It's been awhile...

Hi Cabrera's...it's Kate.

Let's see quick update on Mama and Papa, and then I'll tell you all about the prom!!! Mama had a hard weekend, Tish received a phone call on Saturday saying that Mama was in a rage and was biting, kicking, scratching, and screaming. They were waiting for approval for an injectable sedatitive. She has become combative with the staff on several occasions...sometimes about taking her medication, sometimes about seemingly nothing at all. Most of me is sad about this...but I have to say that part of me is proud of Mama for still having a fighting spirit. I feel like she is battling so many things right now...and how frustrating it all must be. So, while I don't want her to hurt herself or others, I'm glad that her spirit is still willful. Does that seem crazy?

Well then, I saw Mama on Sunday. She was in bed and mostly unresponsive. She only opened one eye. I noticed that her right side seemed somewhat weak, her hand and arm are limp, she had trouble drinking water...using only half of her mouth. Margaret has asked for Dr. Harris to see her on Thursday when he does his rounds. Mama didn't really respond much to me, she smiled when I told her I loved her, and I stroked her face and hair. She cried a bit on and off. I always let her cry...it seems like she needs the release of emotion. Who knows what is the right thing to do??? After staying for about a half hour, I left as she dozed. She waved to me when I left, I blew her a kiss and she smiled again.

I also saw Papa on Sunday. He was in a sound sleep, and did not wake up as I kissed him. I sat with him for a few minutes and then left, telling him I loved him. He never woke up, or responded...I felt his sleep was more important than my visit.

I heard from Liti about a visit she had with Mama and Papa on Sunday. She said Mama was very weepy and was begging them not to leave her. This must have been incredibly hard. She said Papa had labored breathing, but did not want the oxygen when she offered it. She said Papa was weak and the visit didn't last long.

I went back today (Tuesday morning). I heard from Margaret that Papa had seen Mama yesterday for an hour. I saw Papa first today. When I arrived he was standing in his room, looking quite unsteady. He had his oxygen tubes in, and was attached to the tank as he was walking toward the bathroom. The cord stretches plenty, but I was afraid he was going to trip and fall as the cord was getting caught on the walker. After using the restroom, he wanted to go back to bed, but was disoriented where the bed was. I helped him get to bed, and asked him if he wanted a drink. It took some time for the words to form, but "root beer" finally came out. He drank well with a straw. And then he went to sleep. I sat for awhile and told him I loved him...trying so hard to only send out positive calm energy. I was willing my tears and sadness not to come through...Hopefully he felt the good stuff. He was weak, but seemed glad to have seen me. I was glad I went. I told him that all of his kids love him so much, even the ones that can't come see him a lot. He smiled and said "okay". That's pretty much the only word I get out of him these days.

I asked the front desk worker, Jane, to make sure the staff knows to check in on Papa while he is in his room. I am fearful he will fall. She said he is a favorite there, and that many of the staff check in on him as they walk by.

I wish I had some happy news to report about Mama and Papa. I encourage everyone to share their experiences with them...it's hard to remember what everyone has told me, and I often miscommunicate things...so please share...all news...fun and trivial, or sad and serious...or even in between is good.

I haven't heard any word on John and Amber and the newest little Cabrera. Will keep you posted if you I do. Please remember to read the old comments, I know that Jessica commented on the last blog just yesterday. And Jenny, if you read this...there have been at least two questions about Drake in the comment section. Any word on how he is doing?

Liti and Bob closed on both places, and the movers will come Weds. The movers will just move everything to the new place, and then Saturday is the day for real organization. I plan on going over Saturday at 10am to help set up, organize. I think that Mary was also going to help decorate? If anyone else is available, please call to let me know you want to volunteer. (792-3809) I can get you address and details. Bob and Lita hope to use Saturday as the day to get furniture where they want it, and really set-up house. I'm sure Bob could use at least one more set of strong muscles. Lita was hoping that Jason would come help also...don't know if that panned out or not.

Lastly, the prom...let's see I'm almost out of time now...so I'll be short. Saturday morning the whole family went to help do set-up. The Prom was at Promo West Lifestyle Pavilion. The theme was Mardi Gras...and Junior Student Council was responsible for all decorations. The kids have worked so hard on this, and it was incredible. I couldn't believe the details that they all thought of...Handmade street signs, vibrant colors, jester hats, plants, street lights, it was unbelievable! After working with one mom for about twenty minutes (we'd introduced ourselves by first names)...she asked me who's mom I was...and when I told her, she laughed and said her son was going to the prom with Megan. It was an incredibly fun day to see Megan in her element...having so much fun with her buds, and working really hard to make the it all come together. And when we left, she came home to get ready. Pictures were taken at a golf course...32 kids were in her group...and Jena and Nicole loved seeing all the beautiful dresses.

Megan's date was not only very nice...he was so cute!!! (I'm sure she's rolling her eyes if she's reading this) They were, by far, the best looking couple in the group...(there go the eyes again). Megan's dress was a full length, red dress with a very simple, elegant design. I promise to post pictures as soon as I can get Megan and the computer to cooperate. She wore her hair half up...and the long part curled. Poofed on top just a bit. Her shoes and purse were glittery silver, which matched the beaded accessory on the dress. She was GORGEOUS! I felt very happy for her to be a part of something so fun, and I was so happy that I could share the day with her.

After picture taking...the kids all left for dinner and the prom...and I have only gotten to hear little snippets of information about the prom itself. But everything I hear from kids and parents, and staff is that this was the best prom ever! It felt good to have something so trivially happy in my life, and it was a very good day. I can't believe that my girls are growing up so much!

I think that is all for now. Please share all of your news.

Love,

Kate