classical Music

I played violin for 9 years 'back then. ' It's always been my favorite instrument, with cello following a close second . Hearing this Nocturne causes my heart to swell with pure joy.  I share it with you here.
Itzhak Perlman Chopin Nocturne in C#minor. Violin transcription of the Chopin nocturne played by Itzhak at the White House accompanied by Ken Noda (piano).  It might load slowly, so be patient.     

What's Up?

I wrote a new ABOUT ME. The old one was too long and tedious.

No doubt you are busy with various activities with your families. I enjoy reading about you and yours and the photos some of you post. I’d like to post photos, too, but I can’t remember how. Well, I remember how, but things just don’t work like they used to. I think it’s because of the “new” updated blogger. I’ve had problems posting videos, too

We’ve had some really hot weather here with temps up in the high 80’s and an occasional 90 degrees.  It’s a chore to drink enough fluids in hot weather. I don’t really like to drink, but its imperative. I notice that dehydration causes a drop in energy and coordination.

I've been caught up in the every day rhythm of life here at Willow Springs, getting fewer and fewer of my self-appointed tasks accomplished these days. Some of this is caused because my brain works slower, my vocabulary is reduced, my daily walks have become shorter, and my naps have become longer.

Conversations with Clinton are taking longer, also.  More and more he has difficulty finding words to express himself (most of us do to some degree or other). I'm happy that he makes the effort because I really want him to stay connected. I want to know what he's thinking, and want him to know that I’m interested.  His speech is hesitant and that frustrates him. I’m able to wait patiently as he struggles to find words. Names are really hard for him. He does better in a conversation that he instigates, doesn‘t feel rushed, and if the hearer enters ‘his world’ and stays on the same wave length.

He doesn’t always track well and asks a lot of questions. This is a process that can’t be rushed. His ability to “hear” depends on the thoughts he’s having. For instance, if he asks me what day is it?  (if he’s thinking it’s Saturday) and my answer is  “Friday”, he can’t process that because he’s expecting me to say what he’s thinking.  I speak as slowly and clearly as I can, repeating several times over until his thoughts “re-set”.  I don’t mind the first few repeats, but then I tell him “I’ll answer that later”. I have a certain nod and look that tells him to ‘skip it’.  He usually nods in agreement. Actually, he’s doing better than most of the residents here.

Since last year’s rocky health issues, hospitalization and decline, (August and September.) we have been encouraged by the way he bounced back. We’re grateful to our good God who is always looking after us through our Guardian Angel. Many residents end up on the floor due to lack of strength or coordination. No broken bones so far, but we’ve seen some huge, painful bruises.

We are privileged to receive the Eucharist every Wednesday from a lady from our parish: “The Catholic Church of the Nativity”. Kathy and Tim (daughter and son-in-law) are faithful to take us to Mass every Sunday, and Tim often brings us the Eucharist after a daily Mass. God more than blesses us. We find strength through daily Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Life couldn’t be any better. Blessed be God forever.

What is the Link between Poppies and the American Legion?

When I was young, we called it Poppy Day but today I learned the Origin of this long-standing program based on the poem by John McCrae, a Canadian military surgeon, written in 1915 after a particularly fierce battle in Belgium.  McCrae, looking over the rubble of the battle was especially disturbed over having to bury a young friend and former student, Lieut. Alexis Helmer who had been killed by a shell burst. McCrae had performed the funeral ceremony in the absence of a Chaplain. In his anguish he vented by composing a poem. In the nearby cemetary, he could see the wild poppies blowing in the gentle wind. He spent twenty minutes of precious rest time scribbling fifteen lines of verse in a notebook.

Dissatisfied with it, McCrae tossed the poem away, but a fellow officer retrieved it and sent it to newspapers in England. The Spectator, in London rejected it, but Punch published it on 8 December 1915.

In 1918, just before the Armistice, Georgia native, Moina Michael wrote “We Shall Keep The Faith” being inspired by McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields”. His evoking the hardy little flowers made a permanent impression on Michael.  She had read his poem in Ladies’ Home Journal. Then, in a YMCA conference, she showed the poem to the attendees, stating her intention to wear red poppies in the memory of the fallen soldiers. She received $10 to buy silk poppies to distribute.
  

Seeing the potential for a real movement of remembrance, Michael made the linking of poppies and war dead her life’s work. She went to the Legion and suggested that veterans could put together artificial poppies for both rehabilitation and money, for both themselves and assistance programs. The poppy was made the official flower of the Legion in 1920, and of the Auxiliary in 1921. It was the Auxiliary that ran with the idea. The American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program has been a staple of the organization ever since.

