'general' appearance. What exactly was it? Not sure---she was flushed (even on her chest) her eyes looked sunken in more to me, her breathing was very noticeable---not like she was straining---just you could see every rise and fall of her chest with each breath, she had her mouth just hanging open and wasn't swallowing her food---just a lot of things to me. The girl finally fed Mom maybe most of her yogurt and a few bites of other food with it. Debbie did check her and her air exchange was good---no rattling in her chest, etc. Debbie did agree about her face being flushed and she did notice the breathing, but she thought Mom was about the same. I don't know. I could just tell Mom was further away. Dad was about the same. Donna called last night and said Dad needed tobacco----I knew that because I'd forgotten to take it Fri---just took pj bottoms. (Pat took it today) Anyway, I asked her about Mom and she didn't seen overly concerned and in fact said Mom had eaten 75% at supper---I'm like ---well that's wonderful. I have a hard time believing it, but that's a 'whatever'! Debbie just called me to say that Mom was now wheezing and she's ordering a chest x-ray for today. She isn't sure if it's something or if Mom has aspirated something into her lungs. I asked her about Mom and she was really kind. I told her that I know she can't say for sure about anything, but were there certain signs we could point to or anything to watch for --- just anything to help us. She said there's a book there about the steps of Althemizer's and dying and she's going to try to find it for me. I mentioned the feeding tube and asked about that. She said that everyone was different. Some live for years with one---some just continue to decline as if it wasn't there. Anyway, I know that this is where it's headed. EVERYONE needs to think long and hard about this because I'm expecting to be approached about this every visit from now on! Double and triple YUCK!

Ok, NEW SUBJECT: Jamie, yes, your furnace smells funny when you light it for the first time each season. I always just think of it as burning off the dust! LOL! It is hard to imagine that Jerome is 21, HOWEVER it's pretty hard for me to believe I have a 21 year old grandson! Do WHAT!?! Now that does make you feel old! On that note, Bruce told me today that he thinks ASU plays here not the Sat of Thanksgiving weekend  but the weekend after that! I would love for you to all come and stay Sat night! We can have a sister sleep-over! That would be cool! Ok, I'm off to buy groceries AGAIN! LOL! I keep thinking of things I need for Thanksgiving---like a turkey! LOL!---and for the shower! Love you all, Jeanie

Pam called me today after her visit with Mom and Dad and she totally understood the "flushed " that Jeanie talked about yesterday. I don't see Jeanies note but think everyone knows that Jeanie was concerned about Moms color and breathing yesterday. Debbie checked her and said she had good air flow though and today Pam said that 2 new young RNs were working (she and I both were impressed with 2 RNs especially on a weekend!) and that one named Crystal had their wing and she was keeping a check on them. She told Pam that Mom had finished her antibiotic yesterday and even though she does look flushed she's still not running a temp and her breathing isn't labored. She told Pam she really thought Mom was doing ok. She told Pam she was watching Mom too because she seemed to be "pooling her food" which Jeanie had mentioned too because they had mentioned it to her yesterday. Dad was ok and Pam said he acted happy to see her and probably recognized her even though he didn't say her name. She also mentioned like Jody and Jeanie did that Mom wasn't really responding to them. The nurse today said she had noticed it too but had continued to make contact with Mom until she finally told her to stop it! At least she did respond! That's all I can recall at the moment. If mom continues to pool food and not swallow or refuses to eat at all, we are going to be facing some gut wrenching decisions. I for one (I talked to Leisa about this too) will have to vote against a feeding tube. Leisa said that NOT putting in a tube was God's way of handling things and that she had typically seen that most patients (once they get to the point of needing a tube) don't usually last long because evidently of the trauma of putting the tube in. They have to go to the hospital for the procedure and have some anesthesia too. She said it is not a horrible thing and not painful or anything once they stop eating. She said it was like after going on a diet where after a bit of time you're just not hungry. I HATE all of this but we all need to be thinking along these lines now for the possibility some day! YUCK!!! Love to all, Judy

