I got home to Texas yesterday late in the day, before the storm hit. I'm happy to be here and not in OKC – the weather looks really awful there. And worse in lots of other places. If you are reading this from the big frozen middle of the country I hope you have power, food in the kitchen, and sewing to keep you happy.
We've been feeding lots of birds. The cardinals just would not stay put for a picture.
In other news, for those of you keeping up with my family, my sister is out of the hospital and home.I admit that I was not happy about it. I think she needs a bit more looking after than the dog will give her but there you go. She is an adult who makes her own decisions. I just hope that she's correct and that she can take care of herself at home. I will be very happy to have her prove me wrong.
My sister was happy for me to replace her as my Mom's trustee, which was what Mom said she wanted too. So yesterday I took a stack of papers to Mom and, with one of her good friends and another witness present, she signed everything necessary so that I can make decisions for her. My sister went with me later to the bank, more signing. Then back to Mom for even more signing. Today I was able to legally pay her bills and that made me feel a bit better. I hate late payments and penalties!
Mom is taking this all in stride, happily thinking about moving to Texas. It really makes me smile – she said with all seriousness that all she really wanted was a comfortable bed and toilet that fit her. (The one at Bellevue is too tall and hard for her.) And then there are a few pieces of furniture that she'd like to have, but if not that's OK too. She's just happy not to have to worry any more. Being the constant caregiver for my sister really took it out of her and she just can't go back to that ever again.
So now I'm going to be working on getting them both to Sherman. The first order of business will be finding a doctor willing to take Christy on as a patient. She's on Medicare which may help. After that things may move quickly. And, I hope, smoothly.
Piece O Cake Blog 
Your sister on her own for a short time will be good, as it will give her an appreciation of having a “safety net” and make the move to Sherman without too much whining.
Sounds like half of the things are in place, good. Enjoy your time home in the ICE….
Let’s quilt.
LikeLike
Things will happen the way they are supposed to, not necessarily the way we plan them! Hopefully for your sake, smoothly. I’ve been there with the whole “Trustee, Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate” ball of wax. Dont forget “Advanced Directives”, sometimes called a “Living Will”….that way you know what your mom’s wishes are regarding health and medical issues,and decisions are already made, so it makes it easier on you to just “follow her wishes”, and any decision making “burdens” are off your shoulders. It is a legal document. I think it is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child. After going through something similar with my parents we made sure we had all our “affairs in order” to make it easier on our kids, should decisions have to be made about us….hopefully not for a very long time!
LikeLike
You have carried a lot on your shoulders recently and hopefully things will lighten up as everything falls in place. Thanks for the update as I have been “worrying” aout you. You are a very strong lady.
LikeLike
There are very few cardinals here this winter. I don’t know why. Instead we seem to have tons of robins.
I hope all the transitions for your family go smoothly!
LikeLike
I’m glad to see an update and know you are safely in Sherman. I know it was had to leave OKC, but the next steps are in TX. You are in my heart and prayers.
LikeLike
Blessings to you and yours, Becky. I have been reading and following along as time permits. You and your family members seem to have a good attitude and that’s something to be celebrated!
We are in an icy Wintry wonderland too. Canadian robins, cardinals, juncos and sparrows have been feeding around our home. They are a marvel to watch and quite entertaining to boot! ; )
Take care, be warm and enjoy the stitches you make. There’s NO place like home!!!
LikeLike
Hi, Becky: I just saw an ad recently for Chex gluten free cereals. You probably already know about them, but I thought I’d pass the information on–just in case.
Remember that you have to put your oxygen mask on before helping others–a gentle reminder to take good care of you.
LikeLike
I remember that when my 84 year old mother-in-law broke her hip, we suddenly realized how bad my father in law’s Alzeiheimer’s had gotten and how much she had been compensating for it, if not downright covering it up. As she sat in the hospital, I commented to her that she had been carrying a heavy load — in secret — and that it might be a bit of a relief to her to be no longer responsible for that. Her answer: “You’re not kidding!”
Good luck on your new responsibilities. They are awesome, but it is an opportunity of a lifetime and a wonderful way to demonstrate to your kids what family is truly all about.
Beth
LikeLike
I’ll bet you’re glad that you’ve got all of the paperwork in order which is a huge relief. Good luck to you on getting your mom and sister moved to TX. I hope it goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
LikeLike
Hoping all goes smoothly on moving your Mom and sister to Texas. You have a lot of responsibility but at least your husband and family are there for you. Be sure to take good care of yourself! Having been through what you are going through, I know its not easy when a parent begins to decline. We will keep you in our prayers.
LikeLike
It sounds like the pieces are starting to fall into place for you. I’ll keep good thoughts that this trend continues. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself as well.
LikeLike