Green Not So Smiley Monday
I am trying to smile - and I am at Lisa's cat who keeps nudging me to pet him.
Otherwise, it is not green and i am having trouble smiling. After our lovely day at the sugar bush yesterday, it is snowing and windy today. I called my brother at his nursing home last evening and he was in a lot of pain. Robert is 13 years older than me and has diabetes and has significant memory loss. When I call, he is usually in a good mood and says everything is fine. Last night he complained about how sore his foot was. I called the nurse this morning and she verified that his foot is very sore and one of his toes is getting necrotic and may need to be amputated. They are getting an order for Morphine to give him during dressing changes.
So I am changing my airline ticket and going to Thunder Bay before I go home. I am not doing well with stress these days. As my husband said, he is getting old, and I agree. However Robert never married and the rest of the family who live near him do not visit very often. I guess because I am a nurse and worked in nursing homes, I am a bit more concerned. I know how people who do not complain can be overlooked - not maliciously but it is true, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
I get this feeling that Lisa may be having more family join her in heaven soon and I am not ready for any more funerals at the moment.
So I will make the effort to smile. We are going out to dinner at some friends' of Lisa and Harvey this evening. The family is big and noisy so that should bring a smile to my face! I will smile even broader when I see Cevyn smiling!
Otherwise, it is not green and i am having trouble smiling. After our lovely day at the sugar bush yesterday, it is snowing and windy today. I called my brother at his nursing home last evening and he was in a lot of pain. Robert is 13 years older than me and has diabetes and has significant memory loss. When I call, he is usually in a good mood and says everything is fine. Last night he complained about how sore his foot was. I called the nurse this morning and she verified that his foot is very sore and one of his toes is getting necrotic and may need to be amputated. They are getting an order for Morphine to give him during dressing changes.
So I am changing my airline ticket and going to Thunder Bay before I go home. I am not doing well with stress these days. As my husband said, he is getting old, and I agree. However Robert never married and the rest of the family who live near him do not visit very often. I guess because I am a nurse and worked in nursing homes, I am a bit more concerned. I know how people who do not complain can be overlooked - not maliciously but it is true, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
I get this feeling that Lisa may be having more family join her in heaven soon and I am not ready for any more funerals at the moment.
So I will make the effort to smile. We are going out to dinner at some friends' of Lisa and Harvey this evening. The family is big and noisy so that should bring a smile to my face! I will smile even broader when I see Cevyn smiling!
Replies
Sometimes it is so hard to smile and I applaud your efforts to find some lightness in your heart, even amidst additional challenges. I imagine being surrounded by a big and noisy crowd tonight will be a lot of fun!
End of life is tough ~ your brother Robert is blessed to have you as a sister.
Sending you a lot of love and great big \"we\'re getting there\" smiley hugs ~ Debbie
Have a good dinner, smile, enjoy,then visit your brother...you are a good sister, take care of him, I send my pryaers for him..Nora
Hey a smile at a persistant cat is something! Enjoy your dinner...love and hugs...Karen
Hi Marlene, I can feel your concern for your brother Robert and I know you will advocate for the best care for him. Enjoy your dinner with friends. Love and hugs, Linda
Your brother is lucky to have you and you\'re right, the squeaky wheel does get the grease. Saying the serenity prayer for you and a prayer for comfort for your brother. A giant hug, BarbaraWawa
I love the serenity prayer. I have had it as my motto for most of my life! I often need reminding about what battles to fight.
Hoping for more of those happier walking days for you...It is tough to see our siblings declining. How lucky your brother has you,a nurse, to help keep his care as expert as he deserves. You are a wonderful sister to ensure his good care. I used to work in a nursing home and the ones that had the most family visit did seem to get better care overall. Love, Donna