A challenging week | Ann's Hummingbird

On Monday last week Capital Caring hospice came and introduced themselves. We have a social worker, Faith, who is very thoughtful and communicates about resources and options, and two nurses, Ellen and Denise, who are so kind and attentive. One of them will stop by a couple of times a week to check in. This week we start with a CNA who helps with lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesday, Mom started on oxygen full time. Throughout the week Mom was just so fatigued and sleeps. She had small groups of friends visit on both Monday evening and Thursday afternoon. Mom usually feels much better after dinner into the evenings. On Saturday morning she woke up confused and a bit disoriented – not something we would like to see repeated and, as we all know, highly unusual for her. I spent the night with her and during that time her lung infection came back with a vengeance. Saturday night was truly awful for her as she was coughing and gasping and very uncomfortable. On Sunday morning some antibiotic and steroids were prescribed and some cough medicine which seems to help. A bright light in the form of my cousin and her god-daughter, Debbie, came to visit on Sunday afternoon. She has stayed over two nights and been a wonderful replacement for me. I have also enjoyed her company immensely. Yesterday, we met with a couple of home health organizations and settled on Right at Home to provide night-time coverage from 9 pm – 9 am. We will start with them tonight. For the time being, there seem to be a supply of friends and family waiting for an opportunity to come provide companionship during the daytime hours. If you are interested and available to visit sometime between 9 am and 9 pm, please let me know. I will try to get this organized. The best way to contact me is at kjgrumbles@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can reach me by phone at 703-303-4925 (cell), 703-248-9684 (home), or at mom’s (703-644-3004).
With great appreciation for your thoughts, prayers, and support. It is tangible in so many ways!
Karen

11 thoughts on “A challenging week”

Jayne Shontell August 5, 2014 at 11:05 am

Ann is so like the “Ever Ready Bunny.” It’s hard to hear that her energy is so diminished. I continue to hold her and all the family in prayer.

Pat Flowe August 5, 2014 at 11:24 am

I often think of you, Ann, and remember fondly those days when we both were younger – you were leading the contemplative prayer gatherings at church, and I was able to drive at night well enough to be a part of that uplifting program. I fell and broke my “hip” (upper right femur) last month and won’t be driving for a while – otherwise, I’d love to come for a short visit. But you and your family continue to be in my daily prayers, and it’s good to know that God is walking beside you with His arm around you as you face these challenging days . Thanks for being such an important part of my faith journey. Love and blessings, Pat F.

Mary Ann Payne August 5, 2014 at 11:26 am

Thank you, Karen. Praying for her comfort (and yours). Wish I were close enough to visit–and help. You are all in my thoughts so often.

Shubhda August 5, 2014 at 11:49 am

Thanks for keeping us all posted Karen. I know it means the world to your mom to know that you are taking care of so much and keeping her fans informed. Thinking of you and your mom.

Jan Mullinix August 5, 2014 at 12:04 pm

Please give my luv and luving thoughts ‘n prayers to your Mom. She is a dear, dear person who gave us such a wonderful retreat w/all of her wit, singing bowls, experience, faith, etc., etc…. We will always treasure our time together w/her and the many gifts of the spirit she shared w/us that weekend. She will continue in our prayers and be in our hearts as she is going thru this difficult passage… God bless u all… Jan

Regina August 5, 2014 at 4:03 pm

Dearest Karen, thank you for your updates on what must be a challenging time for everyone. Ann is such a remarkable woman and do give her a huge hug for me. I am currently at the beach but hold all of you with tender gratitude. Let Ann know she is surrounded by love from all realms of reality. One time when my automatic breathing was off and I was too exhausted to even think of breathing….the universe breathed into me as it will with Ann. It was like falling into a lightness of being…..tender, spacious and embracing. Love and hugs, precious ones.

Namcy Davis August 5, 2014 at 7:36 pm

Thank you dear Karen….so comforting to be informed…wish there was more I could do for you and my almost sister….Hospice and the caregivers will guide you with tender loving care….my prayers are with you….much love, Nancy