The poppies are still made by disabled or hospitalized veterans, with materials provided by Auxiliary departments, and the veterans still receive a small stipend. The program serves as both a form of community awareness and a fundraiser. In 2011, nearly 3.5 million poppies were distributed by units, raising $2.1 million in donations to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans across the country. In 1930, Moina Michael was awarded the Auxiliary’s medal for distinguished service.

Although McCrae’s poem and Michael’s response cemented the link between poppies and fallen soldiers in the United States and beyond, they were not the first to make it. Fields of poppies in former battlefields were remarked on as far back as the Napoleonic Wars. The reason for the link? Papaver rhoeas, the common poppy, is a very adaptable variable annual and agricultural weed. Its “photo-dormancy” means it needs light to germinate, but thick seed walls allow it to maintain its structural integrity in soil for many years until it gets that light. When the soil is disturbed, such as in battle or by digging graves, poppies grow quickly and easily.  

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
  In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Source American Legion 

How much difference can One make?

THE POWER OF ONE One song can spark a moment One flower can wake the dream One tree can start a forest One bird can herald spring One smile begins a friendship One handclasp lifts a soul One star can guide a ship at sea One word can frame the goal One vote can change a nation One sunbeam lights a room One candle wipes out darkness One laugh will conquer gloom One step must start each journey One word must start a prayer One hope will raise our spirits One touch can show you care One voice can speak with wisdom One heart can know what is true One Life can make a difference H/T to Godvine



Picture This

Do you use the Wii? do your children play Wii games? How about your grandchildren and Wii? (they're probably the experts)

How about your grandmother and Wii. ?

Are you kidding?

No I'm not kidding.

Last night our Activity Director here in Assisted Living

taught me how to load the Wii program with Sports and select from Golf, basketball, tennis or Bowling. We were able to choose an icon to represent each person playing.

We chose 2 players (Clinton and myself) We chose to Bowl.

At first we threw a lot of rotations and gutter-balls because of inexperience. We had to deal with splits a lot.

It took awhile to get the coordination right to send the ball down the aisle (is it called aisle?) No, its called a lane and Bowling alley is the name of the 'place'.

Oh my there's so much to learn!

The best part of it is that Clinton was eager to play again. This is a wonderful exercise for our brains, and I'm so excited that he was able to navigate the remote Wii control.

We are always looking for different activities to keep our brains as alert as possible

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Patron Saints

Many of my blogger friends are writing about Lent,  and other disciplines. Clinton and I continue with daily Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet. There are websites where I read  the scriptures for the day, and meditate on them.

New this year are petitions to my Patron Saint, St. Camillus de Lellis. For several years now I have applied to Marianne in her ministry of finding a patron Saint for the year. http://yourpatronsaint.blogspot.com/   I knew nothing about St. Camillus, but a simple search revealed him to be an excellent companion for me. We both had conversion in middle age. More about him here: http://olrl.org/lives/camillus.shtml  

Marianne began her website about 7 years ago, and it has grown tremendously,  as those who received a Patron through her began to email her telling of the connections they have made with their Saint. For those of you who aren't familiar with this practice, You'll find a treasure of information on her website

On her site, she publishes the emails giving praise to their Patron as connections are often made by mere circumstances. Her newest blog is here: http://patronsaintconnections.blogspot.com/   Read more about her ministry and how it works.

These connections are truly amazing, and the hand of God is clearly seen. The communion of Saints is experienced through the intercession of our advocates in heaven and on earth. We all know the power of asking our earthly friends for their prayers on our behalf, or on the behalf of others and of circumstances. Many examples can be given, such as unemployment (one of our grandchildren is looking for a job.) His parents have come to us asking for prayers, which we, in turn ask the Saints to put in a good word for our cause, especially of St. Cajetan, patron Saint of the unemployed: (http://www.catholic-saints.info/patron-saints/patron-saint-of-unemployed.htm). If the situation becomes critical or hopeless, we know that St. Jude Thaddeus is patron of lost causes. We can appeal to him if it comes to that.

Marianne can be reached by email: mare54@gmail.com
This isn't superstition. St. Faustina and her religious order did the same thing! Marianne gives us an excerpt from Faustina's Diary Here: http://yourpatronsaint.blogspot.com/
Our Pope is in favor of the faithful having a devotion to a special Saint.

(a copy & paste from Zenit)  CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 25, 2010 (Zenit.org).-
Benedict XVI is recommending that everyone have devotion to a particular saint -- he suggested, for example, a namesake -- so that the saint can offer closeness through intercession but also be a model to imitate.

What marvelous friends we have to accompany us on our journey. Thanks Be to God.

Everything?

