A new tradition is born: Walnut Gathering with Grandma.


We gathered 79 pounds and still had energy to climb in the trees – a slightly heart-stopping experience at times.

The Gospel Choir was very special to Mom. They went to Atria El Camino Gardens every 2-3 months to sing for everyone in the Life Guidance unit.

The women’s group at the church did an amazing job providing food for the reception afterwards. As we all know, funerals are also a great time for catching up with family and friends. Most of the people in this picture I considered my cousins as I grew up. L-R Back row: Chuck, Phyl, Carol (siblings), me, John, Jim.
Around the table: Rebecca, Judy, Aunt Rosebud, Cynthia, Christine, Tom, Eva Lee, and friend Mary Lee.

Vi, Jason, Stacey, Justin, Jennifer.

Mom rallied for a few days, but then turned for the worse and we just couldn’t meet her needs at Atria El Camino Gardens so we said goodbye to a most loving group of people. Art is the guy in the back and a resident, he was thrilled to be included in the photo.

Mom moved to College Oak Nursing and Rehab Center.

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.