Company's Coming

Mom had a great surprise this weekend with the arrival of a few unexpected guests. Saturday evening was busy with the buzz of excitement as Jennie (mom's sister from Utah), Justin (the oldest boy) and his wife Kaiti rounded the corner to enter her room. Her smile was wide and her surprise was evident as she embraced each person wondering how they had so effectively hidden their plans from her. We secretly had a joke that because of all the meds mom's on, she wouldn't have remembered even if we had told her :) But, none the less, she was overjoyed to have them around her.

Just as she was recovering from that shock, in walked her brother Michael who had flown in from Fredericton for an impromptu visit. She was amazed that he was actually there to see her and spend time with her. Any of you who have spent much time with mom know that her greatest joy lies in the time she spends with her family. It pains her greatly that she doesn't live near any of her adult children and especially that she's without any of her sweet grandchildren. That being said, I don't know if we can ever fully understand what it meant to mom to have all those loved ones appearing with the specific purpose of spending time with her!

By all accounts, everyone was able to enjoy some great one-on-one time with mom. From treating mom to a manicure and pedicure to enjoying a sunny afternoon lounging in the sun with a spur of the moment photo shoot, there were some talks and some even greater laughs.


We continue to joke with mom about some of the things she has said while medicated. I'll just give you a taste. While mom was trying to explain to me that they were going to start feeding her intravenously, she told me they were going to start her on TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein - a soy product with consistency similar to ground beef) so you can just imagine the pictures I had in my mind of what would be floating around mom's IV bag! After a quick call to the nurse, she assured me it was not TVP, but was called TPN (Total Protein Nutrients) which is quite different. That mix up got a few good laughs.

As I am writing this post, Kalie should be snuggling nicely into a bed in mom and dad's home in North Bay and will be dad's "right hand man." She has always been a kindred spirit with dad and has had an ability to reach him on a level that has left us all in awe. We are hoping she can offer him support and strength on behalf of all his children.

While Justin, Kaiti and Michael have returned home to their respective lives, Jennie has been able to remain, keeping laughter and a peacefulness in mom and dad's home. We appreciate this more than she will ever know. We love her dearly and recognize the sacrifice of her family on our behalves. Thank you.

I have been able to share with mom the comments that have been left on the blog by loved ones. She always has a kind response and is touched that you're thinking of and praying for her. Please feel free to leave any comments you would like for mom and I will be sure she receives them. I know they are a ray of sunshine in her day!