This is perfect for Lent, when we're all giving up our idols. Of course it's perfect for any day any time. Kimberly Hahn gets the point across with captivating humor.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Together again -

Well, the big news here is happy news. For the past year that Clinton and I have been living here at Willow Springs, we have had separate rooms.  My Doctor is very protective of me because of the seriousness of my major Depressive disorder, and insisted (wisely) that we not room together.

That's changed now. I've learned how to step back and let the caregivers here handle anything I want help with. He had some difficult situations in August and September that I couldn't possibly handle. That was when I realized how beneficial it is for us to be here, and how I would never be "in over my head" again as long as we're here.  With this new confidence, I approached my Doctor, asking him to allow us to live together in the same room. (of course he has no power to forbid it - I just wanted to let the Doctor have the say-so). He advised us to give it  a trial run. (We knew it would work out well)

As of February 6th and 7th, we're all settled in.  Our wonderful daughters made the room cozy and homey. I wish I had a camera so I could show you before and after photos of their "magic". They were able to remove all my belongings from my room and blend it all together in Clinton's room so it doesn't look crowded and doesn't feel crowded. We're so pleased, and happy.  We thank God for all our wonderful children, and their willingness and ability to make us comfortable.

I repent of all those times I complained about how much work they were.


Inch by inch, life is a cinch

tongue tied no more

 

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

time stealers

Facebook anyone? I know some of my blogger friends are on Facebook. My family is on Facebook. I am on Facebook - reluctantly.  Every time I sign in I end up spending (wasting) too much time clicking here and there, commenting on posts, just tooling around without purpose.

Now I've been invited to Pinterest. My daughter invited me telling me it's fun, interesting and a good place to get ideas. Okay, so I joined..  Yes, it's interesting and I did find a good idea for a way to make my room more efficient.  It really is a desperate need. Even though we pared down our 'stuff' when moving in here,  we still have too much.  Part of that is due to our Depression Mentality.  In the 1930's my family was necessarily frugal. We didn't throw anything away because "we might need it someday".

This has been a hardship for our children, trying to sort through the 'stuff' from our recently sold home. We had so much 'stuff, It was bad, they had to rent a storage unit to hold the overflow. It could be funny or sad, depending on how you look at it. What was once a necessity for survival eventually became a bad habit. So now, true to my roots, I'm collecting 'stuff' from Pinterest - graphics, inspirational sayings, crafts ideas, yummy recipes, you name it and it's there.

So - here's my contribution from Inspirational sayings. Pinterest anyone?
http://pinterest.com/

True, correct?funny, yes?

On birth and death and debt and hope:

Reading the commentaries on Catholic Culture, I was edified by a piece written by Mark Steyn about the West being "old and barren" . His approach was intriguing. I hope you'll take the time to read it here
Later, I'll write a more personal post.
Happy New Year


Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Bloom where you're planted

It's time to reflect on the past year: The Spiritual journey, The lessons, The struggles, failures, successes, growth, events, and where are we now? 

We entered 2011 in a state of confusion,  shaking our heads and asking 'what happened'?  How in the world did we end up in Assisted Living? Both of us were dismayed at the turn of events, which I posted earlier here in detail about Alzheimer's and Depression. It has, indeed, been quite a journey. Adjusting to one room from a 3 bedroom, 2 story house was an exercise in flexibility and an eye-opener. We discovered a lot about ourselves and those lessons revealed over and over how attached we were (are) to things. We struggled as God required us to divest of 'those things which are passing'  He held out another plan of 'seeking those things which are above.' He provided a good Doctor for us who found the right combination of drugs to overcome to some degree our mental deficiencies of Alzheimer's and Depression. We became aware of God's grace at every turn.
  
Before coming here, we weren't the least bit objective about our physical and mental abilities. We weren't at all as fit as we thought.  We both had stopped driving, and were more and more dependent on our daughters. We were very uncomfortable with that.
 

Our first months here were difficult. Everything was so different from home. The food wasn't bad, (okay, it was actually pretty good, but not like mine.) I can't complain though since I've never loved to cook, or for that matter, I never liked shopping for Groceries, didn't like to keep house,  though doing laundry wasn't so bad.
 

It's a big relief not to have to keep track of our numerous prescription meds. The caregivers meet all our needs. It took many months before I realized we were fortunate to be here.
Clinton requires much more attention than I do, so I act as his Advocate. When he needs help I can't give, we push his call button, and help is here in mere minutes.
The children are very good to us. In their kindness, they faithfully take us to Mass.  (Few residents have that privilege.) They drive us to appointments without complaint and shop for us to supply anything we might need (stamps, toiletries, batteries, and a running supply of snacks, yogurt, applesauce, and gatorade)
As for Events: This year we celebrated 64 years of Marriage.

