Thanks Ladies,

You are all so sweet. My dad went the 2 hrs to visit Mom today and had a good visit. He stayed a whole 2 hrs and it went well the whole time. I was thrilled and I know he was relieved to see where she was and that she was doing fine. It shook him up a bit seeing some of the other patients as it did daughter and I, Mom is always the most perky of them all wherever she goes, so where does all this bad behavior come from??? So strange.

I called her on the phone Sat. evening and she actually talked for awhile which she hasn't done lately. She cried a lot and wanted to come home and go to the wedding. ~UGH, pain~ She seemed okay though when I explained why she couldn't, I was okay, so she was okay. It was so funny, someone was yelling and I could hear them over the phone, she said they were fighting and then I hear her say kindof loud, "Hey, you guys, you shouldn't be doing that." Yep, that's my mom, trying to take care of everyone. Her roommate is complaining that she is getting into her things, but the nurse said that it could just be the roommate. Roommate sleeps most of the time and the nurse said mom probably seems over the top to the lady since she is so, ummm, so, well quiet, sleepy, whatever. Kindof funny.

I have a rash on a big part of my face and neck, I think the stress has finally caught up with me, lack of sleep....I really don't want to look like a monster for my sons wedding!!!

A good friend is taking little 2 yr. old busy lady, and 10 yr. old daughter for me tomorrow, taking them to a Carasol and her home (spelling?) so I can concentrate on getting clothing ready to go and not feel like I am neglecting them. I will also go and check out a facility in case we end up using one until the house is ready. Hope I don't cry.

Have a great day tomorrow all of you, thank you for your continued support. Told son that in one week from today he will be waking up next to a beautiful lady. ~Big grin~ Oh, the joys of marriage!!!!

~Kelly~

Kelly,
I'm really glad Mom is doing ok. They are always on their best behavior when they are around others.

You must be getting anxious about the wedding. All the excitment and "happy" business. I don't think there are many things as great as seeing our kids happy.

Just having the young ones gone for the day should be a big help. No matter how good the kids are, you are always on guard wondering what they are going to do or want the next minute. Sort of like taking care of Mom or in my case taking care of Bill. You can never completely relax.

I will be thinking of you next Saturday. Have a wonderful day.

kelly
reading what you have gone thru has brought back so very many memories of mom these past years...Your recent "adventure" really hit home. I know when the hospital said mom had to stay due to the recent dx of diabetes she really thru a fit--they used a straight jacket and in the middle of the night after major meds administered to knock her out---she broke free and pulled out the IV and went to the nurses station and said she wanted to go home NOW....that hospital couldn't wait to get her placed in geriatric psych.----at the psych place she was there for about 2 months--they tried placing her once and she thru a fit leaving---and only lasted 72 hours. They had even thought that perhaps placement would be at Western State Mental Hospital...(I"m thinking since you live in Oregon---you have heard of this place---that was scary in and of itself-even the nurses and staff caring for mom at the psych place wanted her there-they saw the good in mom that prior to admission the sibs never saw... ) I also had to give a statement at one time when she was placed for 72 hours of her hitting me--of course when she got questioned I was the one hitting her....
Guilt is always there-I still have messages that I saved from mom and the last one is her begging me to help and please please call her back---then she called 911 and after that --- mom was the disease
I wish you luck and have kept you in my thoguhts!
God does help---I sill wear the WWJD braclet just to keep me centered....and of course the mantra "Its just the disease"----a horrid horrid disease!

xxoo
karen

Kelly,
Well, it sure seems that for now this is starting to work out pretty well for you with your Mom. I know that this is so heartbreaking for you Kelly, but you concentrate on getting that young man of yours married, and on that beautiful new home of yours, and I'm sure the rest is going to start falling in place for you. One thing at a time, that's all you can do. You have such a wonderful family that supports you and is behind you all the way in your decisions. What great children you have raised and what nice friends you have. To take the younger girls is so nice of her, and really gets you a little freedom from having to worry about just one more thing.

You know we're always here to listen, so just keep on coming here and venting so that darn rash of yours will go away before that wedding. And maybe a little doctor visit for you would be good? Rashes can get very much out of control once they start, so keep up on that, and take it from one that knows about rashes. And make sure you never ever wash your face with hot or warm water, always cool. The heat from the water really does spread it. And mild, very mild soap if you have to use it. There's a face wash called Cetaphil that's highly recommended when you have any kind of rash. It's very mild and non irritating as it has no soap in it, but still cleanses the skin. You may want to try it if doesn't clear up soon.

Well keep us updated when you can. And a little tiny grain of your Moms medicine probably wouldn't hurt either for you. Although I find wine or a bit of brandy can also do the trick!! And much more enjoyable!

Jackie