Yes, the little Mother will be home after 5 pm today. After 4 days in the hospital, it is about time. Although, I will freely admit I enjoyed my time to myself. I am on book 6 of the books I got. (1 from Kathy and 5 from the used bookstore). I greatly enjoyed reading whenever I felt like it and I feel like my batteries are recharged. I am ready to be caregiver full-time again. Right now she is in stage 6, but slowly she is being pulled into stage 7, which is the last stage. I only hope and pray that stage 7 is painless for her. I will have more help at that stage because it is the end. Medicare does help pay for end of life and that is where she is headed. I don't know how long I have her, it could be years still, but stage 7 is the end of it.
She remembered who I was all day yesterday. When I got there (I only visit for about an hour at a time, as I need her to sleep and rest) the doctor was there. The night time nurse was with the day time nurse as it was shift change. She asked Mom who I was and Mom, being her silly self, said, hm, I think that is Heather, my daughter, and laughed! It was very cute. She kept saying my name over and over yesterday to talk to me. She wasn't upset when I left, which has been the case the entire time she has been there this time. I have her room already for her. I was going to wash her blankets while she was gone, but I was too busy reading. I didn't do much work around the house at all. I was completely lazy! Completely! I did have to do one load of laundry as I was out of the essentials (undies!) But other than that, I did nothing but enjoy my time to myself and boy did I enjoy it!
With Mom in the hospital, usually I would be in more pain, because the last few times it really stressed me out. This time? No extra pain! How cool is that? I think because we have been through this before and it may happen again, I was prepared for it. I knew she was in good hands. The doctors and the nurses are wonderful, simply wonderful, at the Beaumont Hospital. She gets great care. I don't have to worry about anything while she is there. Anything she needs, she has. They are very good with this stage of Alzheimer's, which is a great relief to me. All the nurses think Mom is super sweet (she is!) and easy to work with. They all know she doesn't like to be rolled over, but they do it ever so gently so she doesn't get to frightened.
My head has been it's normal self, not bad headache since Friday, my knee is getting a bit better. It doesn't hurt as much right now, and the Fibro seems to be under control, the best that it can be. Today anyways, with Fibro, who knows? It could change in an instant.
Anyways, my NCIS starts tonight and I am excited about that. I am hoping that Mom is able to handle watching that show as it is one of my all time favorites. She did well a couple of weeks ago when we were watching it. At 8 pm I will be in the dining room watching my beloved show. I did watch a bit of Dancing with the Stars last night and it was good. I got tired so I went to bed. I had some pain from the yeast infection I have and it kept waking me up. Who knew a little thing like that could be so painful? I didn't. I have some better medicine now, so I am hopeful it will clear up quickly. Never want one of those again.
It is simply beautiful out, simply beautiful. It is about 84 degrees with zero humidity, so quite lovely. I only wish Mom and I could take a walk in this beautiful weather, but we can't. She just can't do it by herself anymore and I can't ride a scooter and push a wheelchair at the same time. We will both just enjoy looking out the window, we do like to do that.
Well, I hope this finds you doing really well, have a great day! I am!!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
I can't really say I have done anything to exciting while I have had time to myself. I have read about 4 books now! Love reading, although I am a bit more tired than usual. When Mom isn't feeling herself it makes me more tired because she needs more help. Now that she is getting excellent care for the infection and dehydration, I can relax and I have been. I thought about going to a movie, but there isn't anything I really want to see so I looked in the DVDs that we have and their are several movies I have been wanting to see. I have to watch them when Mom is either sleeping or not here because TV can be scary for her. I did let the nurse know not to turn the TV on in her room, not just because I don't really have the money to pay for it, but because unless it is HG TV, some of the shows can scare the living daylights out of her. She thinks that some of it is real and happening in front of her. So, I have scaled back what we watch on TV. I am hoping that I will still be able to watch my NCIS, but I am not very hopeful. Now that I am alone, I plan to watch a couple of movies that I have been wanting to see. 2 of them are the MacGyver TV movies that were made after the series ended. I loved that show. I also have the Percy Jackson movie too. I do plan to get the Ramona movie when it comes out and I think Mom will like it. I wanted to see it in the theatre, but we just never got the chance to go when we were both awake enough to see it. In the afternoons, when we usually go to the movies, Mom is sleeping for her nap time.
I talked to Richard today! That was exciting! I talked to him for almost 40 minutes. I gave him the lowdown on Mom and how she is doing, even though I will see her this evening. I am not sure if I have any lessons this afternoon or not, so I am not leaving until after the time, just in case. They are every other week and this should be the week, but one never knows with this particular family. I don't want to miss the possible 2 lessons, so here I stay. Richard, the older brother, is very concerned on how does Mom keep getting these infections. I would like to know too because the poor little Mom has had 3 since May when she first came down with one. Anyways, I told Richard I would be finding out for him and for myself. Okay, just called the Alzheimer's Association, once they get them, it is very, very easy for them to get again. Since I take care of that part of her, I will be more vigilant on this so she doesn't get them again. I can't be lazy, I think there is another reason too, but that one I can't do anything about. Richard is on his way to Toronto for a week of work. He wants me to keep him posted (which I would anyways since I send weekly updates to him) on any changes on the little Mom. I don't know when he is coming to see her, if he even can because he is still out of work and he has got to take the work when he can get it. He did want to know how I was doing and I told him I was alright, not great, but alright, which is the truth. I did tell him about the bad headaches I have had in the last few weeks, but basically we are doing okay. Our bills are being paid and that is the important part. He asked about money and I said we are able to pay the bills and put some on the back 2009 property taxes, which I have been about to pay about 1/4 of the bill so far. I am excited about that. Paying my car off has really helped in that area. Richard said it was a good idea to pay off the car, he wasn't upset over that at all which is good. Basically, he wanted the rundown on Mom and I, and I gave it to him like it is. He is hanging in there too, and with the bit of contract work he has been able to find, he is doing fine. I am so glad about that. He does have a family to feed. I let him know that Mom is scared so much of the time and how I handle it. I also told him that when Mom isn't scared, she is content. Mom hasn't had an easy road of it, like so many, so it is important to me that her last few years she be content. She smiles a lot, especially when I ask where the pretty Mom smile is, she likes that a lot. I told him we would be going to the zoo soon with Maia and how we still try to have fun together. He asked me about Mom's favorite restaurant. I told him Olive Garden because that one she seems to eat rather well at. I always (now anyways) get her a kid's meal that comes with milk. She loves milk and so do I. I get her a milk at Tim Horton's everyday. I told the hospital she loves milk so they are giving her milk everyday too. She really likes milk. I am glad about that because milk has 8 to 9 grams of protein in it depending on the brand and size.
