Sunday, March 29, 2015 

Mom is watching television while sitting in her new wheelchair. We have been using it to give her leg time to heal. And I think it’s working quite well, except that we are creating a monster. A lazy monster, who seeks to be wheeled around wherever she goes. Still, pain is pain. I have wrapped her leg in a bamboo wrap. Bought it for myself some time ago, but it didn’t seem to do any good. Packed it away and lost it for a while, but fortunately found it again. And it seems to be doing mom some good. She won’t be without it.

And then there is Lila, my “other” patient. She is now suffering with abscesses on her gums and is feverish. Her teeth are in horrible shape. Last night, I was able to get a liquid antibiotic for her by calling her PA. But I fear it’s too little too late. The CNAs did not notice before this episode that her gums were swollen and red and blistery. As Lila is demented and cannot express herself normally, no one knew. It was the fever that served as notice. Our worry is also with her son, who would take her passing so very hard, even though she is nearly 98 years old. Our only recourse is prayer. Sooner or later, Lila—like the rest of us—will succumb. The overall feeling is one of imminent loss and grave sadness. The CNAs and I have all been with Lila for more than 3 years now. She is family, as is her son. This being Holy Week, I have no idea what will happen. The winery has us on for 3 days with extra hours, but I will do my best before then. I doubt, at any rate, whether her oral surgeons will take her now in her current condition and age. They last saw her 2 years ago, but she was in better shape then. The ER is the only other recourse, but then we face the probability of nosocomial infection or worse. If Lila dies in the hospital, her son will consider it the highest betrayal.

Mom, Lila, the CNAs, her son… Much to pray for this week and ever.