Thursday, July 14, 2011

Lake Sherwood Village Lit A Fire Under My Mom

Another whirlwind visit to Cajun Country is over. I must say, it was one of the better visits. I only had two goals: get my mom to the neurologist appointment and visit an assisted living center. Well, cher, I did that and so much more.

On my arrival I met up with my freshly "doodied up" mom and Aunt Yvonne. They had just come from the beauty shop, so when I saw how cute they looked I told them they needed to be shown off. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Zoe's Kitchen, all of us ordering Zoe's famous chicken salad with fresh fruit.

Once back at my mom's apartment it took about an hour for cabin fever to strike. And after an entire afternoon and evening watching the mind-numbing Hallmark Channel and Lawrence Welk, I knew I couldn't last much longer, so the next day I asked her if she wanted to go check out Lakes of Sherwood Village. She told me to go ahead, that she had too much excitement yesterday, what with getting her hair did and all. (She doesn't talk like that, I'm just being silly). She told me to go check it out and come back with as much info as possible.

Like an undercover detective I apprehensively entered the main entrance to the retirement center. I think I was secretly hoping to find some misdeed or filth or something negative so I could go back and tell her there is no way she's going to a place like that! But it was surprisingly grand, decorated like a nice hotel. Bingo numbers were being called in the distance so I followed the sounds until I found a beautifully appointed room filled with a rather sophisticated group of elderly souls sitting alertly at tables, engrossed in their game. I observed them until I heard a faint "BINGO!"

Several things caught my attention:
~no unpleasant odors
~no drooling or incoherent patients
~friendly staff
~friendly residents
~clean carpets and furnishings
~beautiful lake views
~Catholic mass and novenas

Lake Sherwood

I went back and reported the findings to my mom, complete with video. She began to cry. She sobbed, actually. I assured her that this was just Plan Z, much later down the road, that she wasn't going to move there today or next week or even next month.

After that, my mom changed. The next day she had several things on her list of errands that I normally do by myself. This time she wanted to do them WITH me. We went to the bank, then we got pedicures together, and finally shopping at Steinmart. Usually my mom can only do one thing per day because of her Parkinson's, so I wasn't surprised when she got halfway into Steinmart and said she'd had enough. But I praised her to the heavens! Mom! Look at all you did today!! I'm so proud of you!!!!

We did even more the next day, including a visit back to the dreaded retirement home, which she was very impressed with, by the way. On my last day there she ran out of gas, yet still felt good. She admitted to me that the idea of moving into an assisted living facility is what got her butt in gear. Ha! My mom still has fight left in her. I didn't realize I was putting her feet to the fire when I instigated the retirement home idea. Whatever it takes. I'm super encouraged seeing my mom not give up and fight to get her life back.

I'm still toying with the idea of moving back home to be near her. I asked God for a sign on what to do about that and seeing her perk up during my visit definitely seemed like a sign.

That's all for now! More posts to come if I can get my own rear in gear. Please know that I am visiting blogs and leaving comments where I can, but my Google Reader overwhelmed me on my return. You all have been busy!

Oh! One more thing: y'all know how fleur de lis is my thing; well, Louisiana's state symbol is the fleur de lis, so it is sold everywhere! I went to the shoe store and look what I had to have! Later gators!

20 comments:

hootnonny said...

So glad your visit with your mom went well! The residential home looks pleasant. Hopefully she'll be use to the idea by the time she needs it. Have you considered moving her near you?
Love those shoes! Every time I go shopping, I think you're with me because of all the Fleur de Lis!

Evelyn S. said...

Sounds like a very good visit. You're a good daughter, I can tell! And don't feet look great in "thong-type" sandals??? I LOVE them...and your fleur de lis sandals are spiffy! Oh...so's your pedicure. ;-)

Reena said...

sandals are sharp ... but I'm eyeing the pedicure and red toes! wowza!

Shug said...

Hi Gail...
Girl, I love those shoes...Good for you, I'm glad that you bought them cause they sure look purty on yor feet...

Aging parents...this is the most difficult thing for me...my dad is going down hill with his dementia, and my heart breaks for him...
These decisions that we have to make are not easy, but you are definitely doing the right thing by seeking God for the answers...

bless you...
shug

Lisa Gordon said...

I am so glad your visit with you Mom went well for both of you. There are always so many tough decisions to be made with aging parents. You just have to do the best you can my friend.

Have a wonderful weekend, and if you should tire of those shoes....

Ooooooo, they are sooooo nice!

Leontien said...

Good that your visit went well, but it is always hard to make that kind of decision...

Good luck!
Leontien
www.fourleafcloverdairy.blogspot.com

Barbara said...

love those sandals AND the pedicure! i'm so glad you stoked the fire in your mom and y'all had such a wonderful time. I'll keep you in my prayers that you hear what move (if any) you should make.

TexWisGirl said...

oh, that must be so hard to be away from your mom right now... i hope you can come to the right choice for both of you!

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

So glad to hear that you had a good visit with your Mom! My great uncle had moved to an assisted living center, which was beautiful, and he loved it there (even got crowned King at one of the balls they had!)

Love the flip flops and those sassy red toenails ;)

beth said...

what an amazing loving and patient daughter you are.
and the fact that the idea of the assisted living gave her some new found strength, well that's a gift from god !!

and ohh-la-la.....new shoes and a pedi....wow !

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Love your new shoes!

It is nice that your visit with your Mother went well, I know a bit what you are dealing with...my Mother had her 100th birthday last month. Fortunately she lives next door to me and we have excellent caregivers but it is a difficult and trying time for everyone.

Thanks for leaving me such a nice comment. Take care.

Charlotte Wilson said...

Your visit seems to have gone better this time than last. So glad that your mom is perkier after your encouraging words and video. Being with people is an important thing, especially for older people. It sounds like a good plan for her to move into the retirement home.
Love your new sandals...perfect for your newly pedicured toesies.

Hugs,

charlotte

Anonymous said...

love those sandals! my dad had parkinson's but not the shaky kind (i didn't know there were two kinds until he got diagnosed). that is wonderful how your mom is accepting the idea of change. that's normally a very difficult thing to overcome, so that should make things so much easier for you, your family and your mom!

Rosie Grey said...

I'm glad to hear that your visit went well! I'm sure your Mom does appreciate you so much - you are amazing!

I LOVE those shoes!!! Gorgeous!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Oh, Gail, you're so sweet and funny. I laugh and I cry when I read your posts. God bless you and your family. :)

Rosemary Aubut said...

Wonderful post Gail! My mom is 87 and still going, I dread the day when she cannot!

LindyLouMac said...

I so hope you will persuade your Mum to move before she has to be cared for. My Mum once moved last Christmas admitted that she wished she had done so sooner.

Autumn said...

I'm so proud of Mimi for getting out and enjoying life! She's got a spring chicken in her somewhere. :) I wish I could have been there to hang out with you girls!

Tina said...

Glad you had a nice visit with your mom. She is blessed to have you for a daughter.

septembermom said...

I love that you had such a wonderful visit with your Mom. It sounds like you have a really great relationship. The pedicure looks fabulous too!!