WellsRuby

Well if you happen to blow through Nothhern Colorado maybe we can get together for a bite! How do you feel about retiring?

Hi Ruby,
Sorry to hear about your decision to quit working but agree it is probally the right one. I'm sure Jim is grateful that you are going to be him more. My dad is doing so-so. He has started taking some steps again with his caretaker holding on tightly to his gait belt and using a walker. I wouldn't attempt it with him myself. His hands and arms are getting weaker otherwise things are about the same. My husband just served me divorce papers two weeks ago I have been devastated. I thought he'd stand by my side through my dad's illness and be there for me. I now feel like I have no one ot lean on. My husband and I still love each other but can't live together without fighting. I want to try counseling but he says He's done. Dad was able to get out the other week and attend a few girl's high school basketball games. It boosted his spirits to get out of the house for awhile. Take care, Kim

One more month, hooray! Your life will be just as busy, just a different kind of busy. Do you have anyone to help you? I am currently battling loneliness as I've found out who can and can't (most of them) handle this. Rog is great about understanding my need for a break, but doesn't like to be left alone. We are paying for a caregiver out of pocket until the VA gets its act together and starts picking up the cost.
Keep me posted!

Jen

Hi!
I'd be scared, too! Rog is in a wheelchair full time now. All of his internal organs have slumped so he looks like he has a bhudda belly. He can't walk very far at all and tires very easily. I don't know what they can do at clinic for Jim except get you some in-home help, a gait belt to help keep him upright. Does he have a hospital bed yet? Ask for one as well as the hoyer lift. Our fire department will come and pick Rog up off the floor at no charge if they don't have to transport him anywhere, yours should too. When is retirement? Keep me posted, I'm thinking of you daily,
Jen

Hi!
Thought of you as well! Our holidays were calm, which was nice! I'm glad you are retiring. I'm glad I did...I have time with Rog that we'll never get back. I can go back to work if I need after, even if I'm just tutoring kids privately...
Let me know how it goes!!!

Jen

Hi Ruby,
How are things going for you? My dad is currently back staying at his home for at least awhile. We have a family friend who is a carpenter/handyman who has agreed to be his full-time caregiver. Dad is still able to eat on his own with no peg but it takes awhile since his arms are getting weaker and he only has the use of a few fingers on each hand. My kids are thrilled that grandpa is back in town. You are in my prayers. Take care, Kim

I wish you the same Dear One! My Mom is here so it will be nice. We are blessed! I hope you and yours are doing well!

Ruby,
Have a great Thanksgiving yourself! Ours will be quiet with Maddie and Melissa and Rog's sister...they'll all be gone by 3...

Think of you and sending hugs,
Jen

Hi! Thinking of you! Hope you have a good weekend!

Jen

Go for the retirement; I'm so glad I did! I'm busier than ever! Dealing with doctors and the VA is a full time job... Rog is weaker so I spend more time physically caring for him and everything just takes longer. We have a trip to San Diego in Dec for our anniversary and I may be able to do one more trip after that... The prep to go is a lot of work...he never complains and really wants to maintain his independence. I understand you wanting to help with the load! I'm glad you wrote, I was wondering how you were doing! Are you on Facebook?

Jen

Hi Ruby,
Hope things are going well for you. Unfortunately, my dad wasn't accepted for a clinical trial. He has an appointment to see his Dr. tomorrow. Dad is wanting to come back home for at least a couple months. He had some remodeling done when he first got sick and his house is a one-story with a basement. We are getting bids for the VA right now to install him a wheelchair ramp. Took my daughter who is 15 to a Justin Bieber concert this past Saturday. She loved it and I still can't hear. lol Take care and drop a line when you have time. Hugs, Kim

Hi Ruby,
Hope your week is going well. Our son Eric who will be 9 in November just returned the other week from visiting my dad in Dallas. He had a wonderful visit. Our son even commented that my dad looked alot better then when he saw him last on Labor day weekend. Dad's progression seems to have slowed down the last few months. He is thin but still has a great appetite and even though it takes quite awhile he still eats on his own. Dad is hoping to get into a clinical trial. He was supposed to find out last week and now they said it'll be another 10 days. I will post if he gets in one and let people know how he responds to it. Take care, Kim

Hi Ruby,
How are things going for you? I just recently got airline tickets for our youngest son Eric who's 8 and my aunt (dad's sister) to go to Dallas in October to visit my dad. My son has a long weekend off from school due to a teacher's institute and Columbus day and I am pulling him out for two extra. He gets straight A's so I thought pulling him out of school won't hurt. I feel grandpa is more important at this point. Dad gets pretty fatigued easily. He sleep 100% better at night now that he uses a bi-pap when he sleeps. Dad loves to go to the movies. He just went and watched the latest Clint Eastwood movie. He said it was really good. My dad and mom used to own movie theatres in our town. Take care, Kim

Thanks!!! The scooter and flying first class has made a HUGE difference!!! I need to get my 10,000 steps in so looking for all the handicap ramps, etc is doing the trick. We will be off and running again!!!

Jen

Ruby,
We are in St Louis taking in Cardinals games and the sights... We are working our way through the bucket list...he has a scooter that we rented that has made all the difference... Dumped it and himself on the banks of the Mississippi... He's okay except for a bruise on his hip and scraped knuckles... Some bikers helped us....they were amazing!!!! Went on the river cruise, back to the metro and the hotel for a nap before the game... He's not giving up, I was a blubbering mess...
Traveling is not for sissies!

Jen