Posted in the Everett Herald today, September 19th.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldnet/obituary.aspx?n=claudine-nina-jorgensen-lorrie&pid=145504088
One correction/typo to note: she was defiantly "one-of-a-kind!" - should read she was definitely "one-of-a-kind!"
We sure miss her...yep, we sure do!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Poems for Lorrie's Friends & Family
Written for Steven, husband~1984
You are my light in my darkness of my mind.
You light my way through all my frightened dreams & cold yesterdays.
You are my light that brings on many tomorrows & clears away of all my sorrow.
Written for Juanita, daughter ~2002
Time and time again you can be told words of love, but do you ever hear those words,
that say I LOVE YOU!
Written for Victor B. Malkowski, in rememberence of his Son, Ernest David, from a mother who loved him~2003
My ashes were sent off to in the waters of our mother, the earth, who bears all creatures.
My ashes were sent off to be with my brothers, the fish, whose bodies gleam in the sunlight.
My ashes were sent off to be with my creator, who makes all things big and small alike.
My ashes were sent off to with love in my Father's heart and tears in my Father's eyes.
Writen for daughter, Lauralei~1987
Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei, you are so beautiful to me, you are like a mermaid out upon the sea. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei do you sing a siren's song, or to me do you belong. Oh Lauraleit, sweet Lauralei do you sit upon the rocks in the water there, do you sing to ship passing in air. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei.
Written for Stephanie, 1978
My Little Girl
There is my little girl whose mind is in a whirl, See her spin & see her twirl.
She runs with hair a flying, she turns on a smile without even trying.
She is fair & she is fine, she will always be mine.
Hair so blonde & skin a shine, that wonderous little girl of mine.
Written for Douglas, Son, 1979
I keep waiting for a ride up there to see your face light up with Joy & Care, then we'll sit in ole' straight back chair while we talk and visit awhile. You see me grin & I see you smile, then I'll leave after awhile.
Written for Douglas, Son 1988
God put some people here to sing their songs, God put some people here to do their dancing. Got put some people here to till their the lands, God put some people here to work with their hands. Go put me here to do all those things & love to you my son and hope for you my and all this brings.
Written for Steven, husband, 1985
You are perfect in my eyes, just the same as sunny skies. You can do no wrong, to me you belong.
Written for Grace, Mother-in-Law, 1985
A Mother
A mother is warm, sunny & bright, a mother loves you at first sight. A mother tucks you in bed at night, a mother is one you love with all your might.
Written for herself, Lorrie
Granny
Once upon a time there was a smokin-tokin granny a sittin in her rockin chair,
She was so high, she thought she was on a rocket ship, going up to the sky,
But there she sits and it's all a lie.
Written for Stacie Lee, Grandaughter 1992
Shining Star of my life, your bright eyes & sunny smiles bring light to my heart & eyes. You are a treasure, my heart's desire and your special beauty is that of which I will never tire.
Written in Rememberence of George Jorgensen, Father-in-Law
My Father's Funeral
My father lay in a casket one grey and dreary day, all his friends had come from miles around to have their say. We all stood above him with tears and love in our eyes, everyone praying for his passing byes. We placed his favorite hat there upon his chest, we pressed it down lovingly upone his breast. The preacher prayed and said his words, his voice was like a thousand firey swords. Songs were sung in a beautiful voice, song that said, Oh, Lord he didn't die by choice." My mother, brothers, and sister were there along with me, all of us thinking our father is free, then came the geese to carry his spirit and angels are singing & can't you hear it.
Written for herself~Lorrie
On the Road~1978
As I travel along lifes lonely ole' road, I'll never fail to carry my load.
I carry my tent upon my back, a silver sword & old brown pack,
Of friends and fools I'll never lack.
Then I'll settle down and rest a spell, come listen to the songs & stories I tell.
SAY~2003
When I am dying, what will you say.
When I am Dead, what will you say.
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish I had said I love you."
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish I had called more often."
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish I had kissed or hugged you more often."
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish you were here again."
Were you Mine~1993
Were you mine, were you mine, did you touch my hand, were you mine.
Were you mine , were you here If only only for a moment in time
Were you mine, were you mine, were you here or only a dream in my mind.
Were you mine, were you mine.
1979
Smile at a stranger & he'll be a stranger no more.
Smile at an enemy & there will be no war.
Written for the Seattle Supersonics Basketball Team~1980
Our Great Seattle Super Sonics, they don't have super bionics.
Nor do they take super tonics, but they are our Wonderous Thunderous Supersonics!
When you want me~2006
When you want me, pretend I am standing right next to you.
When you need me, pretend I am standing right next to you.
When you want a hug, pretend my arms are around you & I am standing right next to you.
When I go from this life, pretend I am standing right next to you, because I really am.
You are my light in my darkness of my mind.
You light my way through all my frightened dreams & cold yesterdays.
You are my light that brings on many tomorrows & clears away of all my sorrow.
Written for Juanita, daughter ~2002
Time and time again you can be told words of love, but do you ever hear those words,
that say I LOVE YOU!
Written for Victor B. Malkowski, in rememberence of his Son, Ernest David, from a mother who loved him~2003
My ashes were sent off to in the waters of our mother, the earth, who bears all creatures.
My ashes were sent off to be with my brothers, the fish, whose bodies gleam in the sunlight.
My ashes were sent off to be with my creator, who makes all things big and small alike.
My ashes were sent off to with love in my Father's heart and tears in my Father's eyes.
Writen for daughter, Lauralei~1987
Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei, you are so beautiful to me, you are like a mermaid out upon the sea. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei do you sing a siren's song, or to me do you belong. Oh Lauraleit, sweet Lauralei do you sit upon the rocks in the water there, do you sing to ship passing in air. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei.
Written for Stephanie, daughter, 1978
I speak to you of many things, golden ships and butterfly wings, monkey's talils and sparkling rings. I tell you of mermaids and giants in the sky & of all the fairytales that never die.
Written for Stephanie, 1978
My Little Girl
There is my little girl whose mind is in a whirl, See her spin & see her twirl.
She runs with hair a flying, she turns on a smile without even trying.
She is fair & she is fine, she will always be mine.
Hair so blonde & skin a shine, that wonderous little girl of mine.
Written for Douglas, Son, 1979
I keep waiting for a ride up there to see your face light up with Joy & Care, then we'll sit in ole' straight back chair while we talk and visit awhile. You see me grin & I see you smile, then I'll leave after awhile.
Written for Douglas, Son 1988
God put some people here to sing their songs, God put some people here to do their dancing. Got put some people here to till their the lands, God put some people here to work with their hands. Go put me here to do all those things & love to you my son and hope for you my and all this brings.
Written for Steven, husband, 1985
You are perfect in my eyes, just the same as sunny skies. You can do no wrong, to me you belong.
