I began the day with mom this morning. She was in bed and had already eaten breakfast. I was concerned because there was a mix up over who would come first to begin the day with mom and so I arrived later than usual. I was greeted by some of the CNAs and nurses as I passed the nurse’s station. When I walked into mom’s room, it was comforting to find her in bed, eyes closed, with a peaceful look on her face…and her CD player playing an Andrea Bocelli CD. The music filled the room. I found mom’s CNA who told me, “I got mom ready for the day and put her music on for her to listen to.” I was so touched by the kindness and concern of the CNA for mom. Being with mom each day, as rewarding as it can be, is sometimes a taxing experience; so it is great to know mom is in good hands when we can’t be there.
Shortly after I arrived, Anthony, Con and Dad came to see mom. I opened her eyes and she looked good but with a tired gaze. We talked to her for a while and then her lunch arrived--- all pureed food (turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, chocolate pudding). Anthony fed her and helped her feed herself first. She initially resisted. Then I took over feeding and helping her. I did my usual singing as she ate---much to the dismay of everyone present!!! They begged mom to eat so that I’d shut up!! Hahaha! I began to sing, “I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair” and then mom sang the last line, “And send him on his way.” As mom was eating dessert, Florence and Maureen came to see her. Mom smiled at them and answered a few questions. We all talked as mom listened and ate and drank and then mom fell asleep. They put mom in the wheelchair next and she woke up finally. Anthony worked on mom’s legs. He bent them at the knee and then counted and lifted them toward her waist while holding her foot. Con pushed against mom’s knee as Anthony did this in order to provide some resistance. Anthony did this exercise to the count of 20 and mom counted out some of the numbers with him. Next, Anthony kneels on the floor before mom and dangles mom’s feet, then he pushes them to make her move them. He taps mom’s knees in order to get her to move her legs. The last exercise Anthony did with mom involved him placing his arm under her knee and across to rest his hand on her opposite knee. Anthony squeezes (gently) the muscle above the knee and then runs his fingers down the length of her leg in order to stimulate the muscles. Mom didn’t do much today. It was a sleepy day for her. Finally, mom moved her right foot independently!!Anthony persisted and then mom finally pushed down with her left foot too!!! AND she lifted her right leg independently!!!
Terry came next and played with the NOOK with mom. They played games and talked. Dad said that mom ate all her dinner and remained awake.
Claudia came next and said that mom stayed awake but coughed a lot and needed to be suctioned a lot tonight. Claudia put the laptop on the tray right in front of mom with headphones and mom watched Jean’s entire show from last night. Mom also fiddled with toys on the bed as she watched. Mom then watched 2 episodes of M.A.S.H. and loved this too! Claudia is bringing and leaving a portable DVD player in the safe for mom to use because mom is more attentive when things are up close sometimes. Mom was basically out of it though and foggy and dazed. She only had little glimpses of connectivity. Claudia tucked her in for the night and prayed with her.
"Do not neglect your gift...give yourself wholly to them" 1 Timothy 4:14
No comments:
Post a Comment