This Week

 What a week! It started out here...

And ended here...

Yep. Last Sunday, we left our cozy home tucked inside the beautiful autumn trees of Maryland and traveled back to our cozy home on a small lake in Pennsylvania. What have we done this first week of November? Plenty.

We voted, had our best friends over to watch the returns and eat Peyton's amazing cupcakes, and rested near the fire and on the couch.

I also went to my semi-yearly physical with my primary care physician at the first appointment of the day, of course. I ran several loads of laundry, attempted to locate all the random things I could not find at the other house, had a cozy lunch with my girls at Petyton's house, and made plans to see some favorite people while we were here. But by far, the very best thing I did this week was this...

 

I spent the afternoon with my beautiful mother! She was doing great, and we had the best time! 

We had a great visit, talking and laughing. It was a good day. I will tuck that one into my heart and pull it out whenever needed. We also prayed the rosary with Mom and the residents. Three of the nicest women I have known since I was a kid come every Wednesday to pray with the residents. Mom and I led the first decade of prayers, and Mom knew every word. Steve and I also met with some of the staff there, so Madison got to visit her gram and help her with her lunch. These two have been this close since the day Madison was born.

As for the meeting, no matter how good or clean the facility is, families must remember it is acceptable and necessary to advocate for their loved ones. Sometimes, phone calls and emails are not received in the intended tone, and in-person meetings, while uncomfortable, are imperative for positive communication among families, staff, and physicians. I can support and appreciate the facility in which my mother resides, but I am still entitled to ask questions about the care she is receiving and the medication she is prescribed. I have said it before, and I will say it forever: I will be my mom's voice as long as she needs me to be. She was my voice, my first teacher, biggest supporter, and strongest advocate, and remains my best friend. So that's that.

Well, I am off to get ready for the day. This morning, we have two dogs to take to the vet, Mocha and Cosmo, for their yearly checkups. Later, we are going to Hallmark for their Holiday Open House, followed by dinner with Peyton and Chris and Steve's brother Todd and his wife Beth. I am so happy to spend time with them. Have a lovely weekend, my friends.

Billie Jo