It has been a while since I’ve posted anything here. That certainly does not mean it has been a quiet time in my life.
Dave and I are still enjoying the self-storage life, although we are definitely needing a full two days off and a wee fun escape from the property. It certainly is not a dull routine and all in all not a bad life. We do like the work and especially being able to be together basically 24/7.
Actually, we have pretty much been together 24/7 for almost two years now with the occasional being apart due to work or, as lately, my having to be in Brenham to look after my mom. It’s so interesting that the two of us work together, run basically all our errands together, and still seek each other out for a game of chess, movie, or pool in the evenings. I have never known such contentment and enjoyment by another’s presence. It seems we do complete each other.
All I know is when we are apart there seems to be a piece of me missing.
I am right now in a hotel in Brenham, where I have been for the past few days. A couple of weeks ago I was down here having to put my mom in assisted living. She basically cratered…and it was time to get her into a living situation with a bit more care versus living independently. That trip was what can best be described as damage control; this one was clearing out her apartment and putting the finishing touches on her new living environment.
I won’t kid you; the last few weeks have been very exhausting – physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am way past exhausted, but everything has been seen to and I get to head north in the morning back to North Texas, my man, and my life.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster seeing a parent really decline. She and I still have good conversations and we do have some laughs, but it is sad to see her cognitive functioning deteriorate so significantly. Thank goodness for the place where she is; everyone seems truly caring.
Thank goodness for friends and resources here in Brenham. How would I have gotten through this time without my friends here? I really do not know. Angels in my life, truly.
Did I mention I’m going to be a grandmother?? Whoohoo! Dave’s eldest son Ian and his lady Rose are expecting a wee new life in November! This will be Dave’s first grandchild and a real bonus for me, as I have no kids of my own. A new little life…a little Scots/Irish bairn…I’m already so proud and the little one isn’t even here yet!
I know what you’re thinking…me??? A grandmother, for Pete’s sake?!?!?! HA!
We have booked our visit back to Scotland for November already, although perhaps may miss the birth of this new little life. Who knows, tho….maybe….
We’ll be going over for a week, not long at all, but better than nothing. I long for that Bonnie Land so much, it’s hard to put into words. I often feel like I’m living in the wrong country these days. Ah well, all things in their own time.
I wish I had something profound to add, or even something interesting…but…wait…
Outside each room in the assisted living where Mom is, there is a little corner shelf…for a little decoration or whatever. I went into one of the shops downtown in Brenham this afternoon, hoping to find a little something for that shelf. It was a Texas, country kinda shop…crafts and stuff….there were some countrified bears, geese, floppy-eared rabbits..you know the type. I remember thinking, "Aw gee, these are just not quite right. I’d like to come across just the right Bear to look over Mom, protect her, yet be cute." Walking along, I happened to look down at a bottom shelf. There, tucked behind some rabbits and such was a Bear face peeking out at me. I set aside the other critters and there was a Bear Angel, dressed in a Texas Bluebonnet dress…complete with wings and a little halo!! Not another one in the place like it…just this one, who now sits watch on the little shelf right outside Mom’s room to watch over her and greet her visitors.
So thank you, Bear, for seeing my need and the need of my Mom, and for your presence in my life.
It was definitely a "wow moment."
If I didn’t think my life was so interesting, I might find it creepy! Teehee!
Thanks for stopping by to read my ramblings.
Carpe diem!
Journeys Through Scotland and Beyond 