Jerry has requested seafoam salad for Thanksgiving...he's talking about the lime green jello stuff that has pineapples, marshmallows or cream cheese and pecans...he said he thought he'd eaten it at Jeanie's on Thanksgiving...Does anyone have a recipe?  I know Mom use to make this too...was that hers Jerry remembers eating?  Anyway, if you got it, share it!! :)   My heater upstairs smelled funny when I first turned it on for the season...the fire alarm even beeped a couple of times...normal? I freaked out and shut it off! I was afraid ADS (security system) was going to call me again...I talk to them almost daily on the phone...not really, but we have set the stupid alarm off a lot!!:)  Jerry and I have Dancing with the Stars of Murray tonight...no, we're not dancing, we're just watching...should be funny!!  I saw Faye Austin again last night..her husband Clegg was honored for 50 years of medical service to the Murray Calloway County Hospital..he and Jerry were laughing about how they both had married up when they married girls from the bootheel of Missouri and how they are "related" through marriage!  Faye's maiden name is Bentley...I guess she's Randall's cousin? I think she said she attended Risco high school. Who is her father and how is she related to Randall?  Pat, 60 is the new 45!!:) and yes it is hard to believe Molli is married and old enough to have a baby...of course, I have a tough time with Brittney, Jerrod, Ryan, Jeremy, Jody, Cary Beth, Casey,etc, etc etc...I remember when they were born and if they're getting older, so am I!!! :0  Speaking of older, Jerome turns 21 tomorrow...scary, on alot of different levels!! I can't hardly believe it... I'm hoping he comes with me to Mollis shower...he's nothing if not entertaining!! Ok, I'm off to an eye appointment...the aged eyes are changing and I can't seem to see well with either prescription!  Not good!! Love you!! Jamie ps..Judy stay Saturday night!!:)

Thanks for the birthday wishes!  Nothing like turning 60 to make your day complete! hee      I always think of Mother on my birthday and how she would tell me about when Pam and I were born and how  surprised everyone one was.  I can't believe those 2 babies are now 60!  Time sure does fly!  It seems like Molli  should still be little and here she is having a baby of her own.  She has pics of her nursery on her  blog - it's so cute!  Okay, off to the shower for me!  Love you, Pat
p.s. when are we going to do our Christmas "thing"?

Jamie I did know a lot of the medics were KIA but didn't realize it was that high! Hey you can talk about churning gut cause it isn't a bad word!!lol. I talked about mine lots and now I'm shutting up!lol. I was going to go home Saturday after the shower but I could be persuaded to stay probably since I don't have much of a life!!lol. See you soon! love to all, Judy

Happy Birthday Pat and Pam!!  You're what? 29?  Hope you have had a great day!!  Just checking in...haven't felt too great the last couple of days...stomach/gut is kind of churning!! I know..TMI!! I've got a lot going on in my brain which seems to stir up the ol gut!!  I did get my other wing chair painted and moved and Judy, got your chair cleaned and put upstairs...I put Mom's crazy quilt on it...looks awesome!!  Jerry and I have an award ceremony tonight for his staff...should be nice...eventually I'll get to know everyone I guess!!  Did I tell you we got invited to hear Gary Sinise (you know, Lt Dan from Forest Gump) speak at Fort Campbell?  He's honoring the combat medics at a dinner and ceremony.  Did you know, next to the infantry, the combat medic is the 2nd highest category of KIAs?  They are so highly trained in their field that many go on to become Physician Assistants or Doctors after the military...they are referred to as "doc" by their fellow soldiers!  Just a little trivia!! In case you're ever on Jeopardy and the question comes up!!:) Anyway, can't wait to hear Lt Dan...he's been a huge supporter of the military and wounded soldiers!  Ok, gonna run the vacuum and get my clothes ready for tonight!  Jeanie, I'll let you know what Jerome and I are doing...might just come Saturday morning and stay Saturday night...but I'll try and let you know before I'm on the road there!! :)  Judy, you staying Saturday night too?!!  Love you,   Jamie

Hey, I AM old and slow but you forgot BUSY!!!!!!!!!! LOL! I did go see Mom and Dad today. Not much to report really---they're both about the same. Dad looked good today---I keep forgetting to ask about his weight. He looks not so thin to me. He didn't eat much at lunch today but had had 2 egg sandwiches earlier. Mom was eating---just slowly. Dad had had a shower today too. Anyway, they were ok. Becky called and asked about giving them a flu shot this year. I said something about them both being on medicine and she said she'd wait until they were both finished and would check temps before giving it. Oh, I did talk to MS about the Marquis Dental bill that needs to be paid. They saw Dad in Oct and filed a claim to DHS. DHS never moves quickly---except on this. I paid all of Dad's money about the 4th of Nov. On the 9th of Nov DHS mailed me (this was the date it was cancelled at the post office!) a DCO-712 form saying I was to write the check out of his Nov money! WHAT!?! I called Faith and she said it was between Michael Smith and me about what to do about it now! Great! I told the girl in the office that they'd need to pay it. IF they can't I'll pay it---he has just about that much in his account----but really LNC needs to pay it since I overpaid them because I paid them prior to DHS telling me not to! I mean, is this a mess or what! Lol! Our tax dollars at work! Love you all, Jeanie

