This past week, my brother and I went to our hometown to see about Mama and Bill, with the intention of starting home health care visits for them a few times a week – just to see that they’re taking their meds, check their blood pressure, see how they’re feeling, that sort of thing. Well, that and getting them moved back to the house Mama grew up in.
Things quickly escalated and we found ourselves on the horns of a dilemma. They can’t live alone – it’s simply no longer safe for them.
Yesterday, after a lot of gyrations, we checked them in to a lovely assisted living home. It’s like a five-star resort with wide doors and no steps.
They’re not happy about it, but today they had a good day. She played the piano and they all applauded and asked her to play again tomorrow. Bill has met some other veterans and figured out how to get strawberry ice cream any time he wants it.
This week would have been undoable without very real help from my sister, Kim, who busted ass all week getting their old house in order, and Daddy and Mary Ellen, who kept m’dawg and put me up while I was coming and going, and are, even now, running a load of laundry for Bill.
Polly and Jerry came over and helped sort out their other old house.
My friend Bruce was passing through on Thursday and we had lunch.
My friend Lori drove down from Atlanta and got us through the final push – the gathering of the little things they need, getting Bill to a haircut, being endlessly patient with my parents, and talking to my brother and me about pretty much anything but what was going on in geriatric world.
This has been a gut-wrenching decision for us, and we are grateful for all the large and small kindness shown to us.
Just like a Slattery 
My heart is with you. Your Mamma and Bill are so very lucky and your Mamma raised you right. Hope you have some calm and quiet time for your self now.
I’m glad they are safe and settling in. You’ve got all the love and good vibes I can muster.
Thank you. It’s been a tiring week.
These are things that I can do in my sleep for other people. It’s different when the shoe is on the other foot.
I’m fortunate that my team is my brother, because he rocks.
Thanks for your good thoughts – I’m always happy to know you’re out there.
I hope you and Steven never forget you have the d you support of your “Other” family. I have always thought of Jan as a second mother and you and Steven as my siblings. I could always talk to Jan when I couldn’t talk to my own mom. I will continue to help every chance I know there is a need!
I have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Jan is my twin-friend…that is because she is only 8 days older than I am and we have been best friends since 1st grade. I know that you and Steve have done the very best possible thing for her and Bill. When I talked to her Sunday, she kept telling me how pretty and how nice everything is and wants me to come out to see them. Sending lots of love your way !