Smiley

It brightens our day to see Mom smile. She's doing well. She's not in any pain. And she's enjoying several small meals each day. Although bedridden, we are able to move her to her chair for periods of time. We're looking forward to the warmer weather and hoping she can sit in her wheelchair out on our deck to take in some sun. For the most part, she sleeps well at night and Penny continues to take excellent care of her. We are also grateful for hospice and the commitment to care they show toward mom. They are all surprised at how well she's been doing. We're simply thankful and it seems that mom is as well.

Don't Ask Me to Explain It

"Don't ask me to explain it", said mom's hospice nurse. My reply was simply, "You don't have to." Mom is eating again. She started eating about 3 weeks ago. I was snacking on some cashew nuts and mom threw me a look as if to say, "What do you have there"? She always liked nuts and especially cashews. I asked her if she would like one and she nodded so I placed it on her lip. I was a bit reluctant because she hasn't eaten in so long and I was worried she could choke. Well, she chewed it up into tiny bits and swallowed it. I gave her another and the same thing. Then another...and another...and another. She ate about 6 altogether and we figured that was enough for someone who hadn't had any solid food for almost 3 months.

Since then, she has graduated to 2 or 3 small meals each day. Breakfast includes Ensure, a piece of toast and a 1/2 cup of coffee. Later in the day she may have fish, meatloaf, or spaghetti with some vegetables and rice. Again, these are small portions, but she's eating. She's also eating ice cream, pudding, yogurt, and she still enjoys her cashews!

God has allowed her to enjoy eating again. She looks better and is smiling more these days. We thank God for each day we have with mom and thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement.