Pampered Feet

This is a picture of mom that was taken a little over a year ago when she came to visit me (Julie) in Canada. She was enjoying a bit of pampering when a friend came over and gave her a pedicure. She still enjoys a foot rub and Denise, one of the assistants from hospice, does an excellent job. We've been so thankful for all of those who come and help out from hospice. They continue to come each day for one to two hours.

Mom's been sleeping more soundly this past week. Each day is a learning experience and since she can't verbally communicate, we're beginning to read her discomfort a bit better.

Mom is continuing to drink liquids and seems to do well with chocolate flavored Ensure mixed with milk, orange juice (diluted with water) and water. She enjoys a back rub, so we tried rolling her onto her stomach last week, but that didn't go over to well. She's just too "stiff" these days.

Music is the one thing that really relaxes her. She loves to listen to hymns on CD as well as a sermon now and then. She also seems to enjoy looking at photos. It would be nice to put together a photo book for her so if any of you have recent photos and can email or send them to us (jjmeyers@hotmail.com) we'd really appreciate it. If you could include your name and the date the photo was taken, that would make it easier for me.

We just want to express our thanks to all who have been checking this blog, as well as sending notes of encouragement. We continue to cherish your prayers.

Chocolate Ice Cream

For those of you who know our mom, she has always loved ice cream. As most of you know, she stopped eating a little over a month ago. The one thing that she has taken from time to time is chocolate ice cream. For those of you who are from the Eastern PA area, and have access to Green's Ice Cream, we highly recommend the Dutch Chocolate. At least, mom seems to really enjoy it.

She has been growing more and more restless during the day and night and since she can't speak, it's a guessing game to figure out what's troubling her. Is she in pain? Scared? What's she trying to tell us? Does she want to sit up? Lay down? Is she uncomfortable? Is she thirsty? Hungry? ...and the list goes on. It is so very difficult to see a loved one in need and not know how to meet that need. We are constantly trying new things and ask you to pray for wisdom for us and peace and comfort for mom.

We've heard a lot of positive feedback about this site and are glad it's proven to a blessing for so many to check and get updates. Please email any questions (jjmeyers@hotmail.com) you may have and we'll be happy to answer them.

For mom and John,
Julie

A Picture from the Past

No real update on mom these days. She continues to grow weaker and weaker, but no significant change other than that. She sleeps most of the day but has restless moments and has been restless at night. Please pray that she'll sleep more soundly.

This past week Mom enjoyed visits from two neighbors, Mary and Linda. It was good of them to come. It's hard to read her these days as she doesn't smile anymore and gives very little response to anything.

We thought some of you may enjoy a family picture, including our dog Sparky. This was taken at Brooklyn Navy Yard in the 70's. Notice the twin towers in the background.

Room with a View

Most of you know that a hospital bed was brought in about 2 weeks ago. We decided to place her bed in the living room so she could still look out of the window. We wanted to show you that Mom has a beautiful view of the valley, the view that she's enjoyed for the past 35 years.

She spends most of her days sleeping, or I should say resting. Because she is not eating, her body is growing weaker and weaker. She still manages a smile though.

Yesterday, we were at the grocery store and (brother) John called our cell phone and left a message for us to pick up some cookies. (Husband) John listened to the messages and found some large chocolate chip cookies and placed them in the cart and said, "Your brother called and wants some big cookies." It didn't make sense because that's not something he would typically eat, but I thought maybe he wanted the cookies to see if mom would eat them. After we got home, (brother) John saw the chocolate chip cookies on the table and asked, "did you get any fig cookies?" I cracked up. I told (husband) John, "He said fig cookies not big cookies." Mom had a smile on her face. It was worth it!