Oh how time goes by . . .

It blows my mind how fast time goes by. It feels like just a few days ago we celebrated the 4th of July, but really it was over a month ago. Over the past few weeks I've been thinking about life, and how precious it is. I have a few friends, and family members who are pregnant and it's so wonderful to see new life coming into the world. But on the other hand, in my line of work, I also see the other end it. Lately, I've found my job to be very rewarding, which is a better than feeling unappreciated and dreading work I suppose. ;-) Most of my residents enjoy me, and those who don't probably don't remember who I am. Back in January when I lost my grandmother, Nonnie, my mom, uncle john and aunt Judy never left her side. They were with nonnie through everything.
Anyway, there was a hospice resident who arrived a few days ago at TenderNest with really shallow breathing and he was in a lot of pain. This residents family was AWESOME!!! They understood the reasoning behind keeping him medicated and comfortable rather than conscious and uncomfortable. The reason this family is so near and dear to my heart is because it reminds me of what we went through with Nonnie and her rapid decline in health and quality of life. We were there by her side till she was ready to let go. Early Sunday morning, this resident passed away. I feel kinda lucky that I didn't get to know him well because I can only imagine how hard that would have been. His daughter in law had told me that he was the perfect man. He was traditional in the sense of opening doors, keeping gas tanks full and tending to the garden, but both he and his wife worked. If she got home later, he would be the one to start supper. He cleaned, did dishes and vacuumed. Just the small things I guess that make us appreciate our loved ones. He and his wife were married for 64 years!! How awesome is that! :-)

On a much lighter note, I was leaving another residents room the other night after giving bed time medication and she said to her husband after the door was closed "Isn't she just so sweet to us?!" It lifts me up that the elderly that I'm taking care of really appreciate me.

On a completely different subject, Brad met his parents in Missoula last weekend to pick up Brad's Jeep. Does the jeep run? No. Will it needs lots of TLC? Yes. Did I go into this knowing everything? yes. But I know that if Brad and I decided on not taking it from his dad, that he would be disappointed and I just can't do that to my husband. I would post pictures, but the only pictures I have are on my phone and Brad has it for the day a work. So I'll post some later.

In just two short weeks (I'm sure they'll go by in a blink of an eye) my mom will be out here to spend some time with us! I'm super excited about quality mother daughter time.