Written for Grace, Mother-in-Law, 1985
A Mother
A mother is warm, sunny & bright, a mother loves you at first sight. A mother tucks you in bed at night, a mother is one you love with all your might.
Written for herself, Lorrie
Granny
Once upon a time there was a smokin-tokin granny a sittin in her rockin chair,
She was so high, she thought she was on a rocket ship, going up to the sky,
But there she sits and it's all a lie.
Written for Stacie Lee, Grandaughter 1992
Shining Star of my life, your bright eyes & sunny smiles bring light to my heart & eyes. You are a treasure, my heart's desire and your special beauty is that of which I will never tire.
Written in Rememberence of George Jorgensen, Father-in-Law
My Father's Funeral
My father lay in a casket one grey and dreary day, all his friends had come from miles around to have their say. We all stood above him with tears and love in our eyes, everyone praying for his passing byes. We placed his favorite hat there upon his chest, we pressed it down lovingly upone his breast. The preacher prayed and said his words, his voice was like a thousand firey swords. Songs were sung in a beautiful voice, song that said, Oh, Lord he didn't die by choice." My mother, brothers, and sister were there along with me, all of us thinking our father is free, then came the geese to carry his spirit and angels are singing & can't you hear it.
Written for herself~Lorrie
On the Road~1978
As I travel along lifes lonely ole' road, I'll never fail to carry my load.
I carry my tent upon my back, a silver sword & old brown pack,
Of friends and fools I'll never lack.
Then I'll settle down and rest a spell, come listen to the songs & stories I tell.
SAY~2003
When I am dying, what will you say.
When I am Dead, what will you say.
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish I had said I love you."
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish I had called more often."
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish I had kissed or hugged you more often."
Will you say, "Hey, Mom, I wish you were here again."
Were you Mine~1993
Were you mine, were you mine, did you touch my hand, were you mine.
Were you mine , were you here If only only for a moment in time
Were you mine, were you mine, were you here or only a dream in my mind.
Were you mine, were you mine.
1979
Smile at a stranger & he'll be a stranger no more.
Smile at an enemy & there will be no war.
Written for the Seattle Supersonics Basketball Team~1980
Our Great Seattle Super Sonics, they don't have super bionics.
Nor do they take super tonics, but they are our Wonderous Thunderous Supersonics!
When you want me~2006
When you want me, pretend I am standing right next to you.
When you need me, pretend I am standing right next to you.
When you want a hug, pretend my arms are around you & I am standing right next to you.
When I go from this life, pretend I am standing right next to you, because I really am.
Copy of Mom's Obituary
Claudine Nina Jorgensen"LORRIE"
Lorrie, of Marysville, Washington was 76 years young when she passed away at home, her husband, Steven, was at her side holding her hand, on the early morning of Sunday, September 5th, 2010. Lorrie suffered with Lung Disease & Leukemia.
Lorrie was born March 29th, 1934 in Los Angeles, California.
She is survived by many family members. Firstly, her "Sweetheart" and Husband, Steven Wayne Jorgensen, being happily married to him for over 41+ years; Marysville. Daughter, Stephanie Annette Seeds; husband William; three grandchildren, Stacie, Scott and Skylar; Granite Falls, WA. Mother-in-Law, whom she lovingly thought of as her own mother, Grace Jorgensen and in loving memory of her Father-in-Law, George Jorgensen; Sioux Falls, SD.
Lorrie had two marriages prior to her life with Steven.
Her first Marriage she had two children; survived by both. Son, Simeon Douglas Omeha; grandson, Sidney; Seattle, WA. Daughter, Violet Marie Fegan; grandchildren, Gabriel, Jacqueline; Harrisburg, PA.
During Lorrie's second Marriage she had five children and is survived by four.
Son, Victor Allen Malkowski; two granddaughters, Angela and Kathleen; St. Louis, MO
Son, Larry Dale Malkowski; wife Donna; St. Louis, MO
Daughter, Lauralei Binns; husband Jerry; four grandchildren, Michael, Dusty, Samuel and Veronica; Clayton, NC
Daughter, Juanita Maria Barry; husband Dave; four grandchildren, Stevie, David, Elizabeth and Sarah; Colorado Springs, CO
Preceded in death by a Son, Ernest David Malkowski; survived by four grandchildren, Tina, Lil' Ernie, Lil' Juanita and Brian.
Lorrie had much love to give and pass around, even if she didn't know you, she would try to make friends with you. Some of her most memorable and passionate interests that will be remembered include playing her Fender guitar and singing on the back porch, having a drink or two (she could make a great screwdriver!), writing poems & short stories, drawing pictures in charcoal pencil, crewel embroidery, crocheting colorful blankets, macramé, crossword puzzles, camping, fishing, being outdoors, going to swap meets, gardening, playing online and e-mailing her pen-pal friends. Lorrie will always be remembered for her many collections; stamps, key chains, buttons, driftwood, pipes, Mickey Mouse, knives/swords and buying many unusual things at garage sales. May it also be known that Lorrie always loved fried chicken!
Lorrie’s lifetime dream, upon her death, was to have her body donated to the Willed Body Program at the University of Washington in Seattle. She was accepted and this dream of hers was fulfilled! Lorrie’s wishes were not to have a funeral or a memorial.
Written by Lorrie in 2006
~Standing Right Next to You~
When you want me, pretend I am standing right next to you,
When you need me, pretend I am standing right next to you,
When you want a hug, pretend my arms are around you and I’m standing right next to you,
When I go from this life, pretend I am standing right next to you, because I really am.
When you need me, pretend I am standing right next to you,
When you want a hug, pretend my arms are around you and I’m standing right next to you,
When I go from this life, pretend I am standing right next to you, because I really am.
On behalf of Lorrie and family we would have also like to give a big heartfelt thanks to her Hospice Nurse, Suzanne and her Caregiver, Jill for all of their support during a most difficult time in her life.
As Lorrie would say, “Vaya Con Dios!!”
Monday, September 6, 2010
~Sunday, September 5th~
~Sunday, September 5th - Mom slept in this morning, she passed away around 6:10 am
William and I went over Saturday morning, around 1130. William helped Dad move a few heavy objects to the new apartment and I stayed with Mom....Skylar was at his friend's house. We left around 330pm. Dad called me back Saturday evening around 700pm and said I might want to come back over. Mom doesn't sound good, she was gasping short shallow breaths and not responding to him. I went over and spent a few hours sitting w/her and Dad. I lit up her candle and put her little sweet gifts around it. I got a cold washcloth and put it on her forehead and temples. I kept getting the washcloth cold and putting it on the palms of her hands and behind her neck...I was hoping to get some response. Dad had called Hospice and they advised him to give her a double dose of her morphine, he did and it didn't do anything to help, so they said give her one more dose; that didn't do anything either. Next, they said to give her a smashed up Lorazapam pill and liquid morphine in a spoon and put it under her tongue. When I brought the spoon, I said to her, "I am giving you some medicine to go under your tongue" and she lifted her tongue up and took the medicine. She still had alot of crackling and short gasps of air, so I took her "inhaler" and when she breathed in I gave her a couple puffs. She seemed to settle down with the crackling "rattle" sound some and seemed to be resting peacefully now. A Hospice Nurse showed up and said she probably wouldn't wake up again and would most likely stay in a coma like sleep (but, we heard that before, but this time we sorta knew she was right).
