Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

I guess I should update. It's not like I haven't been around, I just haven't had anything to say. Mom is not doing well. She's on hospice now, which is end-of-life in-home care. Yesterday a friend of hers visited and told me to call if I ever needed someone to sit with Mom while I napped or ran errands or whatever. She said she could read while Mom slept. I didn't say so, but reading while Mom sleeps, or just sitting with her and watching a stupid TV show, is precious time for me. Those are the good times. The times when I wish I could call someone in to take over are ones that I would never delegate to anyone else: like half an hour ago when I wished Mom goodnight and turned out her lamp, and immediately heard her start vomiting up her evening meds. I had to jump into crisis mode--crisis mode is a daily occurrence now, which is why I'm always exhausted--and get her cleaned up, the bed stripped and remade with clean linens, her back in bed, and now I have two loads of laundry to do.

So. Well, maybe I shouldn't have posted tonight after all.

I hope everyone out there has a peaceful and non-vomit-filled holiday season.

9 comments:

Aaron Polson said...

So sorry to hear, K.C. Watching a loved one in pain is very difficult. I'm sending all the love and positive vibes I can muster.

Take care.

K.C. Shaw said...

Thanks, Aaron. Fortunately, her pain level is very low and mostly just headaches and stomach aches. But that's bad enough.

Michael McClung said...

Thinking of you. Little enough, but true.

Cate Gardner said...

Thinking of you and your mom, Kate *Hugs*

K.C. Shaw said...

Michael and Cat--Thanks to both of you. It really does help.

Kelly Robinson said...

You two are so, so lucky to have each other. I hope knowing that helps carry you through this difficult time. Hang in there.

K.C. Shaw said...

I was just thinking a few minutes ago that I really should have had a daughter for when I need someone to take care of me. I'm glad I'm here for Mom.

Free Range Anglican said...

Kate. You're doing awesome. Wish I could be there.

K.C. Shaw said...

Thanks, I wish you could be here too, but it's wonderful to have Richard here. I don't think it'll be long for Mom and I was so afraid she would die before Richard saw her.