how happy these make me...

 Every morning I begin my day with a cup or two of coffee, 

sitting on the sofa with my pups and checking my emails.

When I see one from the Manor or Natalie, the event coordinator,

those I open first.

This morning I am so happy to see these.

 Since Christmas we all have been a little concerned about Momma,

her weight loss, how forgetful she is, how bad

her dementia is, how confused she gets when not 

at the manor. We made some changes, decluttered her

apartment, added a real twin bed instead of just the

sleeper sofa so that we could be comfortable 

when staying there if she needs us or gets sick.

We have decided that removing her from the manor

for more than a day make us feel better but confuses

her so much that we won't be doing it anymore.

We have made these changes knowing that with

each year that passes, is one less year we have with her.

So this morning, to get these pictures from Natalie,

and I smile big and I almost want to cry with gratitude.

For the love these people who are not family give to our momma.

She is not just a resident there, she is a person, a human being,

who is entertained by the things they set up for her to do.

Every once in a while, I get scared for her,

and then I see this and am so, so, so thankful 

for this place called St. Joseph Manor.

So thankful that our dear mother is able to live there.

So thankful that my daddy fought in a war to 

protect our country and because of this my Mom is

protected by an extra check from the government that makes

this place possible for her.

To be 92 and still have the quality of life she has

and to have people who surround her when we cannot and love

her as their own, well its just all so special.

I call her every morning. Every morning,

I get this cheerful, happy, strong voice saying,

"HELLO?" 

always like a question, always sounding like a very young woman.

You would never be able to tell that she is still 

in bed sleeping by the cheerfulness in her voice.

We are so blessed, my dear siblings, my dear family.