I am just waiting to see if Rachel and Rebecca
I talked to Richard today! That was exciting! I talked to him for almost 40 minutes. I gave him the lowdown on Mom and how she is doing, even though I will see her this evening. I am not sure if I have any lessons this afternoon or not, so I am not leaving until after the time, just in case. They are every other week and this should be the week, but one never knows with this particular family. I don't want to miss the possible 2 lessons, so here I stay. Richard, the older brother, is very concerned on how does Mom keep getting these infections. I would like to know too because the poor little Mom has had 3 since May when she first came down with one. Anyways, I told Richard I would be finding out for him and for myself. Okay, just called the Alzheimer's Association, once they get them, it is very, very easy for them to get again. Since I take care of that part of her, I will be more vigilant on this so she doesn't get them again. I can't be lazy, I think there is another reason too, but that one I can't do anything about. Richard is on his way to Toronto for a week of work. He wants me to keep him posted (which I would anyways since I send weekly updates to him) on any changes on the little Mom. I don't know when he is coming to see her, if he even can because he is still out of work and he has got to take the work when he can get it. He did want to know how I was doing and I told him I was alright, not great, but alright, which is the truth. I did tell him about the bad headaches I have had in the last few weeks, but basically we are doing okay. Our bills are being paid and that is the important part. He asked about money and I said we are able to pay the bills and put some on the back 2009 property taxes, which I have been about to pay about 1/4 of the bill so far. I am excited about that. Paying my car off has really helped in that area. Richard said it was a good idea to pay off the car, he wasn't upset over that at all which is good. Basically, he wanted the rundown on Mom and I, and I gave it to him like it is. He is hanging in there too, and with the bit of contract work he has been able to find, he is doing fine. I am so glad about that. He does have a family to feed. I let him know that Mom is scared so much of the time and how I handle it. I also told him that when Mom isn't scared, she is content. Mom hasn't had an easy road of it, like so many, so it is important to me that her last few years she be content. She smiles a lot, especially when I ask where the pretty Mom smile is, she likes that a lot. I told him we would be going to the zoo soon with Maia and how we still try to have fun together. He asked me about Mom's favorite restaurant. I told him Olive Garden because that one she seems to eat rather well at. I always (now anyways) get her a kid's meal that comes with milk. She loves milk and so do I. I get her a milk at Tim Horton's everyday. I told the hospital she loves milk so they are giving her milk everyday too. She really likes milk. I am glad about that because milk has 8 to 9 grams of protein in it depending on the brand and size.
I am just waiting to see if Rachel and Rebecca
Saturday, September 18, 2010
I am much more relaxed this time with Mom being in the hospital than the other 3 times. I went to the used bookstore and bought 5 new (well, new to me) books to read, plus I am reading one Kathy loaned me. It is really good so far.
Mom is doing alright, she looks tons better than she did yesterday. When I was in Tim Horton's (yes, I even go by myself!) the owner, Mary Ann, said Mom didn't look to good yesterday either. Which I totally agree on because, as we all now know, she wasn't feeling very well. Her lips are moist now with all the fluids she is receiving. They are going to start cutting down on the fluids tomorrow to see if she will eat more. I most definitely gave them the low down on her and food. I told the truth, she doesn't eat much but she will drink about 3 to 4 Ensures a day when she is healthy. It's the truth, she doesn't eat much food. She has a donut and sometimes a muffin for brunch, a piece (3 oz) of chicken breast for dinner, and if I am lucky, some veggies to go with that. Usually I am not that lucky. The doctor asked about a pick line for her for food and I told her Mom can swallow, she just doesn't eat a lot, so no need of a pick line for her. She is on the same floor she was last time, so I know she is in good hands and I am going to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet while it is here. Mom will be home before I know it and then it won't be quiet like it is right now. I was going to do some laundry, but, hey, I will do it tomorrow. I don't feel like doing it right now so I won't. I feel like reading, so I am going to.
It is so quiet in the house right now, I am loving this. Of course, Mom isn't that loud, but the fact that I have the whole house to myself right now, is nice. At night I leave a couple of lights on so I can sleep. I can't sleep in a totally dark house by myself, just can't do it.
My head is doing a bit better today. Definitely not as sore as it was yesterday, but still a bit sore. I have been a bit stressed this week. I stress myself out is part of the problem, and also, when Mom isn't as cooperative as she usually is, it stresses me out. Now I know why she wasn't very cooperative, but at the time I just thought she was being difficult.
Well, not much happening today other than the visit with Mom. I try to go when she is finished eating because, quite frankly, I don't want to feed her. That is their job while she is there and when I go and it happens to be a meal time, I end up feeding her and I just don't want to. I feed her at home (when she needs it) and I don't want to feed her when she is there. I went after 1 pm and her lunch, untouched, was still sitting there, so I ended up feeding her. I was kind of upset because, come on, just sit with her and feed her, not that hard to do. She will let you know when she is full. She ate her boost pudding and drank a bit of the boost juice and was full. Normal to me, that is her in the hospital. She loves pudding so I always give her the boost pudding first. I don't buy it at home, I buy regular pudding for her because the boost stuff is very expensive and you have to send out for it. You can't buy it at a regular store around here. Besides, I figure with the amount of Ensure she drinks, she doesn't need the boost puddings, just regular puddings.
Aggie didn't have her lesson because she is sick. Poor kid, 3rd week of her junior year at MSU and she has a cold. I think her roommates have one too. Ugh, doesn't sound fun to me.
Well, it is raining out today which is probably why I have a bit more than usual of a headache. My joints are a bit achy from it too, so I am going to curl up with a book and have a good read! yes, peaceful reading time for me today! Perfect day for it. I may even take a brief nap as I am a bit tired too.
Have a wonderful day.
