Monday, February 22, 2016 

Mom has taken to falling more frequently, a disastrous turn of events that can spell her demise. Several nights ago, she hit her hand on the wheelchair parked nearby. We have since moved it, so that mom will have a clear field. But there is still the carpeted floor, which although carpeted still proved a problem. Mom now has a small sore on her buttocks. A pressure point, I assume, that also bore the brunt of the fall. I administered Manuka honey wound dressing and added a soft patch, hoping that would do the job. But yesterday, mom complained of pain. She also seemed cranky. Fortunately, I was able to call hospice and seek advice from our very capable nurse.

Within 15 minutes, L arrived at our home and administered to mom. She placed a derma patch on mom to keep the sore protected and dry until we could examine it again today. I think the patch will serve its purpose and allow the wound to heal quickly.

Well, “it’s always something,” especially when dealing with the very old. But we keep finding solutions. Still, I was following the story of Joey Feek, a young country singer who has a heart for the Lord. Joey is beautiful, has a lovely voice, a very happy marriage (she sings with her husband, a guitarist), a delightful 2-year-old child, a fabulous farm, and is dying of cancer. Joey’s mom sang with her in one concert, a song about supper and going home. I cannot imagine how her mom was able to sing without crying. But she managed. One of Joey’s songs was nominated for a Grammy, and she was able to celebrate that piece of happy news with her husband.

Fact is, we are all meted out different dishes. One may wonder why, but there are no answers here on earth. Whether we will ever have the answers is beyond my ken. I doubt the answers will matter. But mom is 99 and hanging on. Joey Feek is being given more and more morphine as the days and her illness progress. The one thing I could not tolerate is having my mom in pain. Fortunately, we are far from having to administer morphine and may never have to administer it. But even small amounts of pain are intolerable. Joey has her husband Cory who will help keep her comfortable. Mom has Rob and me. It’s still a boatload of work.