2:56 A. M.

Yeah, been up since about 2 A.M., typical restroom run and then the thoughts start running through my head. So much to do............

I am getting the master bedroom turned around from Grandma's space to a comfy, funky office/guest room/exercise room. So I started thinking about lighting, thinking about the new futon coming in this weekend (will I need to cover it up, will Sammie decide that she has a new bed? I purchased the new desk online so I am thinking about where I am going to re-arrange the other furnishings, will the desk come before I go to Sac again. EEEEEWWWWWWW!!!

Overall I have had a real restful sleep this week. Mostly due to full on exhaustion. The survey at the old Edgemoor was physically grueling. We walked outside so much I have tan lines from my new shoes. The shoes really were great for walking though and for that I am thankful. The true green, asbestos tiles on the floors of the used units shine, there are original from 1920. The red signs over the restrooms, a lady in a full petticoat enhanced dress and a gentleman in some sort of action pose designate the sexual preference. Solid wood shines under layers of lacquer around the windows, doors and hand rails. We saw the "new and improved" tiles and plastic handrails in the conference room where we were set up. In walking the grounds of Edgemoor I could not help but think that moving into the beautiful new building with it's new appointments was going to be a mistake.
Edgemoor is a county facility. One gentleman told me he had lived there for 27 years. I had heard horror stories about Edgemoor and walked by the place for years when I lived in Santee. It was such a different experience to be in there and view the lives of the residents. The ceramics teacher was so sweet, having worked there for some 20+ years himself his knowledge of the residents was impressive. His pride in being a part of Edgemoor was obvious as he bragged that even the dishwashers in the kitchen knew the names of the residents and the residents knew the staff as well. He also thought the new facility would be a mistake.
I suspect that we will have ample opportunity to view the new facility once they start moving folks in............there are things that no matter how hard they try (like bringing over the stain glass windows from the old chapel) they will not have that same feeling that exists at the current site. The gardener is transplanting some of the lovely and diverse plants and trees that have been fostered on the old site but the park like feeling will not be the same in the four separate atriums designed for use there.
And so it is with a heavy heart that we will say good bye to the old Edgemoor (the "barn" is actually tagged as a historical site and therefore protected). I would love to salvage the "Canteen" sign and maybe one of those fabulous bathroom markers!

Thankful for what I have

This has absolutely been one of the most difficult times of my life. The stress of dealing with an elderly parent's care is great, especially when one is not wealthy. I have learned who my go to people are and some of it has surprised me.

My cousin in Vermont has been really so good about keeping in contact with me and not just to find out about how mom is doing but to find out how I am doing.

I have learned that some of my neighbors and co-workers are much more supportive than longtime friends. Weird about the co-workers as I have just started this job. We are mostly all women (one man in an office of 30). The majority is in our late 40's to 60's. We are all dealing with issues of elderly parents. Some have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Some are physically challenged and others are just down right mean.

I know that I have not been the most fun person to be with at times. People want to keep their hands clean and their lives neat and dealing with life isn't always clean or neat.

I thank Pat Friedman for taking the time to drop in on mom once in a while. I thank Janet Flint for sending mom little cards and calling (and for making sure I am still surviving). I thank the sweet and wonderful family of David and Jen Moye, best neighbors and raising caring children who always ask "how's Mabel?" I thank the women of Licensing and Certification for supporting me and teaching me what is out there and what I can do for my mother.

I will even be more thankful if I could get a little more sleep tonight.