I sat with mom, rubbed her arm and held her hand feeling her pulse until I left. I covered her up good and told her what a good woman she is. I left around 10:30, I think.
I woke up on Sunday, leaned over and grabbed my cell phone and called my Dad. He said he doesn't think he can find a pulse and he doesn't think she is breathing. I got up...and was out the door within a matter of minutes. I arrived and Mom was not breathing and she had no pulse, she was still warm, but not breathing anymore. We stood there in shock for a little bit and then I just loved on my mom and covered her up to keep her warm.
Dad called Hospice and advised them that she was gone. Mom's long time dream was to always have her body donated to science to help other people learn about the human body. She was signed up with the Willed Body Program at the University of Washington. The UW came and picked her up after a couple of hours of being notified this morning. Such a selfless act, that is what she was known for.
I stayed with my Dad until around 630pm~We packed up some of the glassware in the Living Room and reminisced. A long time family friend, Kim, came over to see us for awhile too. It was a really sad day knowing that we will not be able to see her or talk to her or hear her anymore.
Monday, Septemeber 6th~Dad came over for Dinner :)
- I do want to thank everyone for the warm wishes and condolences. Mom Lorrie was One-of-a-kind ;) THANK YOU.
Poems by Mom - Lorrie Jorgensen
Just a few thoughts
~Just a few thoughts traveling through my head, Sometimes I wish they were out instead. Oh, that I could write them all down, Instead of acting like a clown. All the things I want to say, but there inside my head they stay.
~We are all God's Children and for him we must strive to be the best we can throughout our whole life.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Deep Sleeping lately...
The last few days have kinda been blurred into one. Today is Sept 1st for me, but I will probably post this tomorrow.
August 30th-Monday~I don't think I went over today...that's right, I worked on my yard.
August 31st-Tuesday~Hmmmm, that was only yesterday....Oh yes, Skylar and I went over. I helped Dad move a few things from dining room to spare room, wall hangings and such. Dad got his approval for the apartment in Arlington. Mom hasn't been opening her eyes much the last couple days. I brought a little heart candle holder and a few candles for mom.
September 1st-Wednesday~It's a new month :) Mom slept most all day on this day, barely spoke at all. I went over in the morning w/Skylar for awhile and she had the "rattle breathing" pretty badly. Dad took Skylar over to Target to buy a Pokemon toy...that was nice :) Skylar is such a trooper! I came back around 730-800pm and sat w/mom for awhile, a couple of times it seemed like she really wanted to talk, but couldn't. I just sat there and held her hand and told her, "everyone is fine, everyone is good." (She was probably trying to tell me to shut up and quit rubbing her arm and hand.....lol)
September 2nd-Thursday~Dad called me at 8:15am and said keeps telling him, "it's time, it's time" and pointing at her Mickey Mouse watch....then Dad realized her oxygen machine was unplugged!! He thinks maybe the dog was chasing a "rat" and got the cord unplugged...poor mom~!! She was coherant and I talked to her for a bit...her "rattled breathing" sounded pretty bad, Dad gave her some secretion dry up medicine, but he said it didn't really do anything to help yet. I was able to have Skylar go to his friend's house for the day and I am now headed up to visit.
~One of Mom's Poems~
We have sent food to a distant land, we have fed our brethren, we have fed other man, we must now send food to our own Glorious land, we must feed our own USA man.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Give her and inch and she wants a mile!
August 28th~SaturdayI stayed home today and worked on my yard, but I talked to Mom on the phone in the morning. She got on the phone and said, "HEEELLLLOOOO, STEPHANIEEEEE" and so I said, "HELLO, MOOOOOMMMMM." She was in good spirits today. She requested a crewel embroidery, so I told her I would try to find a beginner one or a kid one that she can try. Who knows....whatever she wants, right?
August 29th~Sunday
Mom really enjoyed her beer on Thursday that now she had my Dad get her one on Saturday and is now requesting a Screwdriver Drink! Give her and inch and she wants a mile! Granted now, she quit drinking quite some ago, but it was always her drink of choice. (I've heard that some people have swabbed the mouths of a dying person w/their liquor they used to drink.) I stopped at the Liquor Store in Granite Falls (open on Sunday) and picked her up two little baby bottles of Absolute and an OJ.
Dad went to the Smokey Point Swap Meet yesterday and again today to make extra $. Our caregiver leaves at 2pm on Sunday, so I needed to be there until Dad got home at about 3pm. Dad brought home a really nice card from nice Swap Meet Friends that knew Mom, they also gave her some nice Silver Dollar coins, that was very nice of them. Mom was doing pretty good when I got her today. I fixed her pillow under her legs to be under her calves/not her knees, so her heals would not have any bed pressure. I also made little tents to keep the blanket pressure off her some too. She asked me what I was doing, with a puzzled iratated look....I told her I was trying to make her all comfy (she's like 'whatever').
Dad got home, a little before 3pm and I heated up the Chili that the Caregiver made for them; they both enjoyed it :) Mom ate about a good 8-10 bites! I smashed it up a little and made sure she got some beans.
Mom wanted her Screwdriver drink, so I made her a half of a drink in her Mickey Mouse cup. I had let her hold the little bottle of Vodka and asked her, "Now, how do I make a Screwdriver?" She wouldn't tell me, because she said , "You and Christine knew how to make one." LOL! I asked her if she could taste the Vodka and she said, "YEP, YEP, YEP!!" LOL!
I vacuumed up the house really good and did some laundry. Dad has been in the process of moving some belongings to a Storage Unit lately and will most likely start setting up the new Apartment in Arlington as soon as the paperwork is final (probably Sept 1st). He does not plan on completely moving out of the Mobile Home until October. The room where Mom sleeps (living room) is untouched.
A little later, around 5pm Mom wouldn't wake up for us! I would say, "Lorrie, Mom, Mother...Open your eyes." She wouldn't budge. My Dad got pretty worried, thought she had a stroke or something.....I felt for her pulse and it was good and she was breathing. My Dad called the Hospice Hotline and a Nurse was going to come by and see her. We finally got her to respond to us a little and Dad said, "how come you didn't answer us?" and she said, "because I didn't want to." I told her she worried Dad and she said, "that's stupid" Oh dear.....poor Dad!
