December 21, 2003

The snow on Wednesday didn’t amount to anything and Josh and Leah made it here in record time with no problems. We’ve been having a great time shopping, playing games, eating, and watching movies. We even went to a hockey game. Unfortunately, the Roanoke Express got creamed by Greensboro. We had seats right on the floor by the ice, though, and we had a blast.

My brother decided to make a day trip to visit for Christmas. I ended up meeting him at Facility. Although I had informed them ahead of time about the visit and received promises to have Mom ready, when I got there at 10 A.M. Mom was still in bed in her nightgown sleeping and the other residents were eating breakfast! I had plans to meet my brother between 10 and 10:30!

The aides had called in sick and apparently they had sent over an aide from a different house after she was finished serving breakfast there to come and take care of these folks. She knew nothing about Mom receiving a visitor, but I’m still puzzled about why no one had awakened Mom to eat.

Anyway, we got her up and dressed and she was halfway through breakfast before my brother got there. Sadly, Mom was sort of zoned out because she wasn’t really awake yet. She didn’t really recognize any of them.

As we sat and discussed Facility, my sister in law commented that my “Mom looks happy here.” I glanced at Mom and she was staring vacantly at the ceiling. I laughed and said, “Really? She looks happy?” Personally, I thought the comment was hilarious. My sister in law became defensive and made some remark.

I do think Mom is mostly happy there; it’s just that she was lying there trance-like with her eyes glued to the ceiling. I guess not everyone has my sense of humor. Some people even seem like they may have had theirs removed.

Anyway, we exchanged gifts and they helped me get Mom out to the car, which was very kind. The whole thing only took an hour. Then they were off to Smith Mountain Lake to meet my sister for lunch. I opted out of that visit because I had no idea how to get to the meeting place and it would have involved several hours away from Josh and Leah.

So I sent my sister’s family’s gifts with my brother. She just emailed me and told me she left gifts for my family at Mom’s house. So we don’t have to see each other at all. Aren’t we just a close-knit family?

At any rate, there is a sickness going around Facility. Some folks are very ill. The activities director was in a car accident and I have heard she might be out for six months! She’s going to be okay, though, and I’m really glad because she is as sweet as can be.

Also, after I brought Mom home, she came out of her shell and was grinning at Josh and trying to tickle me and even ate all the food I gave her. If she had been awakened at the normal time, she would have been more responsive to my brother and family. Oh well, too late now.

My brother never asked me where I was living or if I had a job or if I needed any help. He did ask me if I knew how to get in touch with Josh and Chris. Ummm, yeah! So he must think Chris isn’t living with me anymore. I guess he’s not curious enough to ask.

I got Christmas cards from two of Mom’s brothers and they both thanked me for taking care of their sister. Their kind words actually brought tears.

I had also sent Mom’s address out in my Christmas letter and a few folks sent her cards, which was also very sweet.

At this time of year, I think of Mom and remember how she used to love to wrap presents and put candy and ornaments among the ribbons and bows. She loved making the packages pretty.

There was so much about Mom that showed her deep love for her children and grandchildren. I barely noticed lots of it at the time, but obviously I noticed it enough to recall it now.

How sad that we rush through life in such a whirlwind that it’s only in retrospect that we come to fully appreciate so much.

I have to work for the next two days, then I’ll have four more days off. It’s a rough life!

I do pray that during the hustle and bustle during the holidays that you will take the time to remember the Lord who created everything, yet was born as a baby and walked the earth. He lived a perfect, sinless life and died a horrible death on the cross that we might have life. He rose on the third day and lives eternally. He alone can save you. I’m so glad He took mercy on me and saved my soul. Have you asked Him to save you? If not, maybe you should think about it.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.