Arbor Hospice

Well, my grandma is still hanging in there.  She is quite the trooper.  She has conquered her pneumonia, it actually doesn’t surprise me, that’s my Grandma for you.  I usually get to the hospice facility just around 1-2pm and stay until I get hungry and need dinner or until my grandpa comes.  About 5-6 hours a day is spent in her lovely little room. 

Giant pot of Mums, like seriously,they
probably reach the middle of my thigh.

This facility is beautiful and quite nice.  My grandmother has a nice little view of a pond with a giant spraying fountain thing in the middle of it.  She is surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements and is in good spirits (like always). When asked how she feels, she always responds with, “It could be worse”, and we just roll our eyes at her because really, how much worse could it get?

 There is a little kitchenette/ library room just down the hall and they always have a giant pot of soup sitting there for people who come to visit, to enjoy.  And Great Harvest always provides a delicious loaf of fresh bread.  The Pesto bread is our favorite so far.  It’s nice and comforting to have that warm soup and bread available.  Of course there is also hot chocolate, coffee and tea waiting.  And the lady with the cookie cart that comes around in the afternoons :)

Things are moving slowly here.  My grandma is hanging on, she has enjoyed having visitors and a lovely number of cards sent her way.  We have had to start pre-reading some of the cards that are sent because some have mentioned how much they wish that she could attend her own memorial service…or how much they will miss her when she is gone… come on people, she doesn’t realize she is dying.  Every day is an adventure with the new stories she comes up with.  Just yesterday she was telling people that I’m an illegitimate child, apparently my dad isn’t my real dad, who knew? Definitely not me…or my parents haha

It’s getting harder and harder to watch her as she looks like she is struggling to breathe and since yesterday she has almost given up completely on eating.  She has been super nauseous the past couple of days and they are working on relieving that but it’s doesn’t seem to be working.

I am very appreciative of the excellent staff they have there at Arbor Hospice.  I realize it’s because of the nature of the place we are in, but still, when you are going through something like this, friendly, comforting, warm and nice people make it just a tad better.

Isn't she beautiful?! Can't believe
 how fast she is growing up

In the meantime, my aunt and I have been going through some things here at the house and cleaning out some things.  Our task the other day was the bathroom.  We were just laughing at the variety of extremely expired things, and things that we had so many of it was ridiculous.  For example, you will never guess how many boxes of Band-Aids/gauze packages we found…the magical answer is 42!! We were practically rolling on the ground with laughter.  Oh Grandma, you were always so prepared :)  We kept a few boxes and found a place to donate the rest, just as my grandma would have wanted.

I am so grateful for this time I have to spend with my family.  We have had some great discussions about things and our bond is growing stronger through this.  This past weekend I was able to have a pleasant little break up at my Aunt Julie's house.  My cousin Olive was going to her Homecoming dance and I got to help do her hair and makeup.  After she was gone a small group of us indulged in a little "cocktail party" and we grazed on delicious fresh veggies and cheeses and crackers as we sat next to the fireplace. It was such a fun and relaxing couple of days.  This trip included a nice little pedicure as well :) Thanks Julie!

Thanks for everyone who has texted me and has been concerned with how we are all doing, I appreciate it!
*peace out girl scout*