Mom is doing alright, she looks tons better than she did yesterday. When I was in Tim Horton's (yes, I even go by myself!) the owner, Mary Ann, said Mom didn't look to good yesterday either. Which I totally agree on because, as we all now know, she wasn't feeling very well. Her lips are moist now with all the fluids she is receiving. They are going to start cutting down on the fluids tomorrow to see if she will eat more. I most definitely gave them the low down on her and food. I told the truth, she doesn't eat much but she will drink about 3 to 4 Ensures a day when she is healthy. It's the truth, she doesn't eat much food. She has a donut and sometimes a muffin for brunch, a piece (3 oz) of chicken breast for dinner, and if I am lucky, some veggies to go with that. Usually I am not that lucky. The doctor asked about a pick line for her for food and I told her Mom can swallow, she just doesn't eat a lot, so no need of a pick line for her. She is on the same floor she was last time, so I know she is in good hands and I am going to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet while it is here. Mom will be home before I know it and then it won't be quiet like it is right now. I was going to do some laundry, but, hey, I will do it tomorrow. I don't feel like doing it right now so I won't. I feel like reading, so I am going to.
It is so quiet in the house right now, I am loving this. Of course, Mom isn't that loud, but the fact that I have the whole house to myself right now, is nice. At night I leave a couple of lights on so I can sleep. I can't sleep in a totally dark house by myself, just can't do it.
My head is doing a bit better today. Definitely not as sore as it was yesterday, but still a bit sore. I have been a bit stressed this week. I stress myself out is part of the problem, and also, when Mom isn't as cooperative as she usually is, it stresses me out. Now I know why she wasn't very cooperative, but at the time I just thought she was being difficult.
Well, not much happening today other than the visit with Mom. I try to go when she is finished eating because, quite frankly, I don't want to feed her. That is their job while she is there and when I go and it happens to be a meal time, I end up feeding her and I just don't want to. I feed her at home (when she needs it) and I don't want to feed her when she is there. I went after 1 pm and her lunch, untouched, was still sitting there, so I ended up feeding her. I was kind of upset because, come on, just sit with her and feed her, not that hard to do. She will let you know when she is full. She ate her boost pudding and drank a bit of the boost juice and was full. Normal to me, that is her in the hospital. She loves pudding so I always give her the boost pudding first. I don't buy it at home, I buy regular pudding for her because the boost stuff is very expensive and you have to send out for it. You can't buy it at a regular store around here. Besides, I figure with the amount of Ensure she drinks, she doesn't need the boost puddings, just regular puddings.
Aggie didn't have her lesson because she is sick. Poor kid, 3rd week of her junior year at MSU and she has a cold. I think her roommates have one too. Ugh, doesn't sound fun to me.
Well, it is raining out today which is probably why I have a bit more than usual of a headache. My joints are a bit achy from it too, so I am going to curl up with a book and have a good read! yes, peaceful reading time for me today! Perfect day for it. I may even take a brief nap as I am a bit tired too.
Have a wonderful day.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Well, the reason Mom has been off for the last couple of days? She has another urinary tract infection, a bad one this time. Poor thing is in pain too with it. She has a headache and her neck is sore too. I don't know why. I need to look up her new pain patch to make sure it isn't causing the headaches and neck aches. Lori, the physical therapist is the one who really thought that maybe she has another infection so after our usual, I took Mom to the ER. A few attempts at a blood test (2 veins collapsed on her) they finally were able to get the blood culture that they needed as well as the regular blood tests. They did a urine sample but they did it a bit different this time. It is causing her a bit of pain to because of how they did the tubing this time. I felt so bad for her. I really do because between the headache, neck ache, and the tummy pain, she is not happy. The pains come and go though, they don't stay all the time. So naturally, by the time the nurse arrived, the pain was gone. She does have her pain patch on so I am hoping that helps. I expect that in a couple of days she will feel better.
I woke up with a really bad headache this morning. I had to come down and take some pain pills super early and then within a half hour I had to take some tummy medicine along with the pain medicines. It finally went back to the normal pain by the time Mom got up in time for physical therapy. Mom's physical therapy is on hold until she gets back from the hospital. I hope she isn't too weak this time, she usually is, but I hope she is much better this time. I also hope this is the last time for a long time. We have been to the hospital between the two of us five times since end of May. Not a good record for us. Mostly for her.
I have some lessons this weekend. I am not sure what time I am teaching on Sunday, but I have 1 lesson Saturday at noon. The one good thing with Mom gone for a couple of days, is that I can get some groceries without needing to get a sitter for her. I want to pick up a few groceries and then do a good shopping after Wednesday.
I am pretty tired now so I am go to head for bed now. I hope everyone has a good night and a good weekend.
I woke up with a really bad headache this morning. I had to come down and take some pain pills super early and then within a half hour I had to take some tummy medicine along with the pain medicines. It finally went back to the normal pain by the time Mom got up in time for physical therapy. Mom's physical therapy is on hold until she gets back from the hospital. I hope she isn't too weak this time, she usually is, but I hope she is much better this time. I also hope this is the last time for a long time. We have been to the hospital between the two of us five times since end of May. Not a good record for us. Mostly for her.
I have some lessons this weekend. I am not sure what time I am teaching on Sunday, but I have 1 lesson Saturday at noon. The one good thing with Mom gone for a couple of days, is that I can get some groceries without needing to get a sitter for her. I want to pick up a few groceries and then do a good shopping after Wednesday.
I am pretty tired now so I am go to head for bed now. I hope everyone has a good night and a good weekend.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
It has been a terrible day so far. I have cried so much today. Mom had trouble coming down the stairs, she refused to which started the crying off. Every once in a while she has trouble and I know it. Usually I do much better at handling it. I go back up the stairs and pretty much hold her all the way down. Today I just cried. She wanted to talk to someone else, several someone elses, like the manager, the other lady, the commissioner, everyone but me so that made me cry harder. Finally, I stopped and then she was fine, like nothing happened. She got in and out of the car fine and we went to our usual. She didn't eat much of her donut though, which is unusual for her because she loves her donuts. I am fine now. I don't really know what caused the major meltdowns, I am not in any more pain than usual so who knows. We all have our bad days, I am just glad hers isn't too bad too, that would be a nightmare. She is in the living room right now resting. I don't know if she is sleeping, she might be. She was so tired yesterday. Last night, it was kind of cute, she wouldn't go to bed when she was falling asleep at the table, just like a little kid. We finally did go to bed around 9:30 which is normal for us. It takes me about 20 or so minutes to get her ready and then we sit on her bed for a few minutes. I tell her I am going to move her, when I do she gets a bit upset like she does every night. If I don't move her though she moves her legs over the edge of the bed and that causes back pains for her, so that is why I move her to the middle of the bed. She doesn't like being moved into bed or out of bed, but I know that and it doesn't bother me one bit she says, oh, oh, oh. I just move her like I need to and that is that.