Just checking in to read your post from your visit today Mrs M and even thou I know you went and what you saw, there isn't a note here! You must be old and slow today!!lol Glad your visit was ok!! love to all, Judy

You're funny Judy! LOL! It will be here quickly though! Jamie, I'd love for you or you and Jerome to come over on Fri and spend the night/weekend! Hey, I'll put you and Judith Ann to work cooking! LOL! No seriously, it will be fun! I fixed an extra bedroom in the basement for just this reason---that gives me 4 total! One for you, one for Jerome, one for Judy and one for Bruce and I---works out great! Love you all, Jeanie

Yes Jamie it will be fine because you are quite the hostess!! It will be awesome for you to have family close enough to make it for the holidays! Don't sweat the small stuff like food!lol. It really will be fine! You can always leave and go after Thanksgiving shopping! That's one way to get out of the house!! Lol Jeanie glad Mom and Dad weren't any worse at least! I too am glad for Adrianne but hate it for Mom and Dad since she's one of the people we know love them, that's the thing about nsg homes though--people come and go and don't stay long because it's a low paying job. Love to all, Judy. OH are all of you thinking about "something you love" to share at Christmas with the sisters? It will be here before we know it!!

Quick note. I did go see Mom and Dad today. Dad was really slurry with his speech and was confused. He kept calling for Margaret. I heard him when I walked in the door and asked Adrianne if he was having a bad day. She said no. I said something about him yelling and she said he'd been yelling Merry Christmas earlier. She told me that Tues and Thurs were her last days there. She's going to school to become an LPN. I told her I was really glad. She's so young and will work a long time still. That will be good. I do hate it for Mom and Dad. She stood there holding Dad's hand for the longest time. She said he wants her to hold his hand and asks her all the time to lay down with him. LOL! She said I tell him I can't do that. LOL! Anyway, Mom was about the same. I paid attention today and she did not cough while I was there---about an hour. Dad did sneeze a couple of times. Both are still on their medicine. Not much to say really. I went to WalMart today and used their money for Nov to buy Dad a new pair of jeans, a sweatshirt and some razors. I have enough of his left to buy a pack of tobacco still. I bought Mom a new pair of sweatpants, a sweatshirt, a bundle of socks and a new throw. I saw these houseshoe/socks---they are kind of like the slip-on ballet shoes---only their made of fleece and padded all around. I noticed today that Mom had on just socks. I thought those might be good to keep her feet warm and still be washable and easy to put on and take off. Ok, I'm off to bed---I am pooped. OH, Jamie, take a deep breath and don't panic about Thanksgiving. It's like any other meal----just involves a turkey. The first year Bruce and I were married I cooked my first Thanksgiving meal---made everything from scratch including the vanilla pudding---have you ever made pudding from scratch?---I mean, what was I thinking! LOL! Bottom line is it will be fine----it will be so nice at your house---really it will be so special! Love you all, Jeanie

Sorry I've been the absent sister here...I think this is my first time on in a while! When you're not home it's hard to get on the computer!  Judy, so glad you texted me about Dad and sent me the pic!! Bless his heart!! Glad everything turned out ok..scary!!  How long will they be on Cipro?  I'm going to try and get over there this week but not sure at this point! We were gone all day Thursday, all day Friday, a huge chunk of Saturday and all day yesterday...Sunday was Jerry's Mom's 85th birthday so we met his sister Karen and her husband Bob in Radcliff to take her to lunch!  While I was there I discovered that I would be having Thanksgiving for Jerry's family at my house...can I get a OMG from the crowd!! I'm trying not to think about it, but at some point I'll have to I guess.  We've had horrible winds...all my chairs are sleeping in the yard and the wind even blew off one of my huge clay pots with an asparagus fern in it and smashed it on the front steps!  It seems to be windy again today!! We were blown all over the road yesterday..scary!!  Ok, I was checking in and now off to do some cleaning and run errands.  Jerome turns 21 on the 19th and I'm having a Pike jacket sewn for him and I guess now I'm also off to WalMart to see if I can find a pot for my plant!!  Love you all,  Jamie

