Blessed

25 Tuesday Sep 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Eason House, Mom

Today, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to have developed such wonderful friendships at Eason House. I’ve said many times how important it is to find “the good stuff,” even (and maybe, especially) on the worst days. I am so well aware that without the Eason House staff, who I’m proud to also call friends, our lives would not be the same. These girls (and Tim) make all the difference in the world. ♥

I’ve been late leaving work the past two nights, so I haven’t seen Mom awake since Sunday. Today, she was sound asleep in the chair when I got there. They said she had slept most of the day, and had two Ensures. Susie texted me the picture below earlier – a good waking moment she had this afternoon. I adore this. She looks happy; she looks a little like her old self, and those moments seem to be growing farther and fewer between.

Steeler Sunday: A Little Different Than It Used To Be..

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Mom

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Steeler Sundays aren’t quite the same as they used to be, that’s for sure. Ah, the good times we had over the years! Every Sunday Mom’s family room turned black & gold – Terrible Towels waving like mad, great food in abundance, and yelling galore!! Such fun!

Mom wasn’t having a very good day today. The house was bustling with visitors when I got there, and that sort of commotion tends to bother her. We walked, I sat and rocked her back and forth on the bed, we sat outside for a short while. She yelled, I talked to her, she looked at me blankly. She was so restless, and just generally agitated – a helpless feeling, as nothing you do seems to please her for more than 30 seconds at a time.

After her meds, she finally did lay down on her bed. I held her hand and rubbed her leg, and she fell into a restful sleep. All in all, not a great day, but as always, there were some lovely moments.

We were standing back in her bedroom when she turned and saw the adorable pumpkin that Emily brought her last Halloween. Her expressionless face lit up with a beautiful smile as she looked at the jack-o-lantern and said “awww…”

Not the worst I’ve seen her, but she’s had some better days over the past month. Just trying to enjoy and remember every one of those smiles… And pray for her to feel safe, calm, and content. Seems like so little to ask, doesn’t it?

Another peaceful day…

22 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Mom

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Mom was sleeping soundly when I arrived at the house today, and I don’t think she moved a muscle in the hour or so I was there. Even when I kissed her and laid my hands on top of hers, she didn’t budge. The girls said she’d had two Ensures and had slept most of the day, but did say a couple of sentences just as clear as a bell. Although I was sorry I missed that, I was just happy to see her resting so peacefully – dressed in her Steeler garb.

While I was there, I visited with a couple of the ladies and had a wonderful conversation with Miss Betty. I love to hear her talk about going shopping downtown; talking with her just makes me wish even more that I had known her back in her heyday!