Thursday's visits

Hi to all...this is Kate.

I went and saw Mom and Pops today during my babysitting kiddos pre-school hours. I only had an hour after I got my banking, grocery, gas errands done. But it was a good hour.

I saw Papa first. He looked good (relatively speaking). He was sitting up in his chair sleeping. He smiled when he saw me...and I could tell he was grasping for my name...before I could say...Hi Papa it's Kate...(what I usually say to him)....he asked me how was Rich? He's so sweet...I just said that everybody was good. and he smiled. He drank an Ensure for me (He doesn't care too much for the Glucerna...so I say give him the Ensure.) He did not look swollen, but his face was puffy. His hands looked good. Overall he looked good...just very weak. He tried to talk, but really couldn't put his words together...he did repeat things that I said. Mostly he closed his eyes while I held his hand. He smiled when I told him that John and Amber's baby was born...Hugo Alfredo Cabrera. I'm sure he had been told before, but of course he said..."Wonderful" like he was hearing it for the first time. I told him I was sure this Hugo Cabrera would be a real trouble maker also...and he laughed.

I asked if Papa made the trip to see Mama this week (they ask him on Mondays if he wants to go) They said no...he did not want to go. I told him that I would tell Mama he loved her and he said "Wonderful". Then he went back to dozing in his chair.
When I left...I did tell him, "Adios, don't get lost" which is what Margaret and I always used to say him when he left for work...He repeated, "don't get lost" and smiled.

Then on to see Mama. The podiatrist arrived just ahead of me. I was glad I was there...Mama was sitting in a rocking chair in the hallway right next to her room...there was an aide helping her. She of course was screaming like they were killing her. I got on the floor and held her while he was there...it was just a few minutes. I was able to calm her down...but she was twisting my arms and really hollering...and then when he said he was all done...her eyes got really big and she said "thank you" like he had just given her a gift. It was amazing to see the range of emotions all in twenty seconds. How exhausting/frightening/overwhelming that must be for her.

When he was done, I walked her back to her room, and she laid down. I got her a drink...and sat by her bed. She quickly went into a sleep after grabbing for me frantically and saying...please, please. The aide told me that Mama had had a good morning...eating well, and even sitting out in the main area until the doctor came to see her. When I told Mama that Papa said to say he loved her...her eyes got really big...she smiled and said, Thank you. It connected with her probably more than anything else I said.

That is about all the news on Mama and Papa. My girls are counting the days down for summer. I am counting my days down to be done babysitting...this is my last year of watching kids in my home...I will join Margaret in job searching this summer. I'm sure I'll keep you all posted on anything exciting in that regard.

Lita has been settling into her new place...I hear she met a neighbor yesterday that spent several hours at Lita's house helping her with things and telling Lit all about her fascinating life. She also received a flowering plant and a note from the Welcome Ladies in the neighborhood. They invited her to their monthly ladies luncheon. May's lunch is at Windchimes...Lita RSVP'D yes she would attend...so she is managing to meet some new folks...I'm happy for her. I managed to finally find a new dog walker (the old one wouldn't come to this area). Critter Sitters began this week, and so far, it has worked out very well. Josie loves her mid day walks and this relieves Lita of the stress worrying about Josie especially the days that Bob is out on the road all day.

It was good to visit with Paul this weekend when he came in to see Mom and Pops. Life is about the same for him...working for a livin". His plans to open his own business seem to have hit a rocky patch. He's still hopeful...but searching for some different funding opportunities. Mariah and Jacob are doing well...and Mariah is working hard on Paul to get a dog. They begun research for one that doesn't shed, doesn't bark, doesn't poop much, and doesn't eat much. I'm thinking they might not be getting a dog anytime soon? He had to cancel his plans to join us at the Ranch this year...just wasn't in the budget. Bummer.

Megan has a volleyball tournament this weekend...it is here in Columbus, downtown at the convention center...so if you all decide where and when you are meeting for breakfast let me know...I will do my best to come. If anyone is downtown on Sunday and wants to try to catch some of Megan's v-ball...call my cell phone 783-7717...she plays on and off from about 9am-7pm...I never know the exact schedule until that day when we arrive at tourney site. I do not plan on seeing Mama and Papa this weekend...I think sometimes it can be overwhelming for them. I do plan on going Tuesday morning. So anyone that does go...please feel free to write an update...I love reading everyone's comments. Jenny I'm glad to hear that your visit with Drake went well.

Fran I told both Mama and Papa that you were coming...they both seemed happy.

Love to all.

Kate