Louis Dean was the star of this Thursday!
We were in 'Get 'R Done' mode as we left the house around noon.
He had loaded up his guitar, music stand, music notebook and strap.
Plus he was wearing his Cowboy hat and boots!
Looking GOOD!
We did several errands on our way to Fort Worth and the nursing home.
The post office, gas station, stopped to get a battery for Louis Dean's pocket watch and a thrift store where I found the perfect fabric for backing the denim quilt I am making plus several towels for Mother's bathroom. They seem to keep disappearing.
All that was before we even left Irving!
Once in Fort Worth, we stopped for Gatorade (for LD when he sings) and a quick lunch at In 'N Out Burgers! That's where we picked up milkshakes - which were not that good! It will be back to Braum's the next time!
Just to keep him humble - I thought it would be fun to show you the station where we inadvertently caused a water gusher several weeks ago. Louis Dean hit something flat that was apparently a water cover. We noticed a nice shiny new hydrant there now!!
Here he is in all his glory!
He hung out in Lillian's room while I visited Mother.
Louis Dean singing Green River.......
but I only got part of it!
By the time I came in, he had already been singing over an hour!
Brenda joined us and requested he sing Grandpa....
So he did.....
and then sang his all time favorite song......
The ladies all love him!
I took a selfie with Lillian and then Louis Dean posed with her.
Notice I did not use the one of me.
She smiles for him!
He does love an audience and people would come in and listen to him sing for awhile.
Some sat in their wheelchairs at the door.
Lillian was most hospitable and invited them all in as they showed interest.
He held court by himself for the most part while I spent a few hours with Mother.
She fell early this morning when she was trying to get out of bed and bloodied up her elbow and hand. Her skin is paper thin and there is not one ounce of 'meat on her bones' so even a slight bump can cause bruising - much more so when she fell out of bed and hit the floor.
She was sleeping when I came in so I just sat by the bed until she woke up.
I had a chocolate shake for her and she is always happy to see that plus I brought her a piece of pumpkin pound cake. We talked a little. Mostly we just smiled and looked at each other and sat together. Mother decided to get out of bed and it was painful to see just how thin she really is.
She settled into the wheelchair with some difficulty and let me know she was cold. I put her shoes on and draped a blanket around her shoulders and another one across her legs.
I felt it was important to both of us to have this time today.
It was just the two of us.
For some reason I didn't think Louis Dean needed to come in and sing for her and I think he felt the same way.
We stayed all afternoon and left after the traffic hour this evening.
We were exhausted when we got home.
Louis Dean watched a football game while I did what housewives do.....
I emptied the dishwasher and loaded it up again - this time full of wineglasses from the dining room cabinet. Funny how all of a sudden you notice how dusty a certain area is!
I started a load of laundry - including the duvet I bought to use as a backing for the quilt.
I will need to cut it apart but I think it's going to work perfectly!
I sewed. We took out the garbage. Had a pizza for supper. Watched the news.
All simple everyday things.
But these kinds of activities are so far removed from the lives of those we had just visited in the nursing home.
It gave me pause.
At 70, I still have the energy to live life and take care not only of myself, but others as well.
I may be where they are one day.
It happens to all of us sooner or later if we live long enough.
We sat this afternoon and listened to 100 year old Roberta talk about her childhood and young married life and her work at General Dynamics.
I don't know where I am going with all of this tonight except to say that I am so grateful for my life and for our health. I'm grateful that Louis Dean still feels young.
Most of the ladies he sang to this afternoon were just about his age.
I'm grateful for my home and that I am fully capable of taking care of it.
I'm grateful for the time I had with Mother today.
And I am so very grateful that I get to come back here to my own home and take out the trash and do the dishes. Mother was never much of a homemaker so I don't know if she misses 'home' and I don't really know what she is missing about life if anything at all.
I just know I am grateful for the therapy of homemaking tonight.
It comforted my soul and my soul needed to be comforted.
And I am proud of Louis Dean for sharing his love and his music and his charming self with so many.
And I guess that's all I have to say about today.
19 comments:
Hi Linda - we are at that time in our lives when we think those thoughts a lot - what I feel is that we are more 'well' than our parent's generation - better medical care and food and more at peace with our private lives. Could be wrong, just think we are very fortunate to be able to run our homes and enjoy our lives right now. Hugs.
Joy
I know the residents loved that! We love "The Farmer's Daughter", too. It's good for them to have someone different in their day, and for him to be admired. And you had a good visit with your mother. (Do they keep it about 85-900 degrees in there, too?! )
I enjoyed this post, as always, but I can hear the weariness in your writing voice after that visit after fall she had! I've been there, too. It really makes you appreciate any good health you have! <3
Hope you are asleep by now.
xos, Trudy
I'm so sorry your Mom fell, Linda... but I know the visit from you & Louis Dean made her "boo-boo" feel much better. Oh how wonderful Louis Dean sings too! My Bailey Rose (our adopted 21yo African-American cherub) and Louis Dean would play & sing up a storm if they were together. She plays guitar & sings as well...so I know they would make a wonderful "singing duo". I believe that the goodness one shows in their lifetime will come back to them 100 fold... so when your time comes for a shakes and pound cakes and happy music, I know "your cup will be overflowing"! Much love, Andrea xoxo
I love this post and it is so true! We should always take the time to reflect and to be grateful for our blessings. I love that picture of Louis Dean all "decked out" in his outfit and holding all his gear, it is adorable and he looks so sharp! Sorry to hear your Mother took a fall and hope she is not hurting from it. I'm so glad you had this time with her, just you and her. it's very important. I bet you are tired. You should rest up tomorrow, my friend!