Leaving 2011 behind with 2012 ahead, asking 'Where we are now?' We're In a much better place, able to see the wisdom and Providence of God in 'planting' us here. We have grown this year in our Faith and prayer life.  
We stand on the threshold of a New Year with Hope, renewed minds, and a greater appreciation of life. We are thankful, praising him throughout the day for His unending Love and His Mercy.


Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Holy Innocents

Feast of the Holy Innocents
Enjoy this very inspirational video

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

ADVENT

Wishing you a Holy Advent

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Passionate about LIFE: Get Ready for The Third Edition of the Roman Missal!

Passionate about LIFE: Get Ready for The Third Edition of the Roman 
Missal!
I found this marvelous review

from A Tribute to Our Priests by Easter Almuena

Check it out.
It has roused my interest and excitement about learning more deeply the richness of the third Edition of the Roman Missal   Just click on the link above.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

November is Alzheimer's Awareness month

 http://www.alzinfo.org/

follow the link to find more information about therapies and research

to educate yourself  about the latest findings on the dread disease.

November is Alzheimer's awareness month.

Our team of internationally renowned scientists, under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard, has been at the forefront of seminal research that has provided a conceptual framework for modern day investigations into Alzheimer's disease. Our groundbreaking research is the key to finding a cure for Alzheimer's by advancing truly effective therapies that arrest its development or prevent the illness altogether. Click here for the latest breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research.

On the site is link for making a donation

Clinton and I would appreciate that very much.

We have derived a lot of benefits by going to the

http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/ 

By Bob DeMarco

Alzheimer's Reading Room

I soon realized that Alzheimer's caregivers are often thrust into their role with little or no experience, training, or education about Alzheimer's disease. As a result, they are often overwhelmed and suffer from feelings of helplessness.

At the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we offer solutions to problems that Alzheimer's caregivers face each day. We also provide insight, support, and advice....

On the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we tackle real world problems and offer solutions to issues like: repetitive questions or behavior, bad or mean spirited behavior, effective communication, wandering, urinary tract infections, incontinence, showering, toileting, patient symptoms, anxiety, driving, caregiver loneliness, nursing homes, memory care, hospice, treatment, medications, and what to expect as the disease progresses. 

Bob DeMarco is an Alzheimer caregiver for his 95 year old mother, Dorothy.

Surf on over to read. You will enjoy his humor!

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

NO BELLS, WHISTLES OR HOOPLA

This is a First Anniversary for Clinton and me, calling to mind our first year at Willow Springs Assisted Living. There will be no announcement or celebration of our arrival here a year ago, as our lives took another sharp turn, on a journey I was loathe to take.  Looking back, I can see the why’s and wherefores more clearly.

It was no surprise to us that Clinton needed more assistance than I could give him, so it was logical to move him here.

When I arrived here, I thought it would be a short stay for me until I could get back on my feet. I was wounded in body, mind and spirit. I was certain healing would take place because I just knew that God would not allow me to remain in my state of torment, but didn’t know how long that would take.  I was still angry. Some depressed people can only express anger. They have limited coping skills and may move very quickly to being intolerant and irritable. All this was true of me.  I was not ‘myself’ any more. God gave me enough Grace to know He would create the ‘new me’.  Instinctively, I knew I was not to try to form or shape myself. Hands off – wait on the Lord

Assisted Living has been a tremendous school of Patience and Humility. Patience; because there were no easy answers. I had to wait and wait upon the Lord.  Humility;  because it became evident that I really wasn’t able to take care of myself and probably never will. These realities were mighty blows to my false Pride. Through the fervent prayers of family and friends, these words of Psalm 116 became my own.

“I love the Lord who listened to my voice of supplication, who turned an ear to me on the day I called. I was caught by the cords of death; the snares of Sheol had seized me; I felt agony and dread. Then I called the name of the Lord “O Lord, save my life”. For my soul has been freed from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”

Now, a year later I have come to realize and accept that my being here was God’s plan all along. This is the place where I will learn the lessons my soul needs. It’s a time of pruning and this is the place of pruning, according to the words of John 15: 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

It hurt. It really hurt.  It hurt more in the beginning than it does now, and I stopped complaining as I realized that being here is a gift to me.  It’s a gift to the family, too, knowing that we are well taken care of and relieving them of the heaviest part of caring for Mom and Dad.

I will never know what God has planned explicitly, but I do know that I have a particular work to do, a particular life to live, a particular death to die.  I don’t need to know any more than that .                

“Give us this day our daily bread”  

 This one line of scripture tells me that I only need bread for this day. Let tomorrow unfold as it will.


Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Dear Diary

Its not that I don't have anything to write.  I write every day but I don't write blog posts. I make log lists and I journal. I didn't think anyone would benefit from my musings. Our life is fairly regimented, and dull to others, yet it's the stuff of our lives in Assisted Living where we both receive all the help we need  to function on a day to day basis.

As the central theme of the blog is now mostly about learning to live and communicate with Alzheimer's.  The ups and downs of daily life changes whenever Clinton's condition changes. That's what I write about in my daily journal and it will become the core of Grandma's Musings.

For starters, Clinton has changed significantly since his hospitalization  on August 23rd.  Much of his problems stem from the fact he's had IBS for years. While still in our home,  we were able to adjust his menu and intestinal helps so his life wasn't ruled by the condition. Here at the Willows, we don't have control over his personal  problems.  The nurses and caretakers try to accomodate his needs, but you gotta know it falls short no matter how hard they try. (and they have a lot of residents who need more help than him.)

There's a bug going around here, causing diarrhea, which in turn causes dehydration. It takes a trip to the hospital with a drip to bring sufficient fluids into the body and return it to health.  All  these upsets take a toll on us both.  The hospital messed with his meds, administering the wrong dose. He was returned from the hospital in much worse condition that when he went.

Their error caused extreme Lethargy,  so his Dr. changed the dosage again to counteract the lethargy.

That worked, but now his Alzheimer's took a nosedive. He's very confused. He doesn't know what day it is, or why he feels so poorly. Thankfully, he still knows his family, but he lost all interest in his project (working with his postage stamp collection.) Now he feels at loose ends.

I look at him and my heart aches, and yet I take comfort from the words of St. Ignatius:  “If God gives you an abundant harvest of trials, it is a sign of the great holiness to which He desires you to attain……..”

HOUSE SOLD IN 3 DAYS

in July, I wrote about my year of absence from blogging.  (http://clinmarjo.blogspot.com/2011/07/jack-and-jill.html)


Our house was vacated in Sept. 2010. when we were both hospitalized. See

the Jack and Jill post from July to get a better connection between then and now.

It sat unoccupied for a year, while the family  waded through years and years of accumulation. They had to remove furniture, Ephemera, photos, an array of collectibles, such as antique postcards, old valentines, stamps, coins, photo albums, you name it.  Our situation was placed in God's hand through the prayers of the children, relatives, friends from near and far, and Clinton and I. 

The local children spent months and months reducing one monumental job down to bite size jobs by pre-sorting into the categories for Save - Sell - Dipose of.  Eventually they added another category for things that didn’t fit in the first three. This category was  'set aside' in a storage unit until  such time when the children have a chance to look things through and think things through in order to decide what they could, would, or might be able to keep as memorabilia, striving to be fair to each child.  When the house was finally ready to show,  it was put on the market.

It was listed on Tuesday, 9-20-11 (Kathy took me to the house. I prayed  the prescribed payer to St. Joseph as Kathy dug the soil to bury the little statue according to the tradition.

It was shown on Wednesday 9-21-11

We recived the first offer on Thursday 9—22-11

The final counter was made on Friday 9-23-11

We have since closed the deal, and deposited the Escrow check. WHOOPEE!
Thank you St. Joseph. Thanks Be to God.

There is a legend for this practice.   http://www.saintjosephsellshomes.com/stj_ljs.htm
This is just one site out of many explaining the custom. http://www.stjosephsite.com/SJS_Prayer_To%20sell%20a%20home.htm

I confess that I didn’t place any expectations on this legend,  however  Kathy did, so I went along with it.  THE HOUSE SOLD IN THREE DAYS.

We are grateful to God for the quick sale, and  are grateful to all the prayer warriors who held us in their hearts, while storming heaven on our behalf. We're happy to be relieved from this burden
Rejoice with us!


Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us Now and At the Hour of our death.




INCH BY INCH, LIFE IS A CINCH

New Hobby

Loom knitting

I want to share with you a new skill I've learned. I had never heard of it before. We have community activities here at Willow Springs for the residents, and one day our activity for that hour was an introduction to Loom Knitting


I have bragging rights because I have actually learned to knit on at least one Loom, proving you can teach an old dog a new trick (but you don't have to be an old dog to do it. )

a knitting loom

This loom will create a skull cap from infant to 6 months. It's easy and can be made in a few hours.

Here is a boy's skull cap. I actually have made a number of these, but I don't have any photos of them.

Some people like to use worsted because it’s so soft, and the colors are yummy. I found my looms at Hobby Lobby, but they are available online also.

These simple little skull caps are easy to make. Neo Natal units are happy to receive the gifts of your hands.

