Thanksgiving brought back some rough emotional feelings for Mom. We did our best to enjoy the holiday while following the request to be socially distant and try not to get her sick. The distance and limited social contact was not good for her and depression set in causing some anger and frustration. We all recognize that the state her body is in doesn't allow her do do most of what she has done in the past, and what she can do, she does with great difficulty. This would frustrate anyone and there was some lashing out :) So here we are trying to figure out...again...how to move forward.
Last week we decided to hold a family council (meeting) to determine what we needed to change or add for Mom. It was also an opportunity to remind ourselves as a family who we are and where we want to be in this family struggle. Here is what we decided:
- Private care is coming back
- We are hiring someone to clean the house
- We are hiring someone to help with laundry and dishes
All of these changes will benefit everyone, most of all Mom & Dad. Pops has been ridiculously amazing in his effort for Mom. While trying to work every day on a significant real estate project, he is also is tasked with getting Mom ready for the day, cleaning, cooking, dishes, whatever. He is maxed out! The help that is coming him will give him a well deserved daily break.
As I have said before (and will many more times), this is a marathon and every step back provides an opportunity to refocus on the needs to help Mom remain happy and motivated to fight on. We are simply redirecting as we go and have added the entire family to the needs discussion (what do each of us need from each other). Life is tough enough without COVID, earthquakes, and no football!!! Together we can do this!
As always, thanks for your support and love! It is definitely felt and your latest calls and texts to Mom were VERY timely.
And if you feel the need to send an extra card this Christmas, please send one to Grandpa Knowlton (JR). Here is a post from my cousin Megan (we had to cancel a YUGE party because of COVID). He is a legit WWII pilot and war hero :
Dear Friends & Family, My Grandpa, Hooper Knowlton is turning 100 Years Old on Tuesday, December 29th, 2020!!!
Since COVID has altered our Birthday party plans..... would you please help us celebrate by sending a Birthday card?! We are hoping he receives over 100 Birthday cards.
Would you please send a Birthday card to:
Mr. Hooper Knowlton 440 Independence Parkway, #2429 Plano, TX 75075
Please share this post with others who may know my Grandpa, Hooper Knowlton.
Thank you in advance!!!!!
