Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Fluffing the Guest Room & an Award

Part of my day today was spent fluffing up the guest room. My sister is coming for a visit from Michigan on Saturday. She hasn't been here in a long time so I am excited!!

I wish the reason for her visit was for a happier occasion, however. Sadly my Mom was taken to the ER last Tuesday with an "intercranial bleed". She was in the hospital almost a week. She is not well enough to return to her assisted living apartment and is now in a skilled nursing facility. The hope is that she will rehabilitate enough to return to assisted living. I don't know how realistic it is to hope for that. In a 6 week period she has had to adjust to the asst. living and then the hospital and now this new place. That is a tall order for an elderly lady with Alzheimer's disease. She has become very quiet and doesn't smile much anymore. She also doesn't seem interested in eating. So, my sister is coming to see Mom and me. I know she will be sad to see Mom like this. She changed dramatically overnight.

I hope she will be comfortable in the guest room while she is here. I also hope between the 2 of us we can make my Mom feel a little better.




It is hard to see our loved ones suffer . . .
I have been with my Mom through all of this. My sister has called often throughout this ordeal, but it's a different thing to be seeing it firsthand. I have tried to prepare her, but I know she will be very sad when sees it for herself. I plan to have lots of soothing teas on hand.




A few small books to glance through.



And a desk tucked in a little nook under the window ~ just the place to enjoy some quiet moments drinking a morning cup of coffee, writing in a journal or jotting a note to a friend.


We can't shield those we love from every sad situation that arises in life . . . even if we wish we could. Sometimes all we can do is be there with open arms and open ears.

*****
And now, on a happier note, I was so touched to be given this Fabulous Fall Decor award from Two Crazy Crafters. I am supposed to pass it along to 6 others.


Kelli at There is No Place Like Home


Barbara at Oodles and Oodles


Sharon at Rose of Sharon

Donna at Donna's Art

Susan at A Place Called Home

Ceekay at Thinkin' of Home





21 comments:

  1. Kim...thank you so much for the precious award. Your guest room is absolutely lovely. I am so sorry for the difficulties of your mom. I went to Michigan partly to help my elderly aunt. She is getting old and life is changing for her also. I am praying for you and your family.

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  2. I lost my mom to Alzheimers so I know the struggles you and your family are going through. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  3. I think that it will be so good for you and your sister to be together right now. You can give each other strength, as well as shed some tears and much needed hugs. To see a parent go through this is so hearbreaking ~ y'all have each other to lean on now. On a brighter note, the guestroom looks absolutely lovely and will be a perfect "retreat" for your sister. It looks so cozy I wish you had room for one more!! lol Thank you so much for the wonderful award, too:)

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  4. Kim,
    Thank you for the award!

    Your guest room is lovely. I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time right now and I hope things will get better. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Sending good wishes your way.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  5. Thanks, Kim - that was so nice of you! I'm sorry to hear about your mom's setback, especially after just getting her settled at her new place. You've really gone the extra mile to make your sister feel at home - I'm sure she'll appreciate it. Good luck - I'll be thinking about you.

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  6. Wow! Thank you for the award Kim! That is so sweet.

    I am so, so sorry to hear about your dear mother. My father had a intracranial bleed a year and a half ago and he has made a 90% recovery. We give God the glory. Your mother, unfortunately, has the added element of Alzheimers, which must be so difficult for all of you. I pray that she will start being happy and smiley again. I hope that you and your sister have a good visit.

    Your guest room is so beautiful and peaceful. She will really enjoy her visit with you, I'm sure!

    Hugs, Sharon

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  7. I know your sister is going to feel all the love and comfort that you have for her. Thank goodness, you have each other to lean on when you have to see your dear mother going through such difficult times. I pray for her and for your peace, Kim. Twyla

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  8. Your guet room looks like an absolutely wonderful place to retire after a day. I have 2 Sisters and they are the best to share not only our life's journey; but we are often a strong sense of support together as we care for those we love. Althought the occassion is a difficult time may you each find a sense of reconnection as well.

    I'll be thinking an praying for your Mom, your sister and you. I hope that one day soon your Mom will rest Happy at Home.

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  9. Kim, thank you so much for the lovely award. I will say a prayer for your dear mom. Your guest room is beautiful and I'm glad your sister is coming for a visit. (((hugs)))
    ~Kelli

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  10. Hi Kim ~ I am so sorry you're having to go through so much with your mom. My mother died of alzheimer's...it's a very horrible and scary disease. It's very difficult to see loved ones struggling so much.

    I will be praying for you and your family.

    Hugz,
    Michele

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  11. Have a wonderful visit with your sister, even under the hard circumstances-it is good to be together!

    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

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  12. Kim I'm sorry about your mom's condition. I do hope she gets better.

    Your guest room is absolutely beautiful! Your sister will feel like she's in the best bed and breakfast ever. ;)

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  13. Congratulations on your award!

    So sorry to hear more sad news about your mom.
    It will be good for you and your sister to be together.
    What a beautiful room you have fixed up for her!!
    I'm sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

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  14. Your guest room is just gorgeous! It truly looks like a room you'd find in a quaint little inn. Very cozy and welcoming. I love the tea tray, that's such a special touch.

    I'm sorry to hear about your mom, what a sad situation. You and your whole family will be in my prayers.

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  15. what a wonderful spot for your sister. I know she will be shocked when she sees the reality. I'm so sorry for your mom to have to go through so much. Maybe you could ask for an appetite stimulant? My mom was hospitalized and then to nursing care for two months last year and left there looking like a skeleton. We finally had to get a prescription to stimulate her appetite. She is doing better now. I'm thinking good thoughts and sending prayers for your mom and your family.
    XXOO
    Robin

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  16. Beautiful room...your mom is blessed!

    Just stopping by to wish you the happiest of Halloweens!

    blessings,

    kari & kijsa

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  17. Your guest room is beautiful! I'm sorry that you are going through tough times with your mom and I hope you sister does okay when she sees her. (((HUGS)) and prayers.

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  18. {{{{{Kim}}}}}

    I hope you can feel that cyber hug. I was so sorry to read about your mother. I think you are such a sweet sister to want to soften her being there to see your mother. Your guest room looks so comforting that I am sure it will help.

    Hugs ~
    Heidi

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  19. Kim,

    Your mother is so lucky to have you and your sister. She will be in my prayers.

    On a lighter note, your guest bedroom looks beautifully decorated.

    The Lord's peace be with you and your family.

    Melissa

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