Not much to report today. Betty spent most of the day sleeping. A hospice aide came in and gave her a nice bath and family was of course there attending and visiting. God graciously answered our prayers to get Betty through her bath and changing without nausea or pain. The aide was of course taken with Betty and told her she was glad she got assigned Betty as a client. Betty teased that we'll see how she feels after a couple of visits. The aide assured Betty she will still be happy.
Betty's bedside table holds a few treasured trinkets and flowers along with her water.
She didn't really eat much of anything today, but Eric and Elena fed her a tiny bit of watermelon that she asked for and some ice chips. Elena reveled in taking care of her great grandma and was delighted at the fuss Betty made over the announcement that Elena had received honor roll again this semester. When she wasn't busy playing with her uncle, her video game, her dad or taking care of Betty, Elena was devoted to loving on Sadie and carrying her around. A very poignant and touching moment of the day was Elena standing on her daddy's feet as they maneuvered around the room and I thought back to Betty talking about dancing on her big brother's feet. I was so lost in the moment I didn't get a picture snapped, but it is forever etched in my mind.
Mary's husband Brad lovingly putting a cold compress to Betty's forehead was another very tender moment between mother in law and son in law and the love between them was obvious. In the midst of paperwork, household chores and other such obligations, every eye and ear is always attuned to the slightest movement coming from Betty, and her loved ones eagerly attend to the need of the moment. Such loving devotion in action, a true tribute to the woman Betty is and the loving character of her family.
Even though she was asleep much of the time, she asked us to keep talking while she dozed so we happily obliged. She didn't interject as much today as she usually does, but she did rouse here and there to join in the discussion before nodding back off again.
Even though she was asleep much of the time, she asked us to keep talking while she dozed so we happily obliged. She didn't interject as much today as she usually does, but she did rouse here and there to join in the discussion before nodding back off again.
She woke up for a little while this evening and we chatted some. Dana shared the newspaper article that Betty received in the mail from her friend in Atlantic, Iowa and Betty asked to see the included pic. It was an effort to open her eyes each time, but we did get the chance to see those lovely eyes of hers a few times. She shared with me that she is having a wonderful day because she is in the presence of the Lord.
I got to spend some time sharing hugs, kisses, and I love yous, sharing some whispers of endearment and her whispering to me that I am "one of her girls" among other things, almost brought me to tears. She was all smiles when I told her that I had blogged last night and she insisted that she wanted to hear every word, so Dana printed it out and I read it to her. It was a little intimidating but her smiles and laughter told me she was pleased, as did the "beautiful" she whispered when I was done. Even though when I asked her if it was all right she gave me her little half smile and said, "It'll do." I also got to spend some time just holding her hand and quietly praying for her. When Kevin came to pick me up he got his hand holding time in too. :-) Dana laughed at the fact that Betty is allowed to hold my husband's hand "because she is Betty". What can I say, a Grand Dame such as Betty Derry has earned some liberties in life! Kevin and I prayed with Betty before we left and she was resting comfortably when we left for the evening.
Sadie was especially out of sorts today but loved the attention she got from Mary and Elena.
Betty is managing on very little medication, and not having much pain at all. A little discomfort but that seems to mostly be due to being in bed and needing to adjust positions. Other than that, everyone is hanging in there and finding their rhythm and routine. Mary and Dana have fallen into a very natural split of duties, and work well together attending to Betty's every need. It is such a blessing to watch this lovely family care for and attend to their matriarch with such love and devotion to her and to each other. In this crazy, mixed up world we live in, the Derry family is a reminder of the stuff of which life is truly made.
I want to remind us all today that tomorrow is promised to no one, so let's keep our eyes focused on the truth of what is important in life. Loving the Lord with all our heart and loving one another! Make time to love someone special today.
Blessings,
Colleen
No comments:
Post a Comment