Friday, March 6, 2009
Well, again it has been a while since I have posted. I have not had the opportunity to sew and boy do I miss my creative play days - when you have that creative gene - it is almost necessary for you to play and create in order to stay healthy! Soon, I hope, I will be back to playing in my stash, caressing fibers, embellishing anything in sight.
The place where I originally placed my Dad turned out not to be the best fit due to his medical challenges so I have recently moved him again - even closer to me and try to visit him as much as possible. It seems to help his agitation to see a family member. Alzheimers is such an unusual disease and many of the symptoms come on quickly, such as extreme agitation, for seemingly no reason at all. Dad actually kicked out some windows at the previous facility while in an agitated state. I am hopeful that we can get past this particular stage of the disease soon. I am moving my mother in about 10 days from Arkansas nearby to Lake Jackson, Texas and she will be in an independent living facility next to Dad's, in the hopes that she can see him often.
Unfortunately, in the midst of all this, my dear Aunt Julie became gravely ill. I made it to her home in New Orleans to visit with her a day or so and had the honor of being with her, holding her hand as she passed into Paradise. She was an amazing lady and I already dearly miss her! Now, as her Executrix, I have had the duties of planning her funerals (yes, funerals, plural) - Aunt Julie was born in Arkansas, but lived most of her life in New Orleans - so she had funerals in both places. Although being 91 years of age, she still had many friends come pay their respects. Aunt Julie had been Dr. Alton Ochsner's personal assistant and surgical nurse for over 40 years in New Orleans at Ochsner Hospital. She was a champion golfer at the Colonial Country Club, an avid bridge player and member of the Louisiana Women's Bridge Association, enjoyed fishing and hunting in her younger days and took every dance class that Arthur Murray had to offer in her 50's and 60's. She never married, but always had a beau on her arm and a twinkle in her eye. At the age of 90 she even took a quick dip in my brother's hot tub wearing a hot pink haltered-top bathing suit (the only thing we could find that fit her) because she had never done it before! You gotta love it! A remarkable woman who lived a wonderful, fulfilled life. I am also charged with finalizing her debts, assets, taxes, emptying her home, etc. and because of this have been making round trips (7 hours) from here to New Orleans for the past few weeks. So this along with getting Mom and Dad moved and settled in has taken me away from sewing at the moment.
I was; however, fortunate to visit our local Guild's Quilt Show today. It was very enjoyable and encouraged me to be ready to stitch when the time presents itself. Such wonderful eye candy! And, I saw many friends that I hadn't seen in quite a while. Lots of hugs all around.
3 comments:
Julie...just want to say I love you and am so encouraged and inspired by you! You are a blessing!!!!
Jules I remember you planning the surprise 90th birthday party for your Aunt. It sounds as if she enjoyed every one of those 91 years.
It will be so good when you can get your Mom nearer to your Dad and seeing her may help him a lot. You have certainly had more then your share come all at once and I feel for you.
Will look forward to the days when you can start stitching again. You do such beautiful work.
Extra Hugs
FredaB
Wow, Jules, it has been a challenging time for your family...
You set very high standards for yourself but to me it looks like you are handling all this with much grace.
I am so glad your parents will be near you so that life can settle down without all the traveling.
God bless you, friend, and hope you can start your glorious stitching again soon!
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