The Nurse came and said Mom may have had a mini stroke. She got a shot of her liquid morphine and it seemed to bring her around :) I will be googling this mini stroke stuff now too.
I hope everyone had a nice weekend and thanks for thinking of us :)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Mom's Beer
Thursday-August 
26th: I went over to see Mom and Dad tonight. I arrived around 7:00pm or so w/a requested 6-pack of Budweiser Beer. My dad does not drink beer anymore, but he decided he wanted to tonight, so here is a pic of MOM w/her Mickey Mouse cup and her part of the beer...she had two cups, what the heck!? We can barely get her to eat, but Mmmmmm she liked that cold beer :) Dad said, "you deserve it, dear, after all the sh*t you've been through." We did a cheers :) I stayed until 1030pm talking and visiting w/Dad and seeing what I could do to make Mom more comfortable.
Unfortunately, Mom has bedsores on her legs, severe one on her hip and leg, and her heals are hurting her w/bedsores too :( I called DSHS today and got the same line of BS....this happens, blah blah, Hospice says she has what they can offer....blah, blah....she is dying....blah, blah. I took an egg crate in a soft pillow case and put it under her sore swollen foot.
Mom is no longer on her Fentanyl Pain Patch, as the nurse felt she does not have enough fatty tissue to soak up the medicine, so she is now on morphine tablets and liquid morphine. The tablets are time released, so they take time to take affect....Dad was up several times last night, but hopefully tonight they are back on track w/controlling her pain. Tonight the only thing that she was complaining about was her heal....I just wish I could buy everything in the world to make her feel better.
I love my Mom and Dad. I've been so lucky to have been raised by them.
26th: I went over to see Mom and Dad tonight. I arrived around 7:00pm or so w/a requested 6-pack of Budweiser Beer. My dad does not drink beer anymore, but he decided he wanted to tonight, so here is a pic of MOM w/her Mickey Mouse cup and her part of the beer...she had two cups, what the heck!? We can barely get her to eat, but Mmmmmm she liked that cold beer :) Dad said, "you deserve it, dear, after all the sh*t you've been through." We did a cheers :) I stayed until 1030pm talking and visiting w/Dad and seeing what I could do to make Mom more comfortable.Unfortunately, Mom has bedsores on her legs, severe one on her hip and leg, and her heals are hurting her w/bedsores too :( I called DSHS today and got the same line of BS....this happens, blah blah, Hospice says she has what they can offer....blah, blah....she is dying....blah, blah. I took an egg crate in a soft pillow case and put it under her sore swollen foot.
Mom is no longer on her Fentanyl Pain Patch, as the nurse felt she does not have enough fatty tissue to soak up the medicine, so she is now on morphine tablets and liquid morphine. The tablets are time released, so they take time to take affect....Dad was up several times last night, but hopefully tonight they are back on track w/controlling her pain. Tonight the only thing that she was complaining about was her heal....I just wish I could buy everything in the world to make her feel better.
I love my Mom and Dad. I've been so lucky to have been raised by them.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ramblings of Stephanie's day....
I went to see Mom yesterday....trying to get there before she had to have her morphine. So my day went a little like this~
Ran around the house like a chicken w/head cut off, made some phone calls, made pancakes for the boys (Scott and Skylar), did my sit-ups, threw in some laundry and out the door around 1045am or so. Ran out of gas at the end of the neighborhood...YAY!!! I had to get out and start pushing the car (second time I've done this....stupid red car gas gauge lies!!), some neighborhood man stopped to help me (THANK YOU, NEIGHBORHOOD MAN, DALE)...he took me to gas station w/his gas can and we got some gas, he put it in my car and followed me back to gas station to make sure I made it. So far, I'm thinking....WAFD (what a f'ing day). I just need to get to my Mom's house. I need a Xanax already.
Got to the Mobile Home park and they are paving the roadways. So I had to park at the mailboxes and walk through to get to mom's house, (uuuuugggghhhhh!) in time to say "hi and I love you" and a little visiting, before the morphine. Dad had been calling me wondering where I was...stressing me out! Lauralei was also wanting to spend some time (as she was flying out the next day to go back home) w/me and vise versa, so I took her over to the Cold Stone Creamery, since we had both never been there before :) I stayed and visted until around 530pm.....I was about to leave around 4, but Mom said, "Awwwww.....", so I asked her if she wanted me to stay a little longer and she did....so I did! (I'm still stressing out that I left the boys for longer than I wanted to today and that I had to make dinner for my husband, since he goes to bed about 730). I got mom to eat some VEGGIE BEEF SOUP, one of those handheld "t0-go" soups...She drank about 1/8 of it, better than nothing!
I read her some of her poems, there was a funny one about her fishing off the river dock at our neighbors house in Baring and her catching a 4lb steelehead. I read it to her and she seemed to really enjoy it.
I made it home a little before 7pm I think...made salad and spaghetti for hubby and Scott. Skylar wanted mac n cheese.
Ahhhh, finally a cold beer, hubby telling me he is feeling unloved by me....what more could I ask for? I say another Xanax before I freak the hell out on someone~
It's so hard to show your own family they are loved when you are worried about your dying Mom. I feel like I'm dying too.
Ran around the house like a chicken w/head cut off, made some phone calls, made pancakes for the boys (Scott and Skylar), did my sit-ups, threw in some laundry and out the door around 1045am or so. Ran out of gas at the end of the neighborhood...YAY!!! I had to get out and start pushing the car (second time I've done this....stupid red car gas gauge lies!!), some neighborhood man stopped to help me (THANK YOU, NEIGHBORHOOD MAN, DALE)...he took me to gas station w/his gas can and we got some gas, he put it in my car and followed me back to gas station to make sure I made it. So far, I'm thinking....WAFD (what a f'ing day). I just need to get to my Mom's house. I need a Xanax already.
Got to the Mobile Home park and they are paving the roadways. So I had to park at the mailboxes and walk through to get to mom's house, (uuuuugggghhhhh!) in time to say "hi and I love you" and a little visiting, before the morphine. Dad had been calling me wondering where I was...stressing me out! Lauralei was also wanting to spend some time (as she was flying out the next day to go back home) w/me and vise versa, so I took her over to the Cold Stone Creamery, since we had both never been there before :) I stayed and visted until around 530pm.....I was about to leave around 4, but Mom said, "Awwwww.....", so I asked her if she wanted me to stay a little longer and she did....so I did! (I'm still stressing out that I left the boys for longer than I wanted to today and that I had to make dinner for my husband, since he goes to bed about 730). I got mom to eat some VEGGIE BEEF SOUP, one of those handheld "t0-go" soups...She drank about 1/8 of it, better than nothing!