Things should improve by 4 pm because I have 1 lesson today. Mom is getting her bath today too. I can't wait until next week when Angela comes back. This new one is nice, but she doesn't do a very good job with Mom's hair. I don't even think she did anything to it on Monday. We use some no rinse stuff that is much better for Mom because she doesn't like being cold when I wash her hair in the sink. We got it from the hospital and it works really well. I like it a lot. I plan to use it with her for a very long time because it does work so well for her. The trick is you have to wipe her hair with a wet wash cloth to get the dirt and oil out of her hair and I don't think the new girl does that very well. I also don't think she dampens Mom's hair enough to get a good foam for it. But I am not too worried, because Angela does a great job and she will be back on Monday from her Honeymoon.
Other than the lesson and Mom's bath (which will happen right near each other) there isn't anything going on in the house. I may go out for a quick trip to the store to get some milk and bread with Mom, depending on how tired she is. We don't need much, but there is no milk in the house or bread and with the trouble she had today, a home breakfast might have been the best way to go. I had no choice but to take her to our usual because we had no food in the house for me to eat breakfast. I don't like cereal with ensure, it upsets my stomach.
It is going to thunderstorm soon, I can already hear the thunder. I guess that fits my mood. I am very worn out from the meltdowns this late morning/early afternoon. It all happened around 12 noon. I am going to join Mom in the living room for a nap, I hope I feel much better when I wake up. Right now, I am exhausted from crying so hard. I guess sometimes you just need a good cry and I haven't had one in a long while, not since Mom was in the nursing home in June.
I hope this finds you doing much better than me. Have a great day!
Things should improve by 4 pm because I have 1 lesson today. Mom is getting her bath today too. I can't wait until next week when Angela comes back. This new one is nice, but she doesn't do a very good job with Mom's hair. I don't even think she did anything to it on Monday. We use some no rinse stuff that is much better for Mom because she doesn't like being cold when I wash her hair in the sink. We got it from the hospital and it works really well. I like it a lot. I plan to use it with her for a very long time because it does work so well for her. The trick is you have to wipe her hair with a wet wash cloth to get the dirt and oil out of her hair and I don't think the new girl does that very well. I also don't think she dampens Mom's hair enough to get a good foam for it. But I am not too worried, because Angela does a great job and she will be back on Monday from her Honeymoon.
Other than the lesson and Mom's bath (which will happen right near each other) there isn't anything going on in the house. I may go out for a quick trip to the store to get some milk and bread with Mom, depending on how tired she is. We don't need much, but there is no milk in the house or bread and with the trouble she had today, a home breakfast might have been the best way to go. I had no choice but to take her to our usual because we had no food in the house for me to eat breakfast. I don't like cereal with ensure, it upsets my stomach.
It is going to thunderstorm soon, I can already hear the thunder. I guess that fits my mood. I am very worn out from the meltdowns this late morning/early afternoon. It all happened around 12 noon. I am going to join Mom in the living room for a nap, I hope I feel much better when I wake up. Right now, I am exhausted from crying so hard. I guess sometimes you just need a good cry and I haven't had one in a long while, not since Mom was in the nursing home in June.
I hope this finds you doing much better than me. Have a great day!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
I have been stressing for about a month now about fitting in a hair cut for Mom. She, I thought, just needed a trim. Well, I asked her today if she wanted to get her hair trimmed. She said no. All this time I have been worrying for nothing. She doesn't want her hair cut. Okay, no haircut for Mom. Sigh. Sigh. It would have saved me a lot of worrying and stressing if I asked her in the first place, but I didn't. Sigh. What can I possibly say to this new revelation? Mom doesn't want her hair cut. Okay, so now that worry is over, on to others?
I don't have any right now except that she is sleeping a lot more than she used to. I did expect it, but when it happens it kind of slips right past you at first. She also had physical therapy. The therapist asked to talk to me. If Mom doesn't show an improvement in Fridays session then that will be it. Quite frankly, the fact she can do any is great for me. What do they want? What type of improvements do they want? She has Alzheimer's for goodness sake! She is in stage 6, slowly slipping into stage 7. I mean, really, what can you possibly expect from her. I would say that fact she can follow any direction at this stage is a good thing. Really, an improvement? She forgets what she is doing in the middle of doing it now, that is normal. I have to remind her to continue down the stairs at times or up the stairs. It isn't that she can't do it, because she can, it is just she forgets what she is doing about midway. That is a normal thing for her. That is why every step I remind her "one foot up". That is how we say going up the stairs. To tell her to go up the stairs is pointless because she doesn't know what that means. However, she does know how to move one foot up at a time so that is what I use. I tell people to talk to her with short commands, she can follow short ones. She did great when she had to get a CT scan and X-rays at the hospital. The technicians did exactly what I asked and they were able to get her to do what they wanted. I just don't know what some others want from her. She can't improve too much, she is too far gone for that. I need her to keep the little muscle she has left going. If the physical therapist does end the sessions, that is actually going to be okay because I bought ankle weights for Mom and we will do them together. My complaint is trying to understand what type of improvement she is looking for with Mom. I don't understand that. I know she is going downhill. I see it daily. I know she doesn't have much time left but let's make what time she has fun for her as best as possible.
Anyways, that is the rant of the day, I am over it now.
On a good note, Mom got some new Curious George books, Corduroy books, and Clifford the Red Dog books from our friend, Donna. Mom loved them. She has flipped through them a couple of times since we just got them. I am going to fix her son's jeans for her. They have a hole in the butt and need a patch of some sort. I may have to get an iron on patch because I don't know if my machine will be able to go through the old iron on material. We shall see. I haven't really looked at them too much yet. I will tonight or tomorrow. I am kind of tired right now so I might take a nap too. I hope that is what Mom is doing.
Nothing too exciting over here this afternoon. I don't have any lessons, but I do think I will change the tablecloth to the fall one. I just have to move 2 piles of bills and stuff and my computer to put the new one on. We got 2 of them the other day. I also have one for Halloween. I hope to see my big brother, Richard by then. I miss him a lot and I know Mom does. Although since she has talked to him on the phone, she has only asked for him once, so my theory worked. If she talks to him, she doesn't miss him as much. The fixation she has disappears! He may call again this week if he can fit it into his schedule with everything he has to do and the time difference. That is the biggest challenge, is the time difference between here and Seattle. I wonder how the kids are doing with school? hm, I think I will drop them an email and see.
I don't have any right now except that she is sleeping a lot more than she used to. I did expect it, but when it happens it kind of slips right past you at first. She also had physical therapy. The therapist asked to talk to me. If Mom doesn't show an improvement in Fridays session then that will be it. Quite frankly, the fact she can do any is great for me. What do they want? What type of improvements do they want? She has Alzheimer's for goodness sake! She is in stage 6, slowly slipping into stage 7. I mean, really, what can you possibly expect from her. I would say that fact she can follow any direction at this stage is a good thing. Really, an improvement? She forgets what she is doing in the middle of doing it now, that is normal. I have to remind her to continue down the stairs at times or up the stairs. It isn't that she can't do it, because she can, it is just she forgets what she is doing about midway. That is a normal thing for her. That is why every step I remind her "one foot up". That is how we say going up the stairs. To tell her to go up the stairs is pointless because she doesn't know what that means. However, she does know how to move one foot up at a time so that is what I use. I tell people to talk to her with short commands, she can follow short ones. She did great when she had to get a CT scan and X-rays at the hospital. The technicians did exactly what I asked and they were able to get her to do what they wanted. I just don't know what some others want from her. She can't improve too much, she is too far gone for that. I need her to keep the little muscle she has left going. If the physical therapist does end the sessions, that is actually going to be okay because I bought ankle weights for Mom and we will do them together. My complaint is trying to understand what type of improvement she is looking for with Mom. I don't understand that. I know she is going downhill. I see it daily. I know she doesn't have much time left but let's make what time she has fun for her as best as possible.
Anyways, that is the rant of the day, I am over it now.
On a good note, Mom got some new Curious George books, Corduroy books, and Clifford the Red Dog books from our friend, Donna. Mom loved them. She has flipped through them a couple of times since we just got them. I am going to fix her son's jeans for her. They have a hole in the butt and need a patch of some sort. I may have to get an iron on patch because I don't know if my machine will be able to go through the old iron on material. We shall see. I haven't really looked at them too much yet. I will tonight or tomorrow. I am kind of tired right now so I might take a nap too. I hope that is what Mom is doing.
Nothing too exciting over here this afternoon. I don't have any lessons, but I do think I will change the tablecloth to the fall one. I just have to move 2 piles of bills and stuff and my computer to put the new one on. We got 2 of them the other day. I also have one for Halloween. I hope to see my big brother, Richard by then. I miss him a lot and I know Mom does. Although since she has talked to him on the phone, she has only asked for him once, so my theory worked. If she talks to him, she doesn't miss him as much. The fixation she has disappears! He may call again this week if he can fit it into his schedule with everything he has to do and the time difference. That is the biggest challenge, is the time difference between here and Seattle. I wonder how the kids are doing with school? hm, I think I will drop them an email and see.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
We were supposed to have an association meeting tonight, but apparently, there wasn't because no one mentioned it to the lady's whose house it was going to be at. Oh well, I don't mind. I was having a hard time getting Mom in and out today. She is just tired, that's all, nothing wrong, just a bit tired. She gets more tired easier than before, which is to be expected as the disease progresses. She is fine now. Looking cute in her little hoodie with the fleece jacket on top. Her friend stopped by and I thought he was going to cut her hair, but he didn't stay very long, so I will be taking Mom to get her hair cut. We actually had the time this afternoon had I known, but it isn't that much of a big deal. Another time will present itself.
The social worker came today from the Home Health Care Company. She wasn't that helpful. She did give me the names of 2 people that may be able to help me, but overall, she got the same info I did when I did it myself.
The hospital bed is still here. I am getting rather annoyed. I will be calling them again tomorrow. I want it gone by the weekend. It really is in the way as it moves the princess table in the middle of the floor. Now fortunately, all my students navigate around it well, but still, to me, it is the way. I definitely need it gone by Christmas because I need the area for the Christmas Tree. We haven't really had a good tree for the last few years and I want Mom to have a nice Christmas this year. It could be the last one she remembers, well, sort of remembers, how about enjoys, that works. It could be the last one she could enjoy. Right now, the disease seems to be at a standstill, which is great, I hope it stays for a while. Last year, between Thanksgiving and February, she went downhill fast. It seems that her disease takes giant steps down, she stays at one level for a long, long time, and then giant step down, and repeat. I want her to stay her for a long while because the next stage is stage 7 and that is the end stage. I don't want to see that stage for an extremely long time.
Today has been a good day for us. The only glitch was that I thought Mom had an appointment with Dr. Gradolph and as it turned out, they cancelled the appointment because he wants her to try the pain patch first and then see him in a few weeks. So we sat there for a few minutes before we found that out so all in all, we didn't wait too long before I found out. We went to our usual after that and low and behold, Rosemary arrived shortly after! So how cool is that? Pretty cool, if you ask me. So we sat and visited with her while we ate our brunch. We haven't seen much of her this summer because her uncle, who she takes care of, has been rather ill. He is 90 and is not doing too well. It is very sad and I know she is sad about it. He lives in assisted living and she is with him quite a bit. She also belongs to a garden club and a doll club as she collects dolls. I have a few dolls (collectible types, not antique) to donate to her for the doll club raffle. I just have to pull them out and then give them to her. I am not sure exactly where the dolls are right now, but I know they are not far.
After our usual, we headed to Walmart to fill Mom's prescription. We were going to go and pick up some milk, but as we got to the clothes department, I noticed she was getting a bit tired. We turned around and headed back to the pharmacy department. As soon as we got into the department, the phone rang and her prescription was filled so we picked it up and headed home. When we got home we took naps. I was tired and I knew she was. I put her new pain patch on her shoulder that is bothering her and went and sat in my chair. I love that chair. It is the only one I can sit on with my feet up that doesn't bother my legs or hips. You can see why I love that chair plus it is so comfy.
I had one lesson after the social worker left. Charlie is doing really well for his lessons. He has been practicing which is good. We also laugh a lot during his lesson. At the conclusion of his lesson I put Mom in her fleece jacket to head for the association meeting. I just got Mom in the car when Irv (Rosemary's husband - really nice guy) pulled up to tell me there was no meeting. So I got Mom back out of the car and we went back into the house. I asked her if she wanted some ice cream and she said no, so back in we went.