How were they today Pat? Hopefully Dad is no worse for wear!! Anxious to hear about them! Love to all, Judy

Thank goodness you are quite the blogger, Judith Ann! Moi, on the other hand hasn't been on here for several days! I'm in a fast mode right now with things going on. I had a yardsale today with Fara and we did AWESOME! I've now figured out that early spring or late fall are the best times for a yardsale! Go figure! Tomorrow is my day to cook for the whole family, so I had to go grocery shopping after the yardsale! Got a big part of lunch for tomorrow cooked tonight. Good grief! LOL! It's all good though! Two of our shoppers were Pam and Cary Beth! LOL! Too funny! I was glad to see both of you! Love you all, Jeanie

I called on my way home today to check on Mom and Dad and the lady said that they were both doing fine (big surprise huh???) She said that Dad didn't have any lingering effects from his trip to the ER last night and that they both were status quo.  Still no fever for either. Love to all, Judy

Here is an update for you! After Bruce and I left Dad going one way with the transporters after THEY had made the decision to transport him back by wheelchair transport, they changed their mind and decided he needed to go by stretcher!! When I called down there after more than 30 min and told he wasnt back yet, I kinda panicked and told Donna it had been at least 30 min since they headed their way and for her to double check that he wasn't there and I'd call here back in a few. After calling back Donna said he still wasn't there but that she had found out that he was coming via stretcher instead of wheelchair like we thought and he was in route. I again called back and he finally was there at 10:15! They had sent him up to the ER without a coat and the attendant said the van was warm and he'd wrap a blanket around him. Well they hadn't evidently because Donna said he was chilled to the bone but was in bed in a long sleeve shirt and covers pulled up to his chin! I told her that I hope he didn't get pneumonia and she said she did too but at least he was already on Cipro!! We'll see!! Love to all, Judy

I think everyone knows by now that dad fell and went to ER. He looked good and the CT scan was fine. I was impressed that he wasn't there any longer than he was! I wrapped him in my pink furry coat and told him he looked pretty in pink and he laughed and said not too pretty! He was adorable and hugged me bye and said to be careful. Pat and Jerry we're there when they first got dad back there and talked to the doctor and thank you Pat was being there! Thank goodness Bruce went with me too causeim not crazy about being there alone. Thank goodness he's ok and transferred back!! Love to all, Judy

Called to check on Mom and Dad and the nurse (Kathy??) said they were both on the Cipro and doing fine. She said they were both up and had eaten pretty good for lunch (basically 50% each) Neither was running a temp. I told her that Jeanie and I would be there tomorrow to see them because I am staying again tonight. I'll post after the visit tomorrow, love to all, Judy

Just a quick note to say Donna called JeNie tonight that they had received orders for Mom and Dad both to be put on Cipro antibiotic for their cough/cold/pneumonia, etc. Hopefully they will both be better soon! Love to all, Judy

Jeanie and I went to see Mom and Dad today but it was after 2 before we got there since Jeanie was babysitting and both were sleeping. Dad has an upper respiratory thing going on and Debbie had already faxed over the information to get him started on something. He was hoarse yesterday and Jeanie said she knew was getting something. Debbie had listened to his lungs and they sounded good but it's all just upper respiratory. He's not running fever but he was sleeping with his hat on, a blanket snuggled up around his chin and the heat was on! It was probably 20 degrees hotter in their room than the lobby!! He did wake up a little when the girl came around with drinks and snacks. I went in to talk to him and he was mumbling about being tired and I asked him which daughter I was! Lol. He just looked at me until I said I love you Dad and he said I love you too Judith Ann! Lol Now for Mom--- she was sleeping without a blanket in her reclining chair and Jeanie got her a blanket. Debbie had already told us that she had listened to Moms lungs and they were "wet" and she had faxed over for meds for Mom because of that and the fact her cough is horrible!!!Jeanie hadn't heard her cough the last few visits but she sure is now!! They said she wasn't running a fever. She didn't feel hot either. She did take a glass of thickened water from the aide and I made a comment that I was glad they gave them water/orange juice and she said it was required???? It wasn't a bad visit but not really good either. It is sad seeing them like they are but I just love them both so much and don't want anything to happen cause I don't want to let them go. Love to all, Judy

