Settling Into Spring

Hi everyone, Jenna again with an update on behalf of my mom.

I know it’s been a little bit since we last posted, but there have been a few changes that my mom has been settling into. She now lives at a hospice residence with 24/7 care, which has always been her eventual plan, at a lovely place that she was able to tour and pick out a couple months ago. She has been enjoying listening to books, watching Survivor, spending time with family and friends, and eating the treats people have brought.

As things have progressed, she is now bedbound, with occasional visits to the courtyard on sunny days to get some sunshine with the support of getting out of bed from her nursing team and her special reclining chair. Talking is also continuing to get more difficult for her and her overall energy is starting to decrease.

She has appreciated her visitors and wants them to continue being meaningful to both her and them. There has been a nice rhythm of visits that has meant a lot to her, but having too many different visitors throughout the day has become more taxing on her, and visits have started to become more spaced out. My mom continues to have the final say on her visiting schedule and is still requesting shorter visits of 15 to 20 minutes.

So many people have offered very graciously how they could help, and while it’s all so kind, she really is good and has said she doesn’t need anything at this time. For those who do want to do something, my mom would love for everyone to continue spreading joy in any way they can. Maybe it’s for someone else or finding it in your own life. Get outside to enjoy the sunshine, check in on a loved one, plant some flowers in your garden (my mom loves begonias 🌸), or even volunteer in your community.

Many have also offered to bring food to our family, and while we truly appreciate you looking out for us, we are good at this time on home cooked meals. If you feel compelled to give, local gift cards to restaurants or grocery stores work best. And instead of bringing food to our family, my mom encourages you to donate to your local food shelf. The church my parents are part of, Prince of Peace, has a large donation center as well.

We really appreciate all the love and support and will continue to give updates as we have them.

Thanks,

Jenna 💛