my mom

[Greg]

So many, I have back issues. But they aren't going anywhere if you need a hand.

[Drunk Monk]

I appreciate that. Likewise is true if you need help (although I'd bail on helping you carry that huge TV down the stairs).

My mom was doing her respiratory therapy when I arrived yesterday which made her loopy afterwards. She did her chanting ‘quiet’ or ‘calm down’ like she does when she’s looping. She can hold conversations but you have to yell. 

Her nurse said she is about the same as yesterday, but she was exhausted from the therapy and hungry when I visited so she seemed worse to me. She’s having trouble swallowing and it takes a nurse and an assistant to help her eat, but they say her appetite is good.

I had dinner at the cafeteria there which is surprisingly cheap and filling. 

I don’t think I’ve cried this much in my life. Every time we say ‘I love you’ to each other, it hits me like a hammer. The emotions & exhaustion hits me in waves. When visiting, the eye shield and sterile procedures don’t allow me to wipe my eyes, but my mom can’t see it. I’m grateful that Stacy is taking Tara today, because I’m not sure I’m at that place yet.

[Greg]

Full yikes. It can't be easy for you.

TV is already in the garage, sitting on the dolly. I played He-Man and muscled it up the stairs.

[thatguy]

I can empathize... Lemmie know if you need anything. I'm based out of Cupertino full time now.

TV is already in the garage, sitting on the dolly. I played He-Man and muscled it up the stairs.

I wonder if you'll regret that later. I've had a few Hulk get-er-done episodes in the last months and had a repercussion or two.

Everyone make sure to take some recovery time for yourselves!

--tg

[Greg]

Strong like bull. Smart like tractor.

[Drunk Monk]

I can empathize... Lemmie know if you need anything. I'm based out of Cupertino full time now.

--tg

It’s kinda wild that 3 of us are dealing with intense mom issues so close together. There’s some fraternity in that.

[Drunk Monk]

Talked to the NP. My mom is still positive for RSV but her respiratory therapist said she’s showing some improvement. Her deep lung sounds are gone but she still has a cough. It’s likely that she will go on hospice when she clears the RSV & her caretaker says At Home has a hospice waiver so they can accommodate.

[Greg]

Oh, boy. That doesn't sound great. At least she gets to go back to her facility.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

Ah, DM, my friend. I'm very sorry to hear this.

[Drunk Monk]

My mom will be discharged to hospice at her old facility tomorrow.

Hospice is great. Even better than when my dad went through it. I’m glad she’s going that way before the rapist-n-chief pulls the plug on Medicare.

[King Bob]

Sorry to hear that. But I have heard that going on hospice can bring quality of life improvements.

[Drunk Monk]

Spent the day getting my mom resettled at her assisted living center. The hospice nurse was very compassionate and helpful. So many forms to fill out, but the center's manager knows this hospice provider. They connected well and got it done. It took several hours.

My mom seemed happy to be back and recognized her old room and caretakers. She nodded off, finally getting some well deserved rest, as I texted friends and family with the news. She's comfortable, as comfortable as one could be given her situation. 

Hospice is great. They take care of almost everything, and bring a lot of care and dignity to the transition. 

Now, again, we wait...

[Greg]

I have no words.

[Drunk Monk]

I have no words.

Those would be words.

Four of them.

You know what I have? 

A feckin white rabbit. WTH am I gonna do with that? Maybe I'll bring it to the next festival and toss it in the Dub Lounge supply bin.

[Greg]

Haven't you always had a white rabbit?