Thursday, September 30, 2021

9 days until we leave for Florida. And 2 years since DH entered long-term care for his final 3 months. It was a sad day especially since we didn't know how long he would live there. Though it was as nice a place as any of them, it was a blessing that he didn't have to be there for years like some. I remember spending the day decorating his room so it would feel like home. In his first days he liked to point at the family pictures so I am sure he recognized them.

Today we will probably walk Justice somewhere. I also need to start looking for a gift for SIL's birthday a week from today. We are meeting Mike's sisters for dinner for a last time before we go south though they will be visiting in early December.

Yesterday was an eat everything in sight day. But at dinner when I was eating protein (crab), my sleeve stopped me quickly. Will I never learn???

Have a safe and healthy Thursday!

Another gorgeous day in MI. Unseasonably warm with perfect blue skies. I might walk in a bit.

My dad's surgery went well and he got home last night. Catheter he hates in until Monday. We got sad news that my aunt (the nutty one with no filter) has not eaten or had anything to drink in 4 days. The end is near. My cousin said she just wants her mom in peace. Dementia is not a nice way to go. My dad is understandably upset. We had tried to go to see her, but when the trip fell through at the last minute, another one was not planned. I really think he couldn't stand the idea of seeing her like that as his last memory. He left me with my mom in the ICU and went home to let the dogs out and I was alone with her when she died. I think he just can't cope with those scenarios. No one wants to do them, but I think you show up and are present to honor the person you love who is passing - your pain in exchange for their comfort. I don't think less of him though. We all do the best with what we have in us. It's been a ****ty week for him between Barkley, surgery, and his sister.

I was down another 0.4 today despite the "share size" bag of peanut m&ms I devoured (honestly if I was only allowed one candy for the rest of my life, it would be those). They might show up on the scale tomorrow. So an even 10 since August 30.

Best to all of you today.

I am glad your Dad did well with his surgery.

Everyone copes with loss differently. I know DH felt strongly about family making an effort to see the dying person at the end but I have seen so many of my family handle death in such different ways I don't judge. I choose to be with my loved ones (including my animals) at the end but many cannot handle that.

I agree and try not to judge. I made sure my cousins knew so they weren't hurt that he didn't go see her. I think they understood.

I am judgmental as hell when it comes to being with your pets when they are euthanized. I have been there too many times and seen the difference of how dogs react to the process when a trusted and loved human is in the room and when they are simply "dropped off" and left to the professionals. The difference is profound. I refused to sell a puppy to someone who allowed a previous dog to be euthanized without her because she couldn't bear to see her dog go. That's not what I want for the dogs I bring into the world. I'm hard core about that. No apologies either.

My last couple were so peaceful. The vet had a "Living Room" where I was able to sit on a couch and hold them while she gave a shot to relax them, then the final one. They just drifted off.

Exactly as it should be!

My dad and his wife did stay with Barkley and Gracie when they were put to sleep. That lesson he's learned, but he struggles with humans.

The knee is still not better. I put KT tape on it today. I think the brace I ordered should arrive today, too. Some relief would be nice and very much appreciated. Besides, in one week I have to be in decent enough shape to show Blitz. Fingers crossed. Also emailed my doc, who is out until next Monday, for advice on next steps - x-ray, PT, exam, ??????

Having fun getting ready for the nationals next week. I am ready for a break from school. My small group of 6 boys is tap dancing on my last nerve. It will be nice when the other two boys come back from their Covid leave. One is supposed to be back tomorrow, but naturally, no word from the district. I heard from the mom yesterday that he was looking forward to returning on Friday. So many questions about the process that is in place that is clearly not working in the communication department.

Food.... must have been going around, Liz. Me, too! LOL. It was actually just too many carbs during the day and I was back in control after school, but it did feel like a free for all for a few hours there!

Is it Saturday yet?????

Haha, tap dancing on my last nerve. I'm gonna use that one tomorrow. :) I love, from SNL Hamm and Buble skit (watch it on u tube if you like either John Hamm or Michael Buble): you are on the thinnest of ice.

Cecily, I'm glad your Dad is safely home. Also, I know you love your Dad, and rightly so. I love my parents too. Prince of Tides: I loved them in all their outrageous humanity. But my heart broke a little when I read he left you to keep vigil with your Mom alone. You deserved better. My Dad can't always do what a father should, and that doesn't make him a bad person. But I deserved better than what I got, and so do you.

Liz, how is your blood pressure issue going? Are you still looking for a cardiologist?

Nothing to report here that's new. My groundhog's day existence will be shook up this weekend. Better finish packing.