Busy beautiful fall

So, the last month has flown by, not sure what all has kept me so busy, still clearing things out of the house. Nice days find me outside reclaiming the house from the surrounding woods and weeds, not so nice days I'm inside with one chore or another. The basement is still in need of lots of time and attention, but as long as the sun shines, I'd rather be out wielding my new Black and Decker tree loppers!

I see mom about every other day. A few weeks ago I took her out of the Care Center for the first time, and we drove over to Tom's house. He made grilled cheese sandwiches for us and we visited for an hour or so before mom was ready to go. The next time we went was on a weekend, and she got to see her grandkids. It was a good visit.

Yesterday, however, my visit was not as easy or pleasant as they had been. The weather had taken a turn for the worse, rainy and cold all day long. Mom has long been affected by whatever bad weather turns up (she's been talking about the snow coming since June). Her mood was dark and she was obviously depressed. I did my best to entertain her, we left the unit and walked around the rest of the residence, stopping in the cozy alcoves to rest and check out the animals in the birdfeeders. When it came time for me to go, though, she sort of fell apart and began to sob. Of course, that made me cry too, and the guilt crept right back in - in spite of the fact that I know in my heart that we made a good decision to get her this care and I am sure that she is in a great place and being cared for by wonderful people.

I know from experience that she was probably fine 5 minutes after I left, but the coming winter is likely to take its toll on her and on me and the brothers as well. No matter, I am committed to making sure that mom is NOT left abandoned by her family, as too many of the residents at the CCCC seem to have been. She needs us - but more, I need her in my life.

I hope this finds my friends in good health and happy times. Stay warm, here it comes!