I read her some of her poems, there was a funny one about her fishing off the river dock at our neighbors house in Baring and her catching a 4lb steelehead. I read it to her and she seemed to really enjoy it.
I made it home a little before 7pm I think...made salad and spaghetti for hubby and Scott. Skylar wanted mac n cheese.
Ahhhh, finally a cold beer, hubby telling me he is feeling unloved by me....what more could I ask for? I say another Xanax before I freak the hell out on someone~
It's so hard to show your own family they are loved when you are worried about your dying Mom. I feel like I'm dying too.
~A few of Mom's Poems~
What a gift she is leaving us with....Mom has quite a few poems from over the years...here are a few:
~Written for Steven, my husband of 30 or so years (so this one was written about 10 years ago)
You are my light in the darkness of my mind, you light my way thru all my frightened dreams & cold yesterdays, you are my light that brings many
tomorrows and clears away of all my sorrows.
~Written for my husband Steven
I hope you know I loved you, I hope you know I cared. I hope you know I lived my life for you, I hope you know my soul is bared
~Written for Stephanie (me!)
In those quiet times of long ago yesterday I sang my bsby a lullabye & now I'm singing the blues for she has left me wearing red high heel shoes.
~Written for my grandaughter
Stacie Lee
Shining star of my life your bright eyes and sunny smile bring light to my heart & eyes, you are a treasure, my hearts desire and your special beauty is that of which I'll never tire.
~Written for my daughter
Lauralei
Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei, you are so beautiful to me, you are like a mermaid out upon the sea. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei do you sing a siren's song, or to me do you belong. Oh Lauraleit, sweet Lauralei do you sit upon the rocks in the water there, do you sing to ship passing in air. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei.
~Written for the Baring Store~"Our little mountain store" Written for all the friends
Welcome to our little mountain store where people come for coffee, gossip and more. Welcome to our little mountain store where you see friends you have now and the ones before. Welcome to our little mountain store where you'll be there for the laughs & jokes galore. Welcome to our little mountain store; where once you come & we hope you'll come once again.
~Written for Steven, my husband of 30 or so years (so this one was written about 10 years ago)
You are my light in the darkness of my mind, you light my way thru all my frightened dreams & cold yesterdays, you are my light that brings many
tomorrows and clears away of all my sorrows.
~Written for my husband Steven
I hope you know I loved you, I hope you know I cared. I hope you know I lived my life for you, I hope you know my soul is bared
~Written for Stephanie (me!)
In those quiet times of long ago yesterday I sang my bsby a lullabye & now I'm singing the blues for she has left me wearing red high heel shoes.
~Written for my grandaughter
Stacie Lee
Shining star of my life your bright eyes and sunny smile bring light to my heart & eyes, you are a treasure, my hearts desire and your special beauty is that of which I'll never tire.
~Written for my daughter
Lauralei
Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei, you are so beautiful to me, you are like a mermaid out upon the sea. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei do you sing a siren's song, or to me do you belong. Oh Lauraleit, sweet Lauralei do you sit upon the rocks in the water there, do you sing to ship passing in air. Oh Lauralei, sweet Lauralei.
~Written for the Baring Store~"Our little mountain store" Written for all the friends
Welcome to our little mountain store where people come for coffee, gossip and more. Welcome to our little mountain store where you see friends you have now and the ones before. Welcome to our little mountain store where you'll be there for the laughs & jokes galore. Welcome to our little mountain store; where once you come & we hope you'll come once again.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Precious Moments
SUNDAY-AUG 22: I Talked to Dad for a bit this afternoon...(I left Thursday evening for a trip to Oregon to see William's Mom and Step-Dad near the Dunes). My Dad mentioned Mom has been having hard time breathing so he's had to give her morphine about once a day now. Dad also said Mom knows what's going on (that she is dying), and they've had some good talks and said these times are "Precious Moments"....(One reason I really didn't want to leave for 5 days).
MONDAY-August 23: Mom's Son, Lil' Vic, flew back to his home in St. Louis yesterday morning-what a nice man he is. It was so nice of him to fly out and be here for Mom....she definitely knows she is loved by him :) It was nice to get to know him better too.
Lauralei has been here for about 12 days and will fly back to her home in Clayton, NC. (she just moved there from Arkansas) tomorrow, Wednesday. I am sure her family will be happy to her back! Mom sure has enjoyed having her there 24/7. I know it's been hard on her to see Mom in so much pain though :( Dad said he sometimes just has to go outside and walk around for a minute.
I went to see Mom after we got home from our Oregon trip....Dad called me when I was already on my way and said she was in alot of pain and that he had just given her morphine again, so she was out cold sleeping. I was already on my way...I wanted to see her anyways.
Mom is not doing well...she is basically skin and bones :( Dad and Laura said she has not eaten for the past 4 days, can't even force her to. She has been taking sips of her juice though. Mom's legs and feet are really bothering her from laying in the bed so long. She has terrible bed sores, even though she is being repositioned, her skin is just breaking down - no intake of nutrition. So sad, we all feel just terrible for her. She has a nurse that comes by often, the nurse is very helpful and my mom really loves her.
TUESDAY-Aug24: Talked to Mom for a bit on the phone, she hopes she is awake to see me when I get there. I told my Dad I better head over soon! My dad is going to look at some apartments, that is a different story though....just one more stressful thing my Dad is dealing with. I don't remember if I mentioned he went to the Dr. for his inner ears/vertigo and he now has high blood pressure, blah! He is hanging in there, though!
Sometimes we feel it's like we are the "blind, leading the blind."
ONE OF MOM'S FAVORITE SAYINGS: "VIAS CON DIAS" (from the Freddy Fender song).
MONDAY-August 23: Mom's Son, Lil' Vic, flew back to his home in St. Louis yesterday morning-what a nice man he is. It was so nice of him to fly out and be here for Mom....she definitely knows she is loved by him :) It was nice to get to know him better too.
Lauralei has been here for about 12 days and will fly back to her home in Clayton, NC. (she just moved there from Arkansas) tomorrow, Wednesday. I am sure her family will be happy to her back! Mom sure has enjoyed having her there 24/7. I know it's been hard on her to see Mom in so much pain though :( Dad said he sometimes just has to go outside and walk around for a minute.
I went to see Mom after we got home from our Oregon trip....Dad called me when I was already on my way and said she was in alot of pain and that he had just given her morphine again, so she was out cold sleeping. I was already on my way...I wanted to see her anyways.
Mom is not doing well...she is basically skin and bones :( Dad and Laura said she has not eaten for the past 4 days, can't even force her to. She has been taking sips of her juice though. Mom's legs and feet are really bothering her from laying in the bed so long. She has terrible bed sores, even though she is being repositioned, her skin is just breaking down - no intake of nutrition. So sad, we all feel just terrible for her. She has a nurse that comes by often, the nurse is very helpful and my mom really loves her.
