Happy Friday friends! I had a really great craft/DIY idea to share with you all today but to be honest I have some not so fun and tough stuff going on right now that I just had to share with you.
You know when life just gets in the way and then weighs on your heart and consumes your mind? Well that is where I am and I am hoping some of you have gone through a similar situation as my family is now.
Life is tough!
Life is even more tough when it is affecting someone you love so deeply.
Mimi.
Let me tell you a little about Mimi. Mimi is my grandmother on my mothers side, she is the kindest most gentle person you will ever meet. She loves Jesus first and her family second. She has a heart that has probably almost exploded with how much love she has for my grandfather, he passed away several years ago but that kind of love never dies. She would literally do anything for anyone. She is selfless, kind, caring, loving, hard working, independent, stubborn, and she gives the best hugs. Mimi will make sure that anyone she meets feels appreciated and loved.
Mimi is my person. We all have one, and she is mine.
Mimi and I have one of the most special relationships that you could ever have between and grandparent and grandchild . Growing up she was my secret keeper, encourager, shopping partner and friend. I spent every weekend with her and looked forward to Saturday mornings when she would pick me up and we would spend the entire day together. These moments are ones that are forever etched on my heart.
About 6 weeks ago Mimi had a stroke. The stroke happened behind her left eye which left her already failing eyesight even worse. She had many medical issues leading up to this but this one really took her down. She spent several days in the hospital and was then transferred to a rehab center. She is now home but we are ALL still dealing with and working with the lasting affects that this stroke caused.
And so it has happened, we are all now the parents to my grandparent. My grandmother is now switching roles with her children and grandchildren.
As a grandchild you know this time will come but knowing and being prepared are 2 different things. I do not how you would ever prepare for the road we now have before us. And this road SUCKS!
I look at this woman who I grew up knowing and now it almost seems like she a shell of who she was. She is still there and her heart remains the same but sitting and watching as her body and mind fail her, it’s not fair.
AGING is not fair! LIFE is not fair, dang it!
But, here we are, being the parents. Trying to figure out how best to care for her. Do we have home health? Do we take her to assisted living? How are we going to convince this strong woman to see what we all know, she can no longer live alone?
None of us want to be the one to say it to her. The pain will be great.
She knows what is ahead and she is scared. We are all scared.
But, the time of change is here.
Please be praying for us during this time. Pray that our family would remain united in the care of my sweet Mimi. Pray that she would have peace and comfort about the decisions we will be making for her.
And, please pray that we all get some decent sleep in the near future. We are some tired folks!
Please tell me you have you been through a similar situation with any of your family members? Any tips you can share in making this transition easier?
I work as a discharge planner for a rehab. Home health can prove beneficial, especially to have access to a social worker with other aspects of nursing, and therapy. The social worker can assist you with adult day options if you choose to keep her home with you. Assisted living is a personal decision based on finances because it’s not covered by Insurance (unless she meets the Medicaid waiver criteria). Another option would be the local council on aging or call a YWCA if you are in a more urban area. Hope this helps.
Thank you!
Praying for you and your sweet family! May god give y’all peace and comfort and wisdom to make the best choices for everyone! If you need anything I am here!
Thank you Elly.
So very sorry your family is going through this. My 83 year old mother had a stroke a year ago Sept.2 (2014). Blood clot went to the right side of her brain. She was in hospital a week and spent a month in rehab. She couldn’t move her left side at all to begin with. Rehab was great for her. It so very hard , she was in house patient for a month then continued for 3 months . I drove her 3 times a week 35 miles one way for rehab and would do it again if she needed me to. This has been hard on my dad as well , they live alone right now but I am 2 minutes away and am there every day. I usually cook dinner every evening for them and my husband and myself. She is not the same but we are so thankful to have her still with us. It has been hard for the whole family but we do what we have to do. Some days are better than others! I will be praying for your family, please remember us in your prayers as well.