After several years of having to use a step stool to get Mom in and out of our van, and then physically lifting her into the seat, we found and purchased a used wheelchair van. A huge bonus was the power chair that the seller threw in for free after meeting Mom and I.
What a difference it is making in our lives! We’ve been to the beach, to doctor appointments, and to visit friends. On Mother’s Day, we went to my daughter’s home for lunch, and then to meet my brother and his horses. It was hard to spend the money, and yet I am so happy that we made this decision.
Mom (and I) have a whole new outlook on life. I’ve tried so hard to honor her requests to stay at home, but I’ve worried about how isolated she is and wondered if she’d do better if she had more interaction with others. That worry is gone, as she is now free to visit friends, go out to lunch, etc. What a blessing!
My husband will be halfway through his 90-day recovery period after his spine surgery this Saturday. Needless to say, it has been a difficult period for me, taking care of both Mom and my husband. Oh yeah, and we bought his mother a mobile home yesterday in a senior park and are working on getting her moved near us (she is 2000 miles away and has lots of memory issues).
We are taking a week vacation next week and going to visit son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Although I’m a little overwhelmed at what needs to be accomplished before I can get on the plane and move into “vacation mode,” I can’t wait!
Yesterday I planted our garden with Mom giving input and advice, and thought to myself, “Now this is exactly why we built her a home right next door.” My only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner. There are times that caring for her is so hard, but I am so blessed to have her with me and that she is the amazing woman that she is.
Oh, how wonderful to have freedom! What good news for all of you.
The vacation sounds terrific. Any special plans or outings while you’re visiting?
So wonderful to hear that things are looking up!! Caregiving is one of the hardest tasks we do in our lives (some never have to), but it is so rewarding too! I hope you enjoyed your vacation!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..BR: 90 Minutes in Heaven =-.