TUESDAY-Aug24: Talked to Mom for a bit on the phone, she hopes she is awake to see me when I get there. I told my Dad I better head over soon! My dad is going to look at some apartments, that is a different story though....just one more stressful thing my Dad is dealing with. I don't remember if I mentioned he went to the Dr. for his inner ears/vertigo and he now has high blood pressure, blah! He is hanging in there, though!
Sometimes we feel it's like we are the "blind, leading the blind."
ONE OF MOM'S FAVORITE SAYINGS: "VIAS CON DIAS" (from the Freddy Fender song).
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Mom still keeping us on our toes!
A couple of nice pictures....mom was awake :)
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Juanita & Lauralei
Mom is hanging in there.....not sure how, but she is. She has been going into a coma-like state and sometimes we can't get her to respond for nothing!
Today mom has her son Lil' Vic flying in from St. Louis, MO :) When the nurse told her yesterday that he was coming she said, "Oh bullshit!".....lmao.
Juanita got here last Thursday and Lauralei arrived Friday/Saturday AM. (Two other daughters)~They have been a big help to dad. She did wake up and say, "YAKETY YAK YAK"...Dad and the girls figured she must of wanted peace and quiet? LOL....
Dad looks tired, he has been taking stuff to storage unit...he does not plan on staying in the home after mom passes away. Yesterday he said he didn't want to keep any pictures either....I told him he does and I will make him a nice frame w/pics of him and mom.....I'm still the bossy one! He's going to miss his "Sweetie."
Love to all and thanks for all your warm bright thoughts!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wholey crap, Batman!!
Mom snapped out of it and woke up! She ate her Cream of Wheat this morning and drank her juice! Dad called me this morning and of course I panicked, but it was good news. I talked to mom for a bit on phone too :) What a blessing she brought to my heart :)***Mom in her younger years :)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Mom not doing so well....
Tuesday, Aug 10th~
Dad said mom not doing so good, been sleeping alot. Went over to see Mom w/Skylar (he played on the computer). She wouldn't really wake up, so I vacuumed the house...didn't seem to bother her at all! Dad not feeling so great, so he made a Doctor appointment for his inner ears and they said he had high blood pressure too. Mom got another surprise visitor today, Ana stopped by to say, "HI" :) Mom did finally wake up while Ana was visiting and Mom said, "you lost weight, you look nice....how are your boys?" It was a nice visit for all. I was able to get mom to eat about a 1/4 cup of Vegie soup too :)
Wednesday, Aug 11th~
Dad called this morning and had me talk to nurse. Nurse said Mom isn't doing too much responding and may being going into a coma type state. Went over as soon as Will got home from work and couldn't get her to wake up or respond much either. I sat with her and gave her a washcloth and clipped her nails and stuff. We did manage to get a nod that she wanted pain medicine, so she we gave her morphine for our first time.
Thursday, Aug 12th~
Mom was somewhat responsive this morning, I was a little reassured by this! I talked to her on the phone briefly, a little muffled, but she was talking some! She was able to swallow her pills and drink some juice. Apparently she didn't stay real coherant for too long though. Juanita flew out today from Colorado. We could not get much response from her, but she did smile a couple times and try to respond in other ways. Lauralei will be flying in tomorrow.
Sad times.
From Lorrie: Remember, Love is the answer to all of life's problems.
Friday, August 6, 2010
It's a new day :)
Now I can't remember what day this was, as I started this posting below earlier this week:
Dad called me yesterday and said Mom had to have a Catheter :( Definitely not a sign of recovery. The day before that, Dad mentioned the nurse said Mom might make it to Labor Day...I really don't like hearing a date, stresses me out more. We have heard it before, but Dad said he thinks she is right this time. Dad said I might want to come over more often at this point.
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**Saw mom yesterday (Saturday, August 7th) for a little bit, she is pretty weak. I told her Jessica and Dina had just asked me to give her a hug...she remembers them (Jessica the wood girl and Dina the school teacher parents girl....LOL)
Mom said she was seeing double; I think it's because she had just taken some pain pills a bit prior. She was getting all sleepy eyed, was trying to keep a conversation with me and eat some cream of wheat...she has a hard time feeding herself, her caregiver, Jill helps her :) I keep thinking, "poor mom." She was so energetic-always going and now she can't do a darn thing. Dad said she was moaning in pain last night, not about anything in particular...not her arm, nor her hip...her entire body is pretty much in pain now.
"I look back on my childhood and thank the stars above. For everything you gave me, but mostly for your love." Wayne F. Winters, from Ode to Mom
"A mother is someone who dreams great dreams for you, but then she lets you chase the dreams you have for yourself and loves you just the same." Author Unknown
"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." Agatha Christie
"I am not a perfect mother and I will never be. You are not a perfect daughter and you will never be. But put us together and we will be the best mother and daughter we would ever be. Zoraida Pesante
"All that I am my mother made me." John Quincy Adams
Dad called me yesterday and said Mom had to have a Catheter :( Definitely not a sign of recovery. The day before that, Dad mentioned the nurse said Mom might make it to Labor Day...I really don't like hearing a date, stresses me out more. We have heard it before, but Dad said he thinks she is right this time. Dad said I might want to come over more often at this point.
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**Saw mom yesterday (Saturday, August 7th) for a little bit, she is pretty weak. I told her Jessica and Dina had just asked me to give her a hug...she remembers them (Jessica the wood girl and Dina the school teacher parents girl....LOL)
Mom said she was seeing double; I think it's because she had just taken some pain pills a bit prior. She was getting all sleepy eyed, was trying to keep a conversation with me and eat some cream of wheat...she has a hard time feeding herself, her caregiver, Jill helps her :) I keep thinking, "poor mom." She was so energetic-always going and now she can't do a darn thing. Dad said she was moaning in pain last night, not about anything in particular...not her arm, nor her hip...her entire body is pretty much in pain now.
"I look back on my childhood and thank the stars above. For everything you gave me, but mostly for your love." Wayne F. Winters, from Ode to Mom
"A mother is someone who dreams great dreams for you, but then she lets you chase the dreams you have for yourself and loves you just the same." Author Unknown
"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." Agatha Christie
"I am not a perfect mother and I will never be. You are not a perfect daughter and you will never be. But put us together and we will be the best mother and daughter we would ever be. Zoraida Pesante
"All that I am my mother made me." John Quincy Adams
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Surprise Visitors for Mom again!!
Tuesday, August 3rd~Tara (my high school pal) and her two little ones, Camden and Keihana went out for a mexican lunch with Skylar and me and then we all went to visit Tara's, "Mom Lorrie" :) Mom said, "Well, how 'bout that!" with a big smile. It was great to see her spirits lifted. Mom was happy to see Tara's two little ones too, she had not met them yet!
