July 5, 2017

Wednesday lunch with Jane

Jane had a chance to visit with all of her kids today. My sister, Bobbi, is visiting for the week & Matt & Marianne came to visit today too. Matt was kind enough to snap this picture for us of Jane with all her daughters.

Bobbi got to town on Saturday & stopped to see her mom right away. It appears to be just the pick me up Jane needed. Jane was very happy to see her daughter & has been happy & engaged since. While she was tired today, she was still a thousand times better than last week.

I beat everyone there so I got a few minutes of alone time with Jane. She was sitting at the kitchen table & just started lunch when I walked in. She saw me & smiled from ear to ear. This filled my heart with joy. Even though I heard from both Matt & Bobbi how happy Jane has been the last few days, I was still a little scared of how I would find her after last week. I am so happy today was another good day.

Jane & I chatted while I fed her lunch & she seemed very engaged in the details of my life. I brought her a lemon cupcake today because it’s her favorite. She said it was still her favorite & then requested chocolate next week. I mentioned the cupcake shop would be closed next week so I would need to go somewhere else. I said should I see if AJ’s has a cupcake? Jane smiled & said oh yes! Let’s hope AJ’s makes cupcakes!

The cupcake was messy again & I had frosting all over my hands so I asked Jane if it was ok if I washed my hands before we walked. She said ok & then patiently waited for me to return. We headed outside for a walk even though it was hot & humid. Jane was walking really slow – until we found my siblings. Jane smiled for each of them & then picked up her pace while we walked to the clubhouse.

We had all spent the day together yesterday at my Dad’s house so we told Jane stories of swimming with Enzo. He laid on the big float & demanded to be pushed around. Jane giggled. I don’t remember what Matt said to her, but he got a full laugh out of her. She was happy.

My dad had mentioned to Bobbi, Jane’s hair was getting in her eyes so when we saw Michelle, we told her. She’s the hairdresser who comes in a couple of days a week to cut everyone’s hair. She said she would fit Jane in later today or tomorrow. She ended up having a cancelation shortly after because the resident was sick so she asked if we were ok with her cutting Jane’s hair while we were visiting. We were all happy to help. Jane doesn’t understand she needs to sit still for Michelle to cut her hair, so Bobbi entertained her while Michelle worked her magic. We sent a picture to my dad when she was done – Jane was happy with the finished product.

Jane was getting tired. She’s had lots of visitors the last few days & while she loves that, it also wears her down. So we all walked her back to her house & her room. Even though Jane was tired, she didn’t seem to want to miss out & didn’t want to lay down. Luckily she allowed Emely (one of her favorite caregivers) to take her back to her room. Bobbi will go visit again tomorrow & I know Jane will be very happy.

It really is the little things that bring joy to Jane’s life. She reminds me to be present in the moment & simply enjoy life.