We are now watching HGTV
It is, once again, a beautiful day out and I am loving this weather! I hope this finds you doing well.
The social worker came today from the Home Health Care Company. She wasn't that helpful. She did give me the names of 2 people that may be able to help me, but overall, she got the same info I did when I did it myself.
The hospital bed is still here. I am getting rather annoyed. I will be calling them again tomorrow. I want it gone by the weekend. It really is in the way as it moves the princess table in the middle of the floor. Now fortunately, all my students navigate around it well, but still, to me, it is the way. I definitely need it gone by Christmas because I need the area for the Christmas Tree. We haven't really had a good tree for the last few years and I want Mom to have a nice Christmas this year. It could be the last one she remembers, well, sort of remembers, how about enjoys, that works. It could be the last one she could enjoy. Right now, the disease seems to be at a standstill, which is great, I hope it stays for a while. Last year, between Thanksgiving and February, she went downhill fast. It seems that her disease takes giant steps down, she stays at one level for a long, long time, and then giant step down, and repeat. I want her to stay her for a long while because the next stage is stage 7 and that is the end stage. I don't want to see that stage for an extremely long time.
Today has been a good day for us. The only glitch was that I thought Mom had an appointment with Dr. Gradolph and as it turned out, they cancelled the appointment because he wants her to try the pain patch first and then see him in a few weeks. So we sat there for a few minutes before we found that out so all in all, we didn't wait too long before I found out. We went to our usual after that and low and behold, Rosemary arrived shortly after! So how cool is that? Pretty cool, if you ask me. So we sat and visited with her while we ate our brunch. We haven't seen much of her this summer because her uncle, who she takes care of, has been rather ill. He is 90 and is not doing too well. It is very sad and I know she is sad about it. He lives in assisted living and she is with him quite a bit. She also belongs to a garden club and a doll club as she collects dolls. I have a few dolls (collectible types, not antique) to donate to her for the doll club raffle. I just have to pull them out and then give them to her. I am not sure exactly where the dolls are right now, but I know they are not far.
After our usual, we headed to Walmart to fill Mom's prescription. We were going to go and pick up some milk, but as we got to the clothes department, I noticed she was getting a bit tired. We turned around and headed back to the pharmacy department. As soon as we got into the department, the phone rang and her prescription was filled so we picked it up and headed home. When we got home we took naps. I was tired and I knew she was. I put her new pain patch on her shoulder that is bothering her and went and sat in my chair. I love that chair. It is the only one I can sit on with my feet up that doesn't bother my legs or hips. You can see why I love that chair plus it is so comfy.
I had one lesson after the social worker left. Charlie is doing really well for his lessons. He has been practicing which is good. We also laugh a lot during his lesson. At the conclusion of his lesson I put Mom in her fleece jacket to head for the association meeting. I just got Mom in the car when Irv (Rosemary's husband - really nice guy) pulled up to tell me there was no meeting. So I got Mom back out of the car and we went back into the house. I asked her if she wanted some ice cream and she said no, so back in we went.
We are now watching HGTV
It is, once again, a beautiful day out and I am loving this weather! I hope this finds you doing well.
Monday, September 13, 2010
You wouldn't believe the weather we are having! It is spectacular! I mean, totally awesome. I have the dining room drapes open, the front door open, and we just got back from Timmy's and Walmart. Even Mom wasn't cold or too hot! Talk about a shocker! It is simply gorgeous out and I hope it stays this way all month. I need weather I can breathe in and this is it.
Yesterday, I really had a hankering for some Chinese food after a friend of mine mentioned on face book he was getting some. Well, I should have picked something else. I had a tummy ache for the rest of the night from it! I was having second thoughts about it because Mom was sleeping upstairs and I really didn't want to have to get her back down and into the car, but I did. Should have passed on it. I tried something I haven't had in years and now I know why I don't eat that particular entree. Will have something else next time because I love Chinese food. We used to go out to eat about once a week until this summer when Mom really stopped eating a lot of food. I mean, a chicken breast (and only the chicken breast) is getting to big for her and it is only 3 oz cooked. I don't take her out to eat much because she doesn't eat enough and I end up eating it (which makes me gain the weight) or throw it away. I miss her being able to enjoy food more. But overall, it is to be expected with this disease and I am thankful she can still enjoy her donut and milk at Timmy's in the noon time. She actually wanted some of the chili I got today. I usually get bagels, but today sounded like a chili and sandwich day, so that is what I did. She wanted some so I gave her a few spoonfuls and then she was happy. I mean, it was weird, she really wanted some chili and was starting to get upset because she didn't have any. I asked her if she wanted to share mine and her answer was, I thought I was getting some too. So I shared. I knew getting her own would have been pointless because after about 4 spoonfuls she was done and then we would have practically an entire bowl of chili to take home.
I got the adorable ones, Calli and Acer, some Timbits today. I was going to get them on Thursday, but we need to rearrange our timings on the visiting day because of what time the kids get home from school and the fact that Heather B-T must pick up Acer from school. I hope they like the kinds I picked. They aren't picky eaters which is nice.
Our neighbor stopped me this afternoon. He had received a phone call from another neighbor concerning us. Usually, we get complaints about something from this neighbor, but it wasn't. She wanted to be able to get a hold of me about some books she has. Well, I thought, wow, no complaints? Hey, I will talk to her about books. So she may call me. We shall see. I didn't know she is an avid reader like I am and she now knows the situation with the little Mom so maybe she will stop being so hard on us about the yard. I know it isn't the greatest, but the lawn is cut regularly and trimmed nicely. Yes, we have a totally empty space in front of the house from where the bushes were, but Andrew moved before he fixed it up. I don't have the money or energy to deal with it. I didn't inherit the green thumb that Mom, Andrew, and Richard all have. Mine is black. I can kill a plant just by looking at it. I have tried gardening, and well, I grow weeds very well. Of course, that is what is in the gardens in the back yard, all weeds, but nobody but us can really see them, so no complaints. I think we have 1 bush left of the carpet roses that Mom put in 9 years ago for my graduation party. Anyways, I have 2 choices, I can either work on the yard or take care of mom, and we all know who wins in that competition, Mom. Got to take care of the little lady, even when she says, i don't know who you are and I am not going with you. She said that this morning when we arrived at Timmy's. Fortunately, I knew it wouldn't last and it didn't and she finally got out of the car for us to go in. I think perhaps it is time to have some milk and bread in the house regularly for moments like this when she won't get in the car or out of the car in this case. Right now, we don't have any milk or bread in the house because they usually go bad before we finish them. Hm, we shall see how the rest of the week goes. We can get some really good bread from Panera's. They have such yummy stuff! i also want a bread maker to make my own bread.