Clinton's tribulations

Clinton fell here at the Willows on August 23rd, due to weakness.  He had become weak and weaker over a couple of weeks time. We also had noticed a distinct change in his mood when he became quite bossy and irritable.  In the fall, he fell flat on his back, causing a gash in his head.  He was taken to the County  hospital to have his head stitched, but the gash wasn't that deep, so they cleaned it up. They took images of his tailbone, hips, head - you name it. They found no broken bones, and no hairline fractures. That's all good news.

However, he developed diarrhea every night that was extremely foul smelling. which is a clue that something else is going on, and they will try to get to the bottom of it.  On his third day there, they had to sedate him because he became belligerent and combative.  Although he was taken there to stitch his head, other issues have arisen, and the decision was made to transport him to the Geriatric Psych ward of St. Thomas hospital where our Psychiatrist can see him every day and adjust his Alzheimer's medicines. The day of his transfer, our daughter discovered he had a level 2 bedsore around his tailbone. That will be addressed, along with continued testing.  We want to know what infection he has that caused the elevation of the white blood cells.

We are hopeful he'll react favorably to the changes of drugs.  One year ago, he was in the same condition (delusions and violence). Our psychiatrist brought him around then, so we are prayerful that he can change this Lion to a Lamb again this time, the Lord willing.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Assisted Living

Where to start?  
In the building called Willow Springs,  where we now live.  

At the front: As you approach the front door you are welcomed by a large pillard Veranda. So spacious there is seating for 10 persons The grounds are landscaped not just in the front, but the sides and back, too. The view from the veranda is lovely and  peaceful. Beauty continues at the entrance door,  adorned in  special beveled glass, and wheelchair accessible.  Inside, the foyer is well appointed, with comfortable seating and attractive furnishings and accessories. The window dressing is opulent.The foyer leads to the large Dining Room.

The rooms for residents line 4 corridors (two in the back and two in front) housing 32 residents when fully occupied. In the Center of the facility are large areas for the comfort and pleasure of the residents. Beyond  the Dining Room, is a hallway, leading to the back corridors.  This hallway serves as a bulletin board with flyers with pertinent information. There are Quilts hanging on each side, giving a homey feel. The board gives the Month, the  Day,  the Date,  the Year: the next Holiday, and the Weather. On the same wall, we are greeted with the menus for Lunch and Supper.  Breakfast is made to order.     

Each resident has their picture taken and hung in  this same Hallway   At the end is a divider wall housing a beautiful Grandfather clock. On the other side of the wall is the spacious 'living room', for TV viewing and meetings. This  opens into the "Ozark Room", a gathering place for many activities. There are three round tables (seats 5 at each table). This can be reserved for special occasions of the residents and their family.  Our family has had several family gatherings there.  For a  family as large as ours its a perfect solution to the space needed. At this point in time, none of us has a house large enough to do this. All the public areas are conspicuously high end.

The resident rooms are nothing to write home about. I'd call them plain vanilla.  Each room has a small refrigerator, sink, and microwave. a spacious bathroom and a large closet. We call our rooms 'home'. So instead of saying "I'm going to my room", we say " I'm going home" . None of us has a house anymore, or if we do, its up for sale.(like ours).

A feature that we have enjoyed here,  and many appreciate, is the sidewalk which goes all around the building .   In the Spring we enjoyed many walks until it got hot. We couldn't walk there during our heat wave with advisories, but it has cooled off into the 90's with the promise of cooler weather. In a few short months we'll be complaining about the cold.

In upcoming posts, I'll talk about what we do all day.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

New to blogging? Here's tips to help you

The following is a re-blog from my friend Aimee Cooper. It was written following our email exchanges on the subject back in July 2007.  I think it's  time to post it again.  Enjoy!

Reflections on the Faith and Thoughts on Culture by Roman Catholic convert Aimee Milburn Cooper, M.A. Th.

Aimee's blog is "Historical Christian”

Advice to a New Catholic Blogger

The last few days I’ve had had a fun correspondence with a fairly new blogger, a devout Catholic lady who decided to blog because she’s so inspired by reading all the other Catholic blogs out there.  But she’s distressed, because she feels she “can’t write theologically,” but mostly tells personal stories, both about her faith journey and about very ordinary, everyday things - and feels like those aren't good enough, that she should be more theological or devotional.

I’ve read her blog, and love her stories, find them funny, poignant reflections on life lived from a Catholic point of view.  So I told her:

I’ve got news for you: your whole life is theology, lived, applied theology.  And it shows in your stories, even ones about the most ordinary things in life, like car repairs or trips to the doctor. 

Which is very Catholic.  Catholicism is incarnational, which means even ordinary, every day things take on theological significance when really lived for the Lord.  I’d hate to see you stop writing about your life, because your life is “applied Catholicism,” Catholicism in practice.  You may think it’s little, not worthy of “theology,” but look at St. Therese of Lisieux, and her Little Way.  Little things matter, and count a lot in God’s sight.  You have a way of putting simple, honest things in simple, honest words – and they are beautiful, and cause me to pause, and reflect.

