Monday, July 4, 2016

Mom is not only back, she’s in rare form. Did the 8 trips to the bathroom while I was trying to edit a paper. With so many distractions, I have to keep going back to the beginning to be sure I didn’t miss anything. And then there is the incessant begging:

Please sleep with me! I miss you so much.

 Well, I’m right here mom. Besides, you’ve lived here for more than 3 years now, and I have never slept with you. Your bed is made for one person. There’s just enough room for you.

 Of course, why do I bother with an explanation? She doesn’t understand. She doesn’t listen. She will ask again at least 3 or 4 more times before she falls asleep, each time telling me how much she misses me. I am exhausted and she has only been home 3 full days. I am counting down to the next allowable respite period in 67 days!

Friday, July 1, 2016

Mom is back home. We picked her up at 9:00 this evening. Mom asked if I had the key, as usual. She was too tired to notice where we were going or to ask if we or she had ever been there before. But at home, mom was glad to be back in her own bed. Told me where to put her shoes and her things. Mom is now sound asleep. Didn’t take long.

I, on the other hand, have a rough night ahead. Dentist today, lots of jaw pain, but all my teeth are fine. No cavities. No abscesses. Just night-grinding from stress. Was fitted for a night guard. Will have to brave it until I get the guard next week. So it goes. At least mom is asleep for now.