Well, this turned out to be rather long. Bob should be here in a few minutes for his lesson. I hope your day is good too. Ours is so far. Oh yes, I almost forgot. We got the septic tank cleaned. 3 years until the next cleaning! That means I take good care of the tank! Yeah! I learned from Mom! Have a great afternoon and evening!
Yesterday, I really had a hankering for some Chinese food after a friend of mine mentioned on face book he was getting some. Well, I should have picked something else. I had a tummy ache for the rest of the night from it! I was having second thoughts about it because Mom was sleeping upstairs and I really didn't want to have to get her back down and into the car, but I did. Should have passed on it. I tried something I haven't had in years and now I know why I don't eat that particular entree. Will have something else next time because I love Chinese food. We used to go out to eat about once a week until this summer when Mom really stopped eating a lot of food. I mean, a chicken breast (and only the chicken breast) is getting to big for her and it is only 3 oz cooked. I don't take her out to eat much because she doesn't eat enough and I end up eating it (which makes me gain the weight) or throw it away. I miss her being able to enjoy food more. But overall, it is to be expected with this disease and I am thankful she can still enjoy her donut and milk at Timmy's in the noon time. She actually wanted some of the chili I got today. I usually get bagels, but today sounded like a chili and sandwich day, so that is what I did. She wanted some so I gave her a few spoonfuls and then she was happy. I mean, it was weird, she really wanted some chili and was starting to get upset because she didn't have any. I asked her if she wanted to share mine and her answer was, I thought I was getting some too. So I shared. I knew getting her own would have been pointless because after about 4 spoonfuls she was done and then we would have practically an entire bowl of chili to take home.
I got the adorable ones, Calli and Acer, some Timbits today. I was going to get them on Thursday, but we need to rearrange our timings on the visiting day because of what time the kids get home from school and the fact that Heather B-T must pick up Acer from school. I hope they like the kinds I picked. They aren't picky eaters which is nice.
Our neighbor stopped me this afternoon. He had received a phone call from another neighbor concerning us. Usually, we get complaints about something from this neighbor, but it wasn't. She wanted to be able to get a hold of me about some books she has. Well, I thought, wow, no complaints? Hey, I will talk to her about books. So she may call me. We shall see. I didn't know she is an avid reader like I am and she now knows the situation with the little Mom so maybe she will stop being so hard on us about the yard. I know it isn't the greatest, but the lawn is cut regularly and trimmed nicely. Yes, we have a totally empty space in front of the house from where the bushes were, but Andrew moved before he fixed it up. I don't have the money or energy to deal with it. I didn't inherit the green thumb that Mom, Andrew, and Richard all have. Mine is black. I can kill a plant just by looking at it. I have tried gardening, and well, I grow weeds very well. Of course, that is what is in the gardens in the back yard, all weeds, but nobody but us can really see them, so no complaints. I think we have 1 bush left of the carpet roses that Mom put in 9 years ago for my graduation party. Anyways, I have 2 choices, I can either work on the yard or take care of mom, and we all know who wins in that competition, Mom. Got to take care of the little lady, even when she says, i don't know who you are and I am not going with you. She said that this morning when we arrived at Timmy's. Fortunately, I knew it wouldn't last and it didn't and she finally got out of the car for us to go in. I think perhaps it is time to have some milk and bread in the house regularly for moments like this when she won't get in the car or out of the car in this case. Right now, we don't have any milk or bread in the house because they usually go bad before we finish them. Hm, we shall see how the rest of the week goes. We can get some really good bread from Panera's. They have such yummy stuff! i also want a bread maker to make my own bread.
Well, this turned out to be rather long. Bob should be here in a few minutes for his lesson. I hope your day is good too. Ours is so far. Oh yes, I almost forgot. We got the septic tank cleaned. 3 years until the next cleaning! That means I take good care of the tank! Yeah! I learned from Mom! Have a great afternoon and evening!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Richard called back to talk to Mom. He is my older brother who lives very far away. He is the only one of us three who has children too, William and Abigail. He is married to Jennifer. The best part? Mom hasn't asked for him since she spoke to him on the phone. I talked to him a bit after Mom did and he was shocked at how out of it she sounded. Well, that is her now. I don't know if that will encourage him to come and see her sooner or frighten him into not coming. Hard to say.
It has been a pretty good day today. Mom's friend, Jose, came up to Tim Horton's while we were there and stayed and visited with Mom for a bit. He is very nice. We had some errands to run but Mom was getting really tired so he said he would take Mom home and watch her for me. Wasn't that nice? I leaped at the chance of having some alone time to run errands. I had to go to my friend's house to pick up some stuff and then to Sam's Club to pick up some Ensure for Mom. She was practically out of the Ensure. I think we opened the last bottle this morning. She is upstairs sleeping right now. I checked on her a bit ago and she was asleep. She sure says some funny things today, had me laughing.
Pain level is pretty okay today too, not too high. My head is a bit high right now, but only a tiny bit. I think I need to eat dinner and then it would be fine. I am thinking maybe some Chinese. We haven't had any in a long time. I will get the dinner and share with Mom as she won't eat a full dinner anymore. If Mom is still asleep then I will wake her up because it is getting late and I don't want her not to sleep tonight. That would not be good for the little lady.
It is really beautiful out today, the sun is shining and the sky has white puffs of clouds. It is just simply gorgeous. The one thing I have noticed about this disease, is that I have slowed down, like so many have. I have the time to look at the area around me and notice when it is beautiful out and when it isn't. I have a great view of lots of trees when the dining room drapes are open. My neighbor has so many trees in there backyard. (We are a corner lot so I look into their backyard from our house) We have a hedge of bushes that are so tall it is unbelievable. They should be cut down, but I can't do it and neither can Mom. I am not worried about them. They aren't big enough to be in the electrical wires yet. The neighbor's trees are in the wires, and that does worry me because it can cause a fire. Overall, I have a very pretty view that a few years ago I might not have noticed as much.
