Mom was released from the hospital yesterday. Tomorrow she will go into hospice care. Meanwhile, Justin and I are taking turns spending the night at Atria El Camino Gardens because 24/7 care/supervision is needed. Despite her pain, she still smiles and makes jokes.
The staff at Atria ECG has been excellent.

Ashleigh, Angelina, Carlos

Yesterday, Mom was taken by ambulance to Mercy San Juan. The official diagnosis is colitis, but it seems there is more going on. Unfortunately, Mom can no longer tolerate invasive exams to find out exactly what it is.

Sophia is at the far right.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines.

Cheering from the sidelines.

Kellen and Odin were nerds.

Sophia was Elsa. I made the dress.

Avery the giraffe.

School starts in 2 days. Time to see if clothing fits and time for haircuts. Before:

After:

I arrived today just at the end of the afternoon exercise session. Mom was in the front row and participated with enthusiasm. I went to sit in the chair next to her and intended to do the rest of the exercises with her. Instead, as I approached, she said, “Who are you?”

“Mom, it’s me.”

“I’ve never seen you before. Who are you again?”

I looked at the staff members who were nearby and aware of what had just happened. They gave me blank looks. Had there been a sudden decline in her memory? Oh no. I looked at Mom again and she had the biggest smile and started laughing. It was a joke. Her sense of humor is still intact.

And then it was off to get her hair washed.

This is the official holiday. And extra day for play? At Justin’s, it an extra day for work.

Hello, neighbor.

Everyone got together at Thais and Lenin’s house.

It’s not easy these days to bring everyone together, so this was a very special day. Thanks to all my kids for being there and Thais for hosting at her house.

When it looks like the rains have stopped for the season and before the weeds turn to fire-loving dryness, it’s time to mow.

This is also the time of year to appreciate a son who has a tractor and comes over to mow (and disk the perimeter).

Earlier today, Chef Justin of Atria El Camino Gardens came to Mom’s unit to demonstrate how to make milkshakes in different flavors.

He entertained everyone a bit and passed out many samples.

Sunday, the actual birthdays of Sophia and Odin. Lenin was in Georgia at the preliminary rounds of the Masters. Stacey had to work. We met at Thais’ house.

Cousins at play.

Carter helps out.

Uncle Justin at play.

No birthday cake this time, but rather cherry pie – the one I made at Merrilyn’s a few months ago – rapidly thawed earlier today 🙂