What I’d say is: bottom line: pray a lot, be yourself, and say what you need to say.  Ask the Lord regularly while praying to give you inspiration, and to direct you in what to write.  Don’t worry about whether it “looks like” what other bloggers do.  And I think you’ll do just fine, will learn very much from the experience – and, in time, will likely find your “voice.” 

As far as my own blog goes, over time I’ve become more clear about what I am – and what I am not – doing at core, regardless of my particular subjects (or even whether people like it or not).  And it’s very “me,” not an imitation of someone else.

In the end, all my little words are just my own little reflection of the One Big Word, you know – which is the best any of us can do.  We’re all just little signal mirrors, reflecting Jesus and His Kingdom, all over the place.

And we do it each in our own way, according to our own uniqueness, the unique way God has created and gifted each one of us.  Each one of us is partnering with the Lord, to help show Him and His Kingdom to the world.  Each Catholic blog, in a way, is a unique little window into the Kingdom.

St. Francis de Sales and St. Lucy, patron saints of writers, please pray for us bloggers, that the Lord and His Kingdom may be clearly seen through our words and our witness.  Help us be beautiful witnesses, beautiful windows, for the Lord. And come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

Posted at 09:53 AM in Blogging | Permalink

 inch by inch life is a cinch

Jack and Jill

It’s time for me to share why I’ve been absent from my blog.  It’s been over a year since I went M.I.A. Scroll down to find the connection to Jack and Jill

Throughout the year, I’ve thought a lot about posting, but haven’t been well enough to get my thoughts together in a coherent style.  No sooner does a worthy thought enter my mind, than it’s lost (until I can retrieve it.) This condition is not conducive to writing, but causes procrastination.

In the Fall of 2010, I was hospitalized for Major depressive disorder which caused damage to me physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m on the mend, but still dealing with mental impairment, which may or may not improve. I’m hoping that blogging will help and perhaps even contribute to my recovery. The brain is capable of creating new pathways

Scientists have theorized that depression leads to chemical and physical changes in the body that affect the function of the heart and other organs. Depression causes negative thinking, and vice versa. That messes with the Neurotransmitters which damage the body and the mind. Through medication, I’ve slowly been able to embrace more positive attitudes. The drugs helped me shed the hostility, paranoia and other troublesome behaviors. We hope to reverse at least some of the damage. 

For years, it had been my daily prayer that I might become the person Jesus wanted me to be. My prayer was “May thy holy will be done in me, and by me to the end of my life.” In my depressed state, it became an empty prayer, along with any and all things religious.

I liken our predicament to an old Nursery rhyme     

Some of you are aware that my husband, Clinton, has Alzheimers. In that light, we are the Jack & Jill who went up a hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down (Clinton) and broke his crown (Alzheimer) and Jill (me) came tumbling after (I ran away emotionally). I was in stress overload and felt that my Cross was too hard. I was baffled about the weight of my cross, which is never supposed to be more than we can bear. I was vulnerable to the snares set for me by our enemy. Even worse I believed his lies: that I was a Judas, and had fallen from Grace without remedy. It was quite a tumble. The worst was the mental anguish which became my daily companion. I felt so guilty for turning my back on the Cross. I hated myself, believed I was evil, and wanted to punish myself.   In the hospital,   I was treated with powerful drugs. The psychiatrist came there daily to see how my meds were working or not working. I was angry, hostile, and non-cooperative. I was my own worst enemy.

When I was released nearly three months later, I was functioning poorly on several fronts. Because I could no longer care for myself or Clinton, we were placed in Assisted Living.  For the first three weeks here, I continued to be cantankerous, negative and a pain in the neck.(that’s another story. I was a tough nut to crack)

Fortunately, I was bathed in prayer by loving family and friends. Feeling dead inside, I was slow to respond to God’s Grace.  Advent season brought

special blessings and insights that warmed my heart. I began to thaw from my personal winter. God gave me ears to hear His words of comfort.

I had time to ponder deeply what God might be able to do with the remnant of my life. I knew intuitively that I was not to interfere with the work that God would do in me. I was not to create myself anew. God would do the work of restoration. My work was that of learning to let the days unfold, listening to the Holy Spirit, while learning to live in an institution. (to live and not just survive.) My view that something terrible had happened to me began to change, as I returned to praying the Scriptures, and focusing on God’s Mercy and His unfailing Love.