Sorry! I got side-tracked changing rooms in the basement! WHY???? do I get on these binges!?! Anyway, I got everything put back into place, but by then I was pooped! Anyway, I did go see Mom and Dad yesterday. Mom was Mom---no better and no worse. She looked really good. Dad was not himself and was yelling and talking about some stuff I couldn't really all get. He kept saying something about 'come on, let's go' and going 'home'. I finally asked him if he'd slept last night and he said something about the moon and stuff happening, etc. I asked if he was tired and he said he was worn out! He didn't eat much of anything for lunch. Adrianne said no one really liked what they had. I asked if he wanted some ice cream from Sonic to which he said yes. I went to get him a choc sundae and he had a hard time getting started on it. Kept wanting me to eat it. He finally ate over 1/2 of it---it was a big sundae, too. Anyway, they were not the best but really about the same. Love you all, Jeanie

Ok Ms M where is your note from today? I know you went cause we talked about it! Don't even pretend you wrote it before this note!! Lol. I'm just messing' with ya!! But you did go!! See ya tomorrow! Love to all, Judy

Oh and Jeanie Saturday after Thanksgiving for the shower for Molli works for me!!

Pat I hate it that your visits are always bad!! Dad definitely has some bad days but wonder if the time would make a difference in your visits? Do you still go around noon? He seems worse by all I read on here and personal experience if he's really tired. I hate mom is still coughing too!! Wonder if they got another chest X-ray on mom like they said they were?? I'll be up this week to go see them again because Katilyn is playing intermural volleyball on Tues night and I want to watch her play and then Wed heading to Kentucky, then back to Jboro on Thursday but will definitely go at least once in there! Pat glad Molli is still doing great! I read her blog and it's adorable!! Pam when is Casey coming home? I thought it was NOW but haven't seen any notes about it. Leisa had a wedding shower yesterday that was absolutely amazing!! She got so many great gifts and no duplicates!! Good thing about second marriages is that the gifts are more personal and not about pots and pans!!lol. Brittney,Frank and Boys are in DisneyWorld. They arrived there on 11/1 and will fly back to el paso this Wednesday. They are having a ball!! Love to all, Judy

Jerry and I went to LNC this morning.  Not a good visit.  Daddy was totally out of it and made no sense with the things that I could understand him saying.  Mother was still coughing a lot and was pitiful as usual.  When we got ready to leave, he said, "Be careful."  That was the only thing he said that made any sense.  One of the girls said that he had been looking for directions to St. Louis this morning.  He also mentioned Pam, Jeanie, and home.  No idea what he was talking about.  It's just all so sad!
On a happier note, Molli is still doing great.  She will have an ultrasound on Wed. to see if the baby is still breech.  Hopefully, not, but there's always a plan B!    Her nursery is adorable!   They are so excited.   love you all, pat

Hey, I am SO glad that the report was good and you can move on! Too many things to do and places to go! LOL! Love you, Jeanie    PS: I'm planning on having Molli's baby shower the Sat afternoon of Thanksgiving weekend. I hope this will work for everyone. I'll send invitations soon. FUN!

I've finally got the dreaded EGD and Colonoscopy behind me!! It was ROUGH and I told Leisa it was my last volunteering drinking of that nasty stuff and the only way I'm ever having another ismifmim hemorragjing from the butt and then it will be an emergency and I might get to pass,on a prep!! I do have some reflux, some irritation in my stomach he thinks from the Indocin and I have to stop it for 2 weeks! Looks like a headache to me! The colon was pretty much fine even though he did take some samples but really a good report! I'm good to go with Immodium he said ifmimget diarrhea and that's my plan!! Do they sell it by the 500 to a bottle?? Lol Jamie looks like we're heading your way next week! Love to all, Judy

Jeanie, so glad you took Dad pizza...even though he only ate one piece, I know the change was good for him.  How much is a personal pan from pizza hut? It's just about equal to 1 piece of pizza!! :)  I agree about Daddy liking us around talking and being "normal"...I think it stimulates him in a way..makes him listen and feel like he's home.  Wish we could do that everyday!!   Mom is still in there...she's down pretty deep, but rubbing and patting on her back the other day, she seemed to like that...like Jeanie holding her hand...maybe she needs more contact.  I'll remember that when I go next time.  Ok,  we just got in from the medical conference and I'm tired.  Going to start a load of laundry and eat some sherbet!!  Love you,  Jamie