Dad gave C & K a Hotwheel car each (he has a collection) and showed them his "room" of fun stuff. Camden offered Dad $5.00 for something.....lol. I showed Tara Mom still has "the famous button collection" and another "little collection" she has always had too....LOL, some will know!!
Tara learned that mom has a pretty memory when she wants to! Thank you for coming for a visit Tara, Camden & Keihana :)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Roses for Mom
Saturday, July 31st~We brought Mom some ROSES today :) William, Skylar and I went over to visit for a little bit and also brought Dad and Mom Taco Del Mar Enchilada plates :) Mom ate part of it....of course it was too spicy and not heated up hot enough, lol...I took off the salsa and heated it up in the microwave :) Mom is sleeping so much still (pain pills will do that to you...) and she hasn't gotten up out of bed yet either...
Dad went to the Smokey Point Swap Meet today to sell some of his 'junk' and DVDs, he did pretty good!! Skylar got football and baseball cards from G-pa Steve, he was pretty excited :)
Tuesday, August 3rd~
Mom hasn't been doing so good the past few days, but she is hanging in there. She was talking alot of slurry nonsense (hallucinating) on Sunday and Monday; we couldn't understand her very well, so Dad changed out her nasal cannula (thing that goes in her nose to give her oxygen) and it seemed to help out. I was on the phone w/her and just kept telling her to practice breathing through her nose and out her mouth to get some good oxygen. These are the days I know it's okay to stay home. Sometimes my Dad and I have to 'troubleshoot' what a problem could be....worry, worry times! My dad said her oxygen level was on the low side - 85 and last I heard it was 91, so better and she was definitely more coherent today/Tuesday :) Today Dad is a little overwhelmed, but managing with the help of Mom's Caregiver, Jill.
Mom hasn't been doing so good the past few days, but she is hanging in there. She was talking alot of slurry nonsense (hallucinating) on Sunday and Monday; we couldn't understand her very well, so Dad changed out her nasal cannula (thing that goes in her nose to give her oxygen) and it seemed to help out. I was on the phone w/her and just kept telling her to practice breathing through her nose and out her mouth to get some good oxygen. These are the days I know it's okay to stay home. Sometimes my Dad and I have to 'troubleshoot' what a problem could be....worry, worry times! My dad said her oxygen level was on the low side - 85 and last I heard it was 91, so better and she was definitely more coherent today/Tuesday :) Today Dad is a little overwhelmed, but managing with the help of Mom's Caregiver, Jill.
The Nurse talked to Dad today about how "tired and worn out" he looked and also talked about alternatives (like a nursing home) if it gets to be too overwhelming; nurse worried Dad not taking care of himself and he could end up sick. Dad called me last night to talk about things. We are going to try to keep her home for now :)
**Mom's says her current goal is to stick around until Dad's Birthday~October 23
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
How's Mom and Dad?
Visited Mom (and Dad too) on Saturday and yesterday, Monday. I've been going over every other day it seems.
Mom has not been able to get up from her bed yet, she is still getting stomach cramps that really seem to hurt her alot, but she is getting her bowels moving better. I feel really sad for her and try to encourage her to "eat and drink" something! She is calling me "Dr. Stephanie" now....lol! I keep looking up "end of life" signs and getting upset, it sucks!
Dad had requested a visit w/a Hospice Chaplain and said it really helped him to feel a little more rejuvinated about the situation. He plans to set up another visit! They said a little (BIG) prayer for Mom :) Dad has been so Awesome :)
Have a nice day and send some happy thoughts to Mom while you are it!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Surprise Visitors for Mom today!
s
Thursday, July 22, 2010:
Fourth Day Home and Dad made it through another night w/helping Mom.
Fourth Day Home and Dad made it through another night w/helping Mom.
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SURPRISE visitors today!
Christine and her boyfriend, Dan came over from Wenatchee to see Mom and give her some hugs :) Christine cleaned moms nails up and lotioned her arms too :) We reminisced on how we were "funny teenage girls" and the tricks we used to play on Mom.
We really enjoyed their time over here :) Thanks, guys!! That was nice :)
SURPRISE visitors today!
Christine and her boyfriend, Dan came over from Wenatchee to see Mom and give her some hugs :) Christine cleaned moms nails up and lotioned her arms too :) We reminisced on how we were "funny teenage girls" and the tricks we used to play on Mom.
We really enjoyed their time over here :) Thanks, guys!! That was nice :)
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Broken Hip & Wrist!
Mom was doing so good, this all took us by surprise...
Thursday, July 1st:
Mom actually had a visitor, her grandson (that she had not seen in years) was staying for 4 days with them! Mom got up from her bed and then just fell down. Dad called me on the phone and I told him to call 911, as I could hear her in the background yelling. He called Hospice and then 911.
I met them at the Hospital in Arlington at about 7pm. and after awhile we were told she definitely broke her hip and her wrist and would need surgery for the hip. She was in so much pain, but did not get anything for the pain until after they did x-rays and all! The odds were against her (with her current condition) that she would even survive a surgery w/anethesia, but Mom wanted the surgery, so we scheduled it. We left the hospital at about 11pm (I took the grandson home w/me and Will got him back to his mom the next day). The surgery was the following day and it went well, Mom did not have to be intubated for breathing!!! My Dad and I both thought for sure the Dr. was going to give us bad news...but he didn't :) What a fighter!
Mom was in the hospital for only about a day or two after the surgery before they decided to transfer her to a Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing that is...hahaha!). I didn't think she was near ready to leave, but what do I know?!
Mom went to a Nursing Home in Arlington and has been going down hill ever since! My dad and I are all brand new to this stuff, so we feel somewhat blind...
Mom was in Nursing Home for about 2 weeks and we brought her home on Monday back to Home Hospice Care by our choice. Mom was incredibly sad and depressed there. She said she felt like a piece of meat and they only cared about getting money for her. She was having issues not eating and not going to the bathroom.
Saturday, July 17th - Dad moved his bed out to the living room to be near Mom now. Hospice delivered her bed and stuff today, all ready for Mom to come home on Monday.
Monday, July 19th:
Mom was brought home today by ambulance. Thank goodness our Caregiver, Jill was there with my Dad when Mom arrived. Mom in alot of pain, but very happy to get out of the "Skilled Nursing" Home.
Bedtime: Poor Dad and Mom!! Dad said it was about a 'disaster' trying to help mom get on comode (potty chair), pee everywhere....lol. He said they were up about 4 times...hopefully last night was better!!
