Sunday, May 24, 2009

Happy 40th Anniversary, Mom & Dad

We have been increasingly concerned about Dad, as he has seemed more frail in the last couple of weeks. Yesterday he didn’t even feel up to getting washed and dressed.

But today was better!! Mom and Dad had a lovely 40th wedding anniversary today, thanks to our dear friends George and Kathy Melvin. George and Kathy drove to West Paris ME this morning, as I was driving there from NH, and we all went to church with Mom.

After church we returned to Mom & Dad’s apartment and picked up Dad, and then George and Kathy took us to Portland! They had made reservations at DeMillo’s floating restaurant, and we had a table with a beautiful view of the harbor. As Dad watched the ships coming and going, he became more interested and alert than he has been in quite awhile. And Mom enjoyed it immensely as well. She has always loved the ocean.

After leaving the restaurant, we poked around Portland. We watched a crane unloading a barge, saw fishermen tending their nets, and stopped at the Portland Head lighthouse before heading back to West Paris.

It was a great day. We have much to be thankful for!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Settling In

Mom and Dad are continuing to adjust to their new home. It has been a busy month with a number of doctor appointments in different places. We so appreciate those who have provided transportation for them.

Dad has been battling cellulitis in his legs, along with the pain caused by his spinal stenosis. He had a steroid shot in hopes of some relief, but unfortunately it did not help.

Mom saw a neurologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock who believes that reducing her anti-seizure med dosage will relieve her lightheadedness and short-term memory loss. He said he would recommend that change to her PCP.

Mom is back online, which is very exciting for her. Her new e-mail address is maryjaneames(insert "at" sign)oxfordnetworks.net, and she is also on Facebook. Unfortunately she lost her e-mail address book, so she would love to hear from everyone so that she can have your address again.

I am flying North a week from tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing Mom and Dad (and Josey) in their nice new apartment. I'll be cleaning out the house in Gorham to prepare it to sell. Jack's parents are coming to Florida to help Jack with the kids while I'm gone. We all need and appreciate your prayers!