 Ps 119:71 spoke volumes for me. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes”.  He drew me up out of that pit, restored my hope for the future, gave me back the joy of His salvation, and restored my soul.  His Mercy endures forever.

The road back has been long and arduous. My patient and longsuffering children proved to be willing and able to rise to the task of loving as God does: without judgment but with hearts and hands open wide.

Fortunately most of this is past tense. Recovery seems slow, still it will come in due time, and to the degree that God chooses. I am hopeful for the future, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. In Deu 32:39 are the words that help me see my entire ordeal in a different light, as God makes it clear that He is the one who brings both death and life. He inflicts wounds and heals them. Blessed be God forever.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Lord,God, Father of all mankind, May each heart be turned to behold your Glory, and see that all that is good comes from you, because you are Goodness itself. Tho' sometimes we perceive events as bad, help us remember that you only send us Love and all that is good for our Soul. Help us to embrace our trials as friends and as gifts from you ; sent for our benefit. We can never love you or serve you as you deserve, but help us remember you often during the day as we lift our hearts to you in joyful hope.

Impressive list of Catholic Converts

Dressed alike - not twins

The new babies attended Garrett's 40th Birthday party, too, dressed alike but born 3 months apart.

infants

Reagan on the left was born 6-7-10 weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz

Heather on the right was born 3-8-10 weighing just under 4 lbs.

Their Mommies dressed them alike for the party.

4 generations- Brindle_Jones

Reagan Brindle

l. to r. Mary Brindle, the mother, (our Granddaughter), Peg Story, Grandmother (our daughter) and

Maryellen holding Reagan, born June 7. 2010

A Family Gathering

We had a fairly large gathering for the 40th Birthday of our eldest grandson, Garrett.  Barb got some good photos for me to share: 

Heather surrounded by love.

l. to r. Grandpa Rick Story, Garrett Story , the Father and Clinton holding Heather.

Heather was born March 8. 2010

Calvin and Luther defend Mary's Perpetual Virginity

If you haven't been  following Dave Armstrong's strong Apologetic blog,  this is a must-read on Biblical Evidence for Catholicism

He documents actual quotations from Calvin and Luther on the subject of Mary, and is supported by  a Presbyterian Elder.

Dave makes it easy to follow the dialogue by giving different colored text for each participant.  I was admonished by a Facebook reader when I listed as a follower of 'Real Men Pray the Rosary' group there.  I didn't have time to get into an argument with a Calvinist, so I ignored it, but perhaps this post by Dave will help others who are at a loss for answers at times.   

Dave converted to Catholicism in 1991, is a prolific Apologist for Catholicism.  We're fortunate for his zeal in defending all aspects of the Faith.  His books are on Amazon, and he offers E-books from his site at a very reasonable price.  They download in .pdf  or Word doc. format (or both).




Learn and enjoy.

10th Great Grandchild arrived today

Announcing the Birth of Reagan Brindle (pronounced Reegin)

Weighed in at 8 lbs. 12 oz. Baby girl and parents are doing great.

Grandpa and Grandma are proud and pleased with their 4th grandchild.

Great Grandpa and Great Grandma are Praising God.
 

The balancing Act

Meditations on Mass reading from 6-3-10
2 Tim 2:8-15
Ps 25
Mark 12: 28-34

I was impressed by the homily for these readings which speak of the First commandment to love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. Timothy reminds us that if we die with Christ, we will also rise with him.

Then the homilist spoke of Martyrdom, Shedding blood for our Faith is not something we can choose, but many have been martyrd over the centuries - in fact more in the 20th century than ever before. It's a very real possibility for our times.

Next he spoke of 'White Martyrdom'. My ears really perked up.
I hadn't heard the term before. He told us it was once used in regard to those such as desert hermits who aspired to the condition of martyrdom through strict asceticism. However, it's  also practiced in daily lives of lay persons by the  bloodless dying to self. White martyrdom can be chosen by the sacrificial faithfulness to God in our duties, in willingly suffering the persecutions and trials that come to us for simply being Catholic. Being Christian and especially being Catholic is counter-cultural.

These liturgy readings and the homily gave me encouragement. It challenges me because I never in the wide world would have willingly chosen to be a primary caretaker; certainly not at this age.  But here I am trying to navigate the strange road of Clinton's Alzheimer's disease.  I am challenged to say to God; "Lord, I'm not willing, but I'm willing to be made willing to accept white martyrdom in my duties."

Lord, cause me to choose and fully embrace the Cross you have sent to me and Clinton. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony we have become one flesh; for better or for worse. Lord, help me joyfully serve you in this Cross. I don't know how to balance love of neighbor (Clinton and the family) with the appropriate level of  self-love.  How do I balance love of self and dying to self?

Ps 25:  Teach me Your ways O Lord