Latest from Margaret

Hey everybody. I cannot sit silently by and wait for Katie to write something else. It is my turn to fill in the blanks.

MAMA AND PAPA

I know that John and Paul have been doing some visiting with Mama and Papa; I am glad to know that everyone is seeing them.

I saw both Mama and Papa this last week. Kate and I moved some of Mama's things into her new room followed by Bob and Jason moving Mama's dresser in for us. The atmosphere in the room is greatly enhanced by Mama's belongings - even if Mama doesn't notice, her visitors will. I know that Mary raised some issues regarding Mama's clothes, room share, etc with The Arbors' staff. Hopefully these issues will be resolved. I am so appreciative of the many ways our family demonstrates its love.

Just to let everyone know, I still have some of Mama's clothes and a few small pieces of furniture. I will continue to hold onto these items until they are needed and/or anyone wants them.

Mama hasn't been well the last couple of times I saw her. She hadn't taken her Adavan (sp?) the other day and was very agitated. Apparently she spat out her breakfast at other patients and the aide followed by refusing to take the Adavan. Lovely. She was very tense and fearful while Kate and I were there. We did get the medication in her by secreting it in chocolate pudding. We passed that suggestion on to the staff, who seemed open to the information. We also tracked down some of Mom's missing laundry; labeled and sorted belongings; organized Mom's drawers; and of course Kate cleaned Mama up and lotioned her thoroughly. Mama didn't speak much; however, she did join in when Kate and I sang some songs we remembered Mama singing (of course neither of us could remember all of the words).

I saw Papa later in the week on my own; I had not seen him in weeks. I thought he would look worse than he did. His leg was swollen, but I didn't think his face or stomach looked especially swollen. What shocked me was his difficulty in saying the words he wanted to get out. He wanted to talk, but nothing made sense. He did get out, "I love you" several times (what he actually meant to say was, "You're my favorite.").

Remember, Papa's birthday is this Wednesday, Sept 17.

MARGARET'S NEWS

CANCER - Most of you have heard that I have endometrium cancer (in my uterus). This should be fairly straight forward to take care of as it has been caught early. On Oct 1 I will be having my uterus and ovaries removed (I never thought my battle with weight would come to a hysterectomy). Depending on the surgery used, I can be home that night or if an incision is required I will be in hospital 3/4 days. I have been told to expect 6 weeks of recovery. Help is warmly and thankfully accepted.

BJ DEPARTING & PARTY - My other news is that BJ has decided to return to Australia (yes the wails you have heard are me crying). He leaves Sept 29. I will be hosting a Good Luck gathering at my house (6938 Ernest Way, Dublin) on Saturday, Sept 20 from 3pm to ??? for anyone available to wish BJ a safe trip and good luck. Please bring whatever you'd like to drink and a dish to share.

Hope to see you all soon.

Love from your favorite Margaret