Tuesday, July 20th:
Caregiver, Jill was here from 8-4, yay!! Mom's Hospice Nurse was by today, very helpful in getting our heads straightened out and helping mom feel better!! The Nursing Home sent us home w/all these pain pills, Morphine, Percoset, Oxycodin, Xanax...WTF!? Mom has been in alot of pain and unable to have a bowel movement (sorry, but a fact of life) - so our main concern is getting her digestive tract back in order, so she can function and not feel so darn sick and in pain. Poor Mom :( Hospice Nurse helped her out some yesterday and is on top of getting her bowels better.
ON A SIDE NOTE: If you want to mail anything to her the address is:
16600 25th Ave. N.E.
Marysville, WA 98271
Thursday, July 1st:
Mom actually had a visitor, her grandson (that she had not seen in years) was staying for 4 days with them! Mom got up from her bed and then just fell down. Dad called me on the phone and I told him to call 911, as I could hear her in the background yelling. He called Hospice and then 911.
I met them at the Hospital in Arlington at about 7pm. and after awhile we were told she definitely broke her hip and her wrist and would need surgery for the hip. She was in so much pain, but did not get anything for the pain until after they did x-rays and all! The odds were against her (with her current condition) that she would even survive a surgery w/anethesia, but Mom wanted the surgery, so we scheduled it. We left the hospital at about 11pm (I took the grandson home w/me and Will got him back to his mom the next day). The surgery was the following day and it went well, Mom did not have to be intubated for breathing!!! My Dad and I both thought for sure the Dr. was going to give us bad news...but he didn't :) What a fighter!
Mom was in the hospital for only about a day or two after the surgery before they decided to transfer her to a Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing that is...hahaha!). I didn't think she was near ready to leave, but what do I know?!
Mom went to a Nursing Home in Arlington and has been going down hill ever since! My dad and I are all brand new to this stuff, so we feel somewhat blind...
Mom was in Nursing Home for about 2 weeks and we brought her home on Monday back to Home Hospice Care by our choice. Mom was incredibly sad and depressed there. She said she felt like a piece of meat and they only cared about getting money for her. She was having issues not eating and not going to the bathroom.
Saturday, July 17th - Dad moved his bed out to the living room to be near Mom now. Hospice delivered her bed and stuff today, all ready for Mom to come home on Monday.
Monday, July 19th:
Mom was brought home today by ambulance. Thank goodness our Caregiver, Jill was there with my Dad when Mom arrived. Mom in alot of pain, but very happy to get out of the "Skilled Nursing" Home.
Bedtime: Poor Dad and Mom!! Dad said it was about a 'disaster' trying to help mom get on comode (potty chair), pee everywhere....lol. He said they were up about 4 times...hopefully last night was better!!
Tuesday, July 20th:
Caregiver, Jill was here from 8-4, yay!! Mom's Hospice Nurse was by today, very helpful in getting our heads straightened out and helping mom feel better!! The Nursing Home sent us home w/all these pain pills, Morphine, Percoset, Oxycodin, Xanax...WTF!? Mom has been in alot of pain and unable to have a bowel movement (sorry, but a fact of life) - so our main concern is getting her digestive tract back in order, so she can function and not feel so darn sick and in pain. Poor Mom :( Hospice Nurse helped her out some yesterday and is on top of getting her bowels better.
ON A SIDE NOTE: If you want to mail anything to her the address is:
16600 25th Ave. N.E.
Marysville, WA 98271
First Blog Post
I thought I would start a Blog for my Mom to help others can understand my Mom's condition and stay somewhat connected. I hope it works out. I will try to update it often.
February 2010 - Mom had an episode/exacerbation with her COPD.
Info on what that is: http://copd.about.com/od/copd/a/copdexac.htm
Dad found her almost unconscious and white stuff in her mouth :( Dad panicked and called me. I got in my daughter's car (Will's truck was in shop, so he had my van) and I then ran out of gas on Hwy. 9! Unfortunately, we were in a panic and Dad left Mom to come and get me about 7-8 min away. When we arrived back at their home and I saw Mom, I FREAKED OUT and yelled, "call 911" and then yelled over and over "Mom, Mommy, Mama." Finally the ambulance showed up and took her to Everett Providence Hospital.
We were very happy mom was able to return home after this episode, as I thought she was dead when they took her away in the ambulance. Mom was 'tubed' to breathe and put into Critical Care. She was in the hospital for 6 days. During the after care of this episode, Mom decided she did not want any further treatment and entered the Hospice Program in March 2010.
Lauralei and Juanita (my half sisters) both came from out of state to see Mom, love her and help with her after care, what a blessing! Douglas (my half brother in Seattle) visited her at the hospital and she received many well wishes and calls. THANK YOU!!
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Letter to Fire Dept and Marysville Globe posted it in paper:
Dear Greg Corn, Fire Chief/Marysville Fire District,
First off, thanks goes out to your team for the excellent work they did when they arrived at my mom's house last Friday, February 19, 2010 from a 911 call to her home in Smokey Point at the Crystal Tree Village Mobile Home Park.
I really wanted to let you know how impressed I was on the Marysville EMT's/Fire Department staff, they were so efficient, professional and caring. The team that responded to my mom's emergency took total control of the scene and went straight to help my mom. (I was in the driving crying my eyes out and they just ran past me and straight into the mobile home where my mom was), thank you so much!!
I read your Mission Statement:
"Marysville Fire District is dedicated to providing quality emergency response and prevention services to the community with integrity, pride, and professionalism."
Please let your team know how much my dad and I appreciate their actions; your team of professionals truly held up their end of the Mission Statement last Friday.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Seeds
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Letter to Everett Providence:
This was not in the paper, but a letter to the Evt Prov Hospital Colby Campus
To Whom It May Concern,
February 25, 2010
I am writing to you in regards to my mom's unexpected hospital stay at the Everett Providence Hospital/Colby Campus. Overall, my mom received some of the best care we have experienced w/her condition; thank you to your ER staff for their initial care. My mom arrived on Friday, February 19, 2010 by ambulance from the Marysville, WA Fire Department.
My mom was transferred to the CCU from the ER department and I want to let you know my family was impressed w/the professionalism, knowledge and empathic abilities in the CCU department.
My concern was w/the Physical Therapist visit on February 24, 2010, her discharge day. I was appalled to watch and witness the PT have my mom get out of her bed and sit in an office chair and roll her down the hallway while she was holding onto both sides of the bottom of the office chair seat. I verbally expressed my concern out loud in the room and the hallway; a hospital employee heard me and immediately addressed my concerns by advising a nurse assigned to my mom who, shortly after, came to assure that there were plenty of people around her and she wasn't concerned; the people around her were the PT, my dad and two half sisters from out of state, give me a break! This was my mom's first day of walking in 6 days and she could hardly sit up or move out of bed without being dizzy and periodically getting fleeting blackouts. I feel my mom should have been gotten a wheelchair, not an office chair!!
Stephanie Seeds
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