What I Have Been up To

                                    Yes, it's been a while. I was up earlier then usual since hubby has to be up at 5am for work, I have been going to bed earlier and getting up shortly after he leaves.
Since having no kids in the house now, it is so quiet in the mornings that I have time to read my Bible and devotions. Reading through this Bible this year and am on track so far!
 I have also am trying to read through some books that I have had on my shelves so I can begin to purge them and make room. Not that I am trying to be a minimalist, but I have so much and need to give them up so others can enjoy.
I finished this one last week and it made me thinking on returning to Nursing. It had many stories that if you once were a nurse, that it encourages you how much you miss it!

This week, I am reading:
 I needed this book.
I lost my dear mom after 6 years in a nursing home in Ohio. She had dementia, but was still aware of who I was, as of Christmas. When we saw her at Christmas, she was feeling cold. Talking with the nurse we found out that she had been having a low grade fever and they said she had not been eating well. We shared a few Christmas gifts with her, and I knew she wasn't feeling well when she turned down chocolate covered cherries. We got her to the dining room and she was able to eat soup. (on her own) My hubby, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were so glad we got to visit.
Before leaving Ohio, we got down to see mom one more time. (we had two days of snow...up to 6 inches) She was in bed (after lunch) and was napping. Dear daughter and I were talking and Mom woke up but was still very sleepy. So we shared a few Christmas presents that our oldest son had bought for her...a beautiful teal blanket and Elvis baseball-like cards. I put the blanket on her bed and read the cards to her. Mom seemed to enjoy looking at them and reminiscing about his life. She didn't talk much, but smiled and laughed as we chatted. Our daughter even took some photos and a video of our chat.

This would be the last time I would see my dear mom. She died on January 12th. Hospice had been called in and they suggested I not wait past the weekend to come. I talk with my nephew and he, his sister, my ex-SIL and a cousin got into see her the few days before she died. My hubby and I left to drive out to Ohio on Friday the 12th, and an hour on the road they had called 6am to say they had found she had passed on their rounds.
I did get to see Mom one last time, though she was no longer there but it Jesus's arms.  I miss her, but am so glad she got to see some family before she left this world. She is in a place where there is NO pain, no sorrow. See you again Mom, we love you.