Definitely a better day today than yesterday and most of the week too. I am happy today again. Life is good, not the one I planned, but a decent life nonetheless. The leaves are starting to change color in my back yard already. Wow, fall really is here! yeah for that! Soon will be Christmas, my favorite holiday. I do hope we are in Seattle for it with my older brother, Richard and his family, but I don't know for sure. We shall see.
I hope this finds you doing well and having a beautiful day too.
It has been a pretty good day today. Mom's friend, Jose, came up to Tim Horton's while we were there and stayed and visited with Mom for a bit. He is very nice. We had some errands to run but Mom was getting really tired so he said he would take Mom home and watch her for me. Wasn't that nice? I leaped at the chance of having some alone time to run errands. I had to go to my friend's house to pick up some stuff and then to Sam's Club to pick up some Ensure for Mom. She was practically out of the Ensure. I think we opened the last bottle this morning. She is upstairs sleeping right now. I checked on her a bit ago and she was asleep. She sure says some funny things today, had me laughing.
Pain level is pretty okay today too, not too high. My head is a bit high right now, but only a tiny bit. I think I need to eat dinner and then it would be fine. I am thinking maybe some Chinese. We haven't had any in a long time. I will get the dinner and share with Mom as she won't eat a full dinner anymore. If Mom is still asleep then I will wake her up because it is getting late and I don't want her not to sleep tonight. That would not be good for the little lady.
It is really beautiful out today, the sun is shining and the sky has white puffs of clouds. It is just simply gorgeous. The one thing I have noticed about this disease, is that I have slowed down, like so many have. I have the time to look at the area around me and notice when it is beautiful out and when it isn't. I have a great view of lots of trees when the dining room drapes are open. My neighbor has so many trees in there backyard. (We are a corner lot so I look into their backyard from our house) We have a hedge of bushes that are so tall it is unbelievable. They should be cut down, but I can't do it and neither can Mom. I am not worried about them. They aren't big enough to be in the electrical wires yet. The neighbor's trees are in the wires, and that does worry me because it can cause a fire. Overall, I have a very pretty view that a few years ago I might not have noticed as much.
Definitely a better day today than yesterday and most of the week too. I am happy today again. Life is good, not the one I planned, but a decent life nonetheless. The leaves are starting to change color in my back yard already. Wow, fall really is here! yeah for that! Soon will be Christmas, my favorite holiday. I do hope we are in Seattle for it with my older brother, Richard and his family, but I don't know for sure. We shall see.
I hope this finds you doing well and having a beautiful day too.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Here we go again, I accidentally erased the post. I didn't mean too, but I did and of course, right after I did that, it automatically saved.
We had book club today! At first I was afraid we wouldn't but Maggie was just late, which was fine. We talked about so many things. It was wonderful! I really enjoy book club a lot. It is fun once a month getting together and chatting. I gave her the scoop on Debbie, Katie, and Aggie, as the three of them no longer can join us. I miss them, but since, outside of Debbie, I see them, I don't mind too much.
One thing that has been getting to me is Mom asking for Richard. She asks for him a lot, and I mean, a lot. When I can't produce Richard, she cries. When I tell her he is in Seattle, she cries. It is really starting to upset me. I can't help that I am not Richard. I do the best that I can do by her and at times it doesn't seem to matter to her because I am not Richard and that upsets me. Sometimes I make sarcastic comments to her like sorry I am not good enough which make her cry but usually I just ignore it. It is getting harder to ignore that. I was telling Maggie about it because Mom started to cry after she asked where Richard was this afternoon. I called Richard and asked him to call me back to talk to Mom. She can still talk a bit on the phone and I think if she hears his voice maybe she won't be so upset all the time. She spoke to Andrew on the phone on Monday and she really enjoyed it. I don't know what she remembers, what she doesn't about the phone call, but I do know she calmed down asking about him. I am hoping the same thing happens when she talks to Richard.
Anyways, I hope he calls me back this evening. Mom will really like talking to him and I am hoping she will stop asking me where he is because it is really bothering me. Maggie said when she comes back from vacation she and I will go and have a chat about it. She has some ideas. Maggie is a great help with things like that. I will have Carolyn come and sit with Mom while we go out.
I have read great posts about 9/11 and where people were when it happened. All I can say is I will never forget what happened nor will I ever not be thankful and grateful to the people who serve our country in the Armed Services. Thanks to them, we are free. So if you or a family member serve, I thank you everyday, not just today.
We had book club today! At first I was afraid we wouldn't but Maggie was just late, which was fine. We talked about so many things. It was wonderful! I really enjoy book club a lot. It is fun once a month getting together and chatting. I gave her the scoop on Debbie, Katie, and Aggie, as the three of them no longer can join us. I miss them, but since, outside of Debbie, I see them, I don't mind too much.
One thing that has been getting to me is Mom asking for Richard. She asks for him a lot, and I mean, a lot. When I can't produce Richard, she cries. When I tell her he is in Seattle, she cries. It is really starting to upset me. I can't help that I am not Richard. I do the best that I can do by her and at times it doesn't seem to matter to her because I am not Richard and that upsets me. Sometimes I make sarcastic comments to her like sorry I am not good enough which make her cry but usually I just ignore it. It is getting harder to ignore that. I was telling Maggie about it because Mom started to cry after she asked where Richard was this afternoon. I called Richard and asked him to call me back to talk to Mom. She can still talk a bit on the phone and I think if she hears his voice maybe she won't be so upset all the time. She spoke to Andrew on the phone on Monday and she really enjoyed it. I don't know what she remembers, what she doesn't about the phone call, but I do know she calmed down asking about him. I am hoping the same thing happens when she talks to Richard.
Anyways, I hope he calls me back this evening. Mom will really like talking to him and I am hoping she will stop asking me where he is because it is really bothering me. Maggie said when she comes back from vacation she and I will go and have a chat about it. She has some ideas. Maggie is a great help with things like that. I will have Carolyn come and sit with Mom while we go out.
I have read great posts about 9/11 and where people were when it happened. All I can say is I will never forget what happened nor will I ever not be thankful and grateful to the people who serve our country in the Armed Services. Thanks to them, we are free. So if you or a family member serve, I thank you everyday, not just today.
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