God's Timing

I am very sorry that it has taken me so long to update the blog with news. I know many of you are checking back to see what exactly is going on. On June 1st my mother was admitted to a hospital in San Antonio to stabilize her medications - helping her mainly with anxiety. Last Thursday, she was moved to a nursing home in San Antonio - in our old neighborhood. Its home. Like many things in my life, this new home came full circle. I'll spare you my details, but just know, this was all God's timing and as always, I have learned quite a bit from this experience alone.

I saw her last Friday and for the first time in a very long time, it was difficult. She has aged tremendously in a few short weeks. And everything has intensified, her emotions are non-descript. She is in her own world and is unable to comprehend alot of what you ask. She is unable to speak and just nods. She did give me one slight smile the other day, making my heart sing of course. These days hold alot of tears and alot of laughter.

I spoke with the doctor today. She gave me an idea of what we can expect. Mainly, she expressed that my mother is in the END stage (very technical, i know). And as we have known for some time, we dont know what to expect in terms of time. It could be six weeks ...six months ... one year. It was just ONE year ago I placed her in assisted living mainly because of her Dementia. This disease has progressed so far in that short time and I know it will do the same from here on out.

Two short weeks ago she was walking and now is relegated to a wheelchair. The doctor communicated to me that each time she will get sick, she cannot bounce back like we can. It is the ole two steps back, one step foward routine. She's always going to be a few steps back from where she once was. The doctors have been incredibly patient with me, explaining and truly comforting and personally calling me directly - which I must say, has not happened thus far. Open communication goes a long way.

They are doing speech therapy with her to try to regain some of her speech and possibly emotions. The doctor has also ordered occupational therapy to help her attrophied muscles to see if she could possibly start using a walker soon. She is continuing to pocket food which also tends to be an issue. But they do not believe that there will be alot of room to improve and to basically be prepared for anything. Steps foward and back will be a likely story in the coming weeks or months.

Tuesday, while in San Antonio I spent time with our family priest, Father Francis. He is helping to guide me through this time of unstability and being the counsel I despretely need. He and I are going to see my mom on Friday for the Annointing of the Sick.

Thank you to everyone who has us in your thoughts and prayers. Keep 'em coming... we need them more now than ever. They are much appreciated. I know this is alot of information and I'm sure there will be much more in the weeks to come ... keep checking back.

I am headed out of town this weekend for a girls weekend in the Texas Hill Country, nothing like getting into nature to get back to the basics and a little R&R.