I went to work this morning for a few hours. I had almost forgotten the password to my computer as it has been so long since I was really there- both physically and emotionally. I found myself checking the clock every few minutes to see if it was eleven yet. Eleven was the magical hour that the GAL was expected to appear at the nursing home to inform James & Etta of the court proceedings scheduled for next week. Oh boy! This could have gone really good...really bad...or just fall flat because they just want to know if she brought chocolates or not. Turns out, James responded to the GAL just as I had predicted. He smiled when she entered the room and told her she was a pretty girl. That's the end of the conversation on his side of things. Etta, on the other hand, was very reserved and apprehensive. She told the GAL her questions were personal. When she heard the word "court", she wanted no part in any of that. Evidently, both James and Etta were not in the best of moods this morning. On top of that, the GAL arrived at lunch time and there is no interrupting meal time under any circumstances!
I was concerned about what Etta might have taken away from the conversation. I called the nurse manager to check on her. Since Etta was actually sitting right in front of her, she handed the phone to her. I took a deep breath and hoped God would give me the words to help her make sense of the situation. She said, "Hello." To this, I gladly responded, "Etta, it's Jeannie!" After a brief pause, Etta said, "Oh Jeannie. I love you!" Immediate relief. Thank God! All was well.
Hailey and I visited them this evening while Josh was at soccer. As usual, they were both happy to see us arrive. Etta immediatly looked at my feet to see what shoes I was wearing today. I have learned to pick from my funky shoes when I go to visit because I know how much she loves to see fun shoes. Unfortunatly, my fall/winter selections are far less exciting than what summer flip flops and sandles have to offer.
I heard James had a bit of a rough day refusing to allow the nurse to give him a bath and chose to express this opposition with a few choice words. I have come to realize that I am the recipient of behavioral reports from the local elementary school and nursing home. Hoping what works for my children might work for James/Etta too...like rewards in the form of treats.
I asked James if he ran today. He said, "Oh yeah. Everyday." To this, the lady at the table said, "And to think I haven't even left the porch today." This is interesting since there is no porch or even access to the outdoor patio without an access code that the residents don't know.
Etta mentioned that a lady came to visit her today. She said the lady wanted her to know that she needed someone to take care of her. Etta then told me she doesn't know what she needs and knows that I do and that I will take good care of her. She then proceeded to tell me that a "fella" from my church came to visit her today and took her to a church program. Etta loved it! She was thrilled to tell me all about the music and would like me to go with her next time. Fabulous diversion!
Before I left, I pulled Etta's chair towards me. Our noses almost touched we were so close together. I again reminded her that she is the best grandmother in the whole wide world and that I absolutely adore her. She kissed my lips lightly and told me we were a good match. These moments are priceless. I wish they would last forever but am grateful for each day.
Hailey and I both gave James hugs and kisses too. I patted James on the shoulder and then asked him to behave and try to stay out of trouble. Clearly, he didn't understand what I had to say as his response was, "Ok, now, and I love you too." [smile]
I was concerned about what Etta might have taken away from the conversation. I called the nurse manager to check on her. Since Etta was actually sitting right in front of her, she handed the phone to her. I took a deep breath and hoped God would give me the words to help her make sense of the situation. She said, "Hello." To this, I gladly responded, "Etta, it's Jeannie!" After a brief pause, Etta said, "Oh Jeannie. I love you!" Immediate relief. Thank God! All was well.
Hailey and I visited them this evening while Josh was at soccer. As usual, they were both happy to see us arrive. Etta immediatly looked at my feet to see what shoes I was wearing today. I have learned to pick from my funky shoes when I go to visit because I know how much she loves to see fun shoes. Unfortunatly, my fall/winter selections are far less exciting than what summer flip flops and sandles have to offer.
I heard James had a bit of a rough day refusing to allow the nurse to give him a bath and chose to express this opposition with a few choice words. I have come to realize that I am the recipient of behavioral reports from the local elementary school and nursing home. Hoping what works for my children might work for James/Etta too...like rewards in the form of treats.
I asked James if he ran today. He said, "Oh yeah. Everyday." To this, the lady at the table said, "And to think I haven't even left the porch today." This is interesting since there is no porch or even access to the outdoor patio without an access code that the residents don't know.
Etta mentioned that a lady came to visit her today. She said the lady wanted her to know that she needed someone to take care of her. Etta then told me she doesn't know what she needs and knows that I do and that I will take good care of her. She then proceeded to tell me that a "fella" from my church came to visit her today and took her to a church program. Etta loved it! She was thrilled to tell me all about the music and would like me to go with her next time. Fabulous diversion!
Before I left, I pulled Etta's chair towards me. Our noses almost touched we were so close together. I again reminded her that she is the best grandmother in the whole wide world and that I absolutely adore her. She kissed my lips lightly and told me we were a good match. These moments are priceless. I wish they would last forever but am grateful for each day.
Hailey and I both gave James hugs and kisses too. I patted James on the shoulder and then asked him to behave and try to stay out of trouble. Clearly, he didn't understand what I had to say as his response was, "Ok, now, and I love you too." [smile]