You and Louis Dean are so wonderful to make the time to visit and entertain the ladies at the home what blessings you are to them and to all of us
I've been following your blog for a couple of years now, and want to tell you that I truly enjoy it. You are an inspiration to me with your willingness to share your real life. You and Louis Dean are willing to share your time with others, your family, and with those who read your blog. I love reading about your adventures. Thank you for making me realize how blessed I am to have my wonderful husband, my mom, kids,and friends. Sometimes we forget to be thankful for our everyday blessings.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. It's hard seeing our parents frail and helpless. My heart goes out to you.
PS: Now I am wanting a chocolate milkshake.
Linda, I am glad you had such a full day ...so kind and good to the aging ladies and their helpers at the home. So sad about your mother. There's never enough help to go around at some homes. My daughter Liz, who care for and loved her Alzheimer patients...gave up her job at the home..there was a male patient who broke Liz's finger and was so mean..she could not handle him. So she move on to a job caring for factory workers and their family in a clinic.
I am glad you find peace in cleaning house. I find calm when I write to my sisters. We can get it all out that way. I too think of aging and pray everyday to be strong and able to care for myself, Ted and others.
LD did a fine job entertaining the ladies. I think he means almost as much to him as it does to them. He did indeed look very nice. Blessings to you both, I just love you guys, you are so special, xoxo,Susie
Y’all amaze me Linda with all you both accomplish! You are an inspiration to me!
Your day is a pure reflection of life...happiness, sadness, peace, fear, grateful, regretful, hope and dismay all mixed into one. Blessings to you and LD.
I think you said a lot. It's wonderful to say what you are thankful for. So many take life for granted. You had a wonderful day complete with the house chores. They are comforting and give us such a good feeling. Hope you have a fantastic Friday !
What a powerful testimony you have! I feel the same way, just so thankful that I can be HOME! And can still get out and do some things. I think as we get older, every day is so much more precious. Did I tell you that I got the nerves in my knee killed? It really helps with the pain! They are growing back now, so I will go and have the process repeated. Also injections under imaging for my bursitis. Seems like every month we have several doctor appointments, but that is alright with me!!! At least there is help, and we are both home and can get around. We are so very blessed, and thank God every day! You and Louis Dean have such a wonderful ministry!! Working together, just like Phil & I do. His music and stories, your wonderful laugh, caring and nurturing with food. I do believe this is what God has gifted you both to do!!! God must be smiling so much at you. I often think how wonderful it is when we find the reason that God put us here, and what He wants us to do for him.
I love your blog-one of my favorites!
I cried when I read about your mom and totally understand. However Mother was sixty when I sat with her for 90 days and nights-leaving hospital only to shower!! It was devastating! I remember just looking at each other and wishing we could escape this chapter!! Alas the cancer took her too young and I miss her every day. Her last wish for me-become a teacher and change the world - I did and tried to do that!! I tuned 71 in September and will now be referred to as 70ish. I pray I will remain at home the rest of my life despite the strokes i have had and the bone diseases. I stay active-not as much as u of course and made the decision that sleep is a waste of the last years lol
Bed 11 or 12 up 5 and am loving it loving it!!
Keep writing!!!
the first photo is my most favorite of all the photos you have taken of LD.. the whole set is wonderful. no wonder they love him, handsome, kind and caring, singing for them and making them smile and feel joy... the home and all of you are blessed to have each other. sorry your mom fell and has lost so much weight. good idea to spend alone time with her
I am sorry to hear your mother fell. It is hard as I remember it. I still think what you and hubs are doing - is God's work - you are angels.
LD gives any of the original singing cowboys a run for their money! He's a keeper. All of us that are able to look after ourselves should be so gratefl for that every day. Thanks for the reminder. Cheers
I'm glad you had that time with your mother. Its so important.
Louis Dean is a sweetheart to sing for those ladies. They are likely very lonely there. I am glad that you and LD are in good health, too. Such a blessing!
Such a good post! I know just what you mean. I'm so grateful for the good life we have right now and I want to try to live each day as it comes. They seem to fly by so fast at this time of life!
Beautiful Post
My beautiful does have a wonderful way of showing her love far us all.
Thanks for the beautiful words honey, You are my inspiration for life.
All you folks in Linda's blog land need to hear us do some cute Johnny and
June duets. They are a lot of fun!
love to all
Louis Dean Chapman
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