I did go see Mom and Dad today. Dad was asleep in his wheelchair when I got there, but woke up and was better. His speech was slurry today, but when I showed him the pizza he said: you splurged today! LOL! He ate both pieces of his fish, a slice of pizza, 1/2 of his slaw and all his cake. They'd given him one of the Glycerna shakes for a snack this morning because he didn't eat too much at breakfast. He was ok. Mom was Mom. She ate good -- Margaret has been concerned lately that Mom's chocking on her food and drinks. Today she sat Mom nearly in a totally upright position. Mom did better. Anyway, they were doing ok. I'm going to try to go by and get Dad something for a treat at least once a week. He seemed to like the pizza, but the smallest Papa John's was a small---$7.60---and he only wanted one slice. Not really a good cost to eating ratio! Ok, Love you all, Jeanie

Well that's just insane!! And they wonder why we are all broke!!! Government red tape I'm sure!! Crazy!!! Love to all, Judy

Here's a weird piece of news! Mom has a credit at the Omnicare Pharmacy that supplies drugs to LNC. Well, they were the ones who had Mom owing over $1100 at one point and finally got it down to a little over $190. I sent that in and got another bill showing that she owed a little over $160 instead. Well, I kept thinking they'd issue a refund---NO. I called today and they will not issue one as long as Mom's in the nursing home! I'm like: what if it's 5 more years?! Still won't! They'll continue to send me a statement each month showing the credit, but won't issue a refund! The refund is $31.34!!!! Is that nuts or what! Hey, they'll spend that and more in letters, envelopes and postage over a small period of time! I swear, the more I deal with stuff like this----the more amazed I am by it all! I don't know how anything gets done! Love you all, Jeanie

Mom reaching for your hand is a natural response and when I say she's still in there! She's getting deeper into that "gone" state but occasionally seeing a glimmer is awesome!! Love to all, Judy

Well, I guess I'm back! LOL! It has been so long since I posted that I'm out of practice and out of drive to post! Not good! I'll try to get back on this wagon. I'm telling you though, falling off a wagon is a good way to let the thing keep rolling and not even try to get back on! LOL! Our visit Mon was fun for us and fun for Dad. Judy's right, he doesn't say much, BUT he is listening and when Jamie would ask a question about someone somebody in or around Gideon---he'd answer. I do think he likes the noise and talking---it's such a normal thing for him---and us! LOL! I'm finally getting life back to normal here---but I keep hitting walls of being worn out! There tonight, too! I did go see Mom and Dad today. Dad was confused in that he kept saying: well, come on, we better be going---things like that. HOWEVER, there were two ladies there with their little dogs, and when I told Dad that Annie had died, he was like: well, I'll be! I said something about missing her, and he said 'she was a loving little dog---I know you all miss her a lot. I really hate that, he said, too' That was all so normal and such a correct response. I also showed him the pics of Ryan and Bryan at FoxBash + several other pics on Facebook. He enjoyed those and said the right things. My phone works SOOOOO slow there. Terrible reception! They both ate good at lunch. I didn't take Dad anything today ( I was running late), but I'll TRY to do that Fri. I did get them some candy---they both really like it---A LOT! Dad actually looked good today. He was tired because he'd been up since 5:30! I asked about the Glycerna (or whatever that stuff is called!) and Missy (misty) told me that they were giving it to him at night for a snack. Mom was Mom, but the one thing she did today that got me was she'd hold up her hand like for me to hold it. I was talking to her and she did it the first time----started lifting her hand up toward her face. I took her hand and held it the best I could. When I put it back down in her lap, she started moving it up again. I held it this time and talked to her for a long time and she never once tried to take it away or move it. I really feel she wanted me to hold her hand today. Isn't that so odd. I told her we all loved her and we were all doing fine and how proud all of us were of her. She didn't really react any except for moving her hand toward me and her upper body. Anyway, not a bad visit---ok visit. Alright, I'm going to TRY to clear my desk. That's part of the reason I haven't used my computer---it's been buried under about a foot of papers! Well, that, and I'm already spoiled with my iphone----how quickly we adjust and move on! I like it! LOL! Love you all, Jeanie