January 3, 2014

Yesterday, mom was in bed most of the day but got up for dinner and stayed up until around 10:00 p.m. We were able to have a nice chat - and reminisced about Moses Lake, the Island and the many times Mike and I visited them while they were living in Las Vegas and had so many great times.  She and dad both told me yesterday they knew they could always depend on Mike and I and didn't know what they would have done without us.  That made me feel so warm inside....but at the same time sad, because there was someone else they should have been able to depend on as well, especially now, but that never happened and it looks like it never will. I'm venting a  little because although mom and dad put up a good front, they are hurt and they don't deserve it. I started the New Year with an attempt to bridge the gap for their sake, but as of today that attempt, although received, was not acknowledged.  I didn't have the heart to tell mom and dad because I knew it would devastate them even more. I wanted to try one last time to provide an opportunity to avoid the regrets that will most certainly surface later on ... I pray I'm wrong and that the opportunity was not ignored but being considered .... always the optimist!

Enough of that...I just had to get that off my chest.  Now on to the positive.  Mom woke up late this morning and was all smiles.  She ate breakfast, got dressed and asked Dad to take her for a ride. I usually go with them but I got the feeling they wanted some quiet time alone so I declined their invitation.  I'm only a phone call away and Dad's still a good driver, so I'm not worried.  Who knows ... depending on where they end up (a casino I presume!!!!), Mike and I may join them later for an evening of more fun and frolic.  We asked hospice about mom going out to casinos and they said as long as she has the energy, it is a good way for her and dad to focus on something pleasant (unless they are losing - lol).  She loves the restaurant at Valley View too so I know she'll eat well again today.

Another wonderful day!!!

Visiting our "other" family, the Rye's and Beutler's
when we took our vacation to Washington and Oregon
in 2009.