Back from Seattle

I'm back. My trip was to be for one week, lasted a month.  Mom was in very bad shape when I got there .Every child's worst nightmare, she had been abused by a caregiver ,one who had good references and came from a licensed agency. It's that old story ,you need to be there, check in often, and often by surprise.

I won't go into details only to say that the proper authorities were notificed ,the State of Washington also sent out a nurse/investigator. Mom was truly traumatized and in a lot of pain, all of which could have been avoided and is very heart breaking. Neighbors heard her screaming, but thought she might have had a nightmare. It was a nightmare alright, but a real life one.

I arranged for hospise and all sorts of wonderful care for Mom and then stayed right there with her, reassuring her that no one would ever hurt her again.  I'm happy to say that when I left yesterday she was happy again, not so scared, feeling better, and had a cute new hair cut, some new clothes, and a manicure, too.

I'd still be in Seattle, sleeping on the terrific Euro bed my cousin Claudia brought over, but I had already postponed my pet scan twice and just had to get back for it.  I'll have it on Monday the 10th with results on the 13th, so keep positive thoughts for me, and for Mom.

My goal is to get back up to Seattle in two weeks and spend more quality time with Mom, doing things like going on a walk along the lake , going to the beauty parlor, taking a ride in the car -- little outings that make her smile again.

I won't say it hasn't been rough, because it has and I'm emotionally drained and physically spent, too... but once I get unpacked will rest up for my scan.

The weather in Seattle was absolutely perfect, in the 70's every day, blue skies, no rain. Mom was able to sit in her wheelchair out on the deck over Lake Washington, enjoy the sun shine and the views and that made her happy. She kept telling me how much she loved me and how it just made her happy to look up and see me sitting next to her or holding her hand. I also slept with her some nights and that was very comforting to her, that knowing it was me with  her and not a stranger she might not trust.

I'm amazed at what hospise does. It isn't about dying, it is about quality of life and  comfort and love and doing things geared towards happiness rather than pain and sorrow. The social worker is wonderful, kind and loving and cute... the nurse who comes in three times a week is top of the line -- heck, they all are and it has made a giant difference in mom's abilities to cope. Mine, too!

Now , I must unpack.

I've got a month's worth of mail , aka bills, and unpacking to do, but thought I better get something on here before you began to file a missing person report on me.

~Jan

Comments

[Tracey Priestley Schaaf]

What wonderful news for you!!! Hope you are celebrating (quietly as per doc's orders of course). I'm so happy for you and your family. And for all of your friends and fans as well. You are always in my thoughts and prayers, as is your mom. Good things ahead.
Love,
Tracey

[Ann Erdman]

I'm glad you found Hospice! San Diego Hospice was a Godsend when my mother was at the end of her life. I always assumed that Hospice was just for cancer patients and was so grateful, along with the entire family, to learn that this organization of angels is there for anyone. I hope you can get some good rest before you head back to Seattle.

[Maria]

Hi Jan. How truly awful for your Mum. I really feel for her. And you to find her like that. I am so glad to hear that you got things sorted re that so called carer.
Thinking of you and will write to you again very soon. Will send you thoughts and prayers for Monday.
Hugs
Maria XX