Monday, August 4, 2008

Long Time No Blog...

Hi Family and Friends...it's Kate. Sorry for such a long time in between blogs...Summer is flying by at an alarmingly fast pace. How do the days go so quickly?

Let's see, hopefully you all have heard that Lita's mother-in-law (Bob's mom, Ruby)passed away. Very sad time for Lita and for Bob. There is a service on Weds. at Schoedinger's in Worthington at 1pm, followed by a gathering at Liti and Bob's house. She would love any support in your physical presence, but I'm sure would love cards for those of you who can't be here. Her new address is:

Noelita and Bob Maldeis
3242 Newgate Court
Dublin, Ohio 43017

Mama and Papa continue their slow decline in health. Some days are better than others, but most visits are sad these days. We have decided to keep Mama at the Arbors in Hilliard and did get her back under hospice care. It does not look like she will walk again, but they will keep going with what they call restorative nursing care. She is not eligible for physical therapy because of her advanced dementia...she just doesn't understand what they want her to do. Please visit whenever you can. Papa is still at the Forum. Mama's new address is:

The Arbors at Hilliard
5471 Scioto Darby Rd.
Hilliard, Ohio 43026

When you visit Mama for the first time, be prepared...the facility is, well, crappy to look at. It looks more hospital like, and has that "old people" smell to it. BUT, the care she receives is wonderful and loving. I just love how they treat her. And in the end, I think this is the most important thing.

Let's see my family...We are all doing well, getting ready for back to school time. Megan has volleyball try-outs tonight, and has been busy with summer leagues, and volleyball conditioning, and lots of babysitting to pay for her social life in the evenings. Jena has been practicing her version of "The Star Spangled Banner" which she will sing for the home volleyball games at Megan's high school (it pays to have a senior on the team :) Nicole got braces this summer and a pallet expander, so has had to re-learn how to talk and eat with this big contraption in her mouth.

We have had a nice summer with our big splurge being the Ranch. We had a blast, as always, and can't wait to go again next year. I have begun the job hunt and have sent in a few resumes, no responses yet. I will keep you all posted.

Please send any updates. Especially the good news. Thanks Val for putting information on Baby Gavin.

Love,

Kate

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi from Fran. Thanks for the update Kate. I love your blogs. I am with you regarding Mama. While I love the part of the Forum where Papa is (and where Mama initially was), I was not pleased with her care after she was moved. I am happy that you all made the decision to leave her where she is now.

I was sad to hear about Bob's mom. Bob (and Lita) have had a really rough two years. I am praying that Bob (and Lita) have some good memories of Bob's mom to comfort them. We all know his mom must have been a good woman to have the son she had. Bob certainly has been a blessing to our family.

Thanks for the fun update on your family. Boy, I am impressed about Jena. Yikes! Singing in public...you go, girl!

Well, you know me...no exciting information on my end...oh, Mason had an ear infection...does that count???

Good luck to Kate, Tish and Margaret on the job search. I am praying for great, lucrative jobs for all.

Love,

Fran

Kate A said...

Dear Family

For those of you who have not heard, on Thursday, November 6 Michael was taken to Riverside Emergency. You may or may not be aware that Michael and Debbie are splitting up. This along with many other difficulties has aggravated Michael's physical and mental health.

Michael has been moved to Twin Valley Behavioral Health Care located on 2200 W Broad Street in Columbus. The phone number there is (614) 752-0333. Twin Valley will have a Treatment Team Meeting with Michael's medical staff and any family members that can make it at 10:30am on Thursday, November 13. Michael himself will not attend. The purpose of the meeting is to help determine the best way to get Michael feeling better and out of the hospital.

Please pray that Michael receives and accepts the help he needs to put his life back together.

At this time Michael is so mad that he is not open to contact; however, previously he told me that he does not want to end up alone. Anything you can do to let him know he is not alone, but part of a loving family will be helpful.

Onto Mama and Papa. We are considering a move for Mama as The Arbors facility is hard to stomach. We are looking at The Sanctuary at Tuttle in Dublin. Kate and Tish are researching whether or not The Sanctuary can meet all of Mama's needs.

Both Mama and Papa are declining fast. As always, they seem to be linked together even when apart. I am praying that their end come easily.

Love from your favorite
Margaret