Oh Dear

The x-ray did show something on Dad's right lung. [Editing to add: It's pneumonia. Bill didn't know how to spell it so he didn't type it in his text.] I'm bummed but not surprised. The wheezing just didn't sound good. Ves is referring Dad to a pulmonologist. Bill says Mom is upset and wants to talk about this, so I'm going over in a little bit. I'm sure it is frustrating and frightening. Mom wants Dad to get better so things can go back to the way they were before. Unfortunately, things just keep falling apart.

"Denial is when we tell ourselves that the situation is temporary, that it will soon be resolved. What we're denying is our parents' inevitable decline and a future where they'll need ongoing, permanent help. Maybe we can make the present situation more stable, but if we think about it, we know in our hearts that this is just the beginning. The situation today is about as good as it's ever going to be." Eleanor Cade

The kids and I went over this morning to help out. Mom let us vacuum, dust, clean bathrooms, launder towels and sheets, wash dishes, fill pill boxes, and help with baking. Nate sweetly sat at the piano with Aunt Helen and "played" with her. (Nate has never played the piano.) The girls and I "sang" along. The Von Trapp Family we are not! But it pleased Aunt Helen immensely and kept her occupied for a good while.

Earlier this week, we took Mom some blueberry muffins. She loved them. Today we took over a vegetable tian. She was excited about having it for dinner. I am excited that Mom is accepting food from us. The kitchen is her domain and she will give up cooking when we pry the spatula out of her cold, dead hand. I'm just glad we can give a little help. Help is good.

Postscript: Mom did not seem upset or worried at all. I did talk to Bill about the possibility of Dad going downhill fast. He sounds ready to honor Dad's wishes, whatever they may be.