A Birthday Gone By

Madeline enjoys one of her birthdays at Azteca Mexican Restaurant. I'm thinking this was her 89th birthday and I'm quite certain she finished off that sundae on her own!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

And all through the house, many creatures were stirring but never a mouse. Rod, Tina, Stephen, and Emily Rose took a drive over the pass to spend some time and a little Christmas cheer with Mom (and Grandma). Look at Emily Rose! Growing up so fast. (I knit the hat on Emily Rose and the "Dr. Suess" hat as well.)

Christmas is Coming

Christmas was fast approaching. Snow was on the ground and a stocking and gifts were at hand. Carolers visiting the home regularly imparting their Christmas spirit. We felt blessed every time we were lucky enough to catch their performances. Rod spoke of the old days when Madeline went to great effort to fill one of her nylon stockings with candy and gifts for each of her children. Not only was it a good memory for Rod but Madeline lit up in recognition of the deed.

Party Room

Madeline's room looking like her birthday party well into December. Rod faithfully visits every weekend when they speak of family members and days gone by.

A Favored Resident

Just so you know...Madeline is a 100% eater. She is still able to feed herself and do her own chewing (without any teeth). You just can't keep a good woman down. Also, her table is known as "Madeline's Table" and she is not the eldest in the facility nor her table at 94 years of age. It appears that she is a favored resident. This photo is in the dining room and she has just polished off her meal and knows to get that dog-gone bib off.

Checking on Mom

Had a little scare...nurses called us to let us know that Madeline "appeared" to have a stroke. Luckily this was not the case. The doctor checked on her and found that one of her medications was building up in her system and they needed to change the medication. What ensued was a better-than-ever Madeline. We are grateful.

Sunshine On The Other Side

You know how it can be socked in with a low cloud deck or fog and all the drizzle and rain that Seattle can give? But if you're lucky enough to fly in an airplane and get yourself above this, the sun is always shining? I've been noticing that one of the perks of traveling over the mountains to visit with Madeline is that we get to see the sunshine. Rod and Madeline gaze out at the sunshine, marveling about how it was rainy on the other side of the mountains. Special moments...

Activity Time - Balloon Volleys

Rod and I showed up one Saturday to discover Madeline engaged in a motor skills activity. We were amazed at how the residents were able to access muscle memory and participate in this activity. It was exhilarating. Madeline was amazing!

Reminiscing is Therapeutic

Madeline visiting with her son, Rodney, on another sunny day in Ellensberg. She loves a sunny window with a view, even if the view is of the birds and the trees. She had a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier from her home near Seattle. One of her quotes was "Only God can make a tree." Does that make Madeline a tree hugger?

What Are Sons For?

This visit began with Madeline giving her son, Rod, what for. She insisted that she be brought home and that she was capable of caring for herself. It was one of two visits that began combatively over the course of her stay. Eventually, after she voiced her concerns, she was able to enjoy the visit and thanked us for the visit and admonished us to drive safely.

East of the Mountains

This is Madeline's first week at the nursing home and rehabilation facility east of the mountains. We were regaled with stories and photographs from Madeline's roommate's nephew. This picture of the stained glass caught her eye and he bestowed it upon her. It was a wonderful greeting.
Liz, Rod, and Madeline all posed for a photo this day.
These are the moments we adore...