Tina Ann – Grateful
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We went to visit my husband at the nursing home this morning. As visits go, this was a pretty good one. He seems to be comfortable, and was happy to see us. He made sense most of the time, except didn’t remember that we were in Chiang Mai, and thought the trip here was still ahead of us. He was confused about a lot of things, but not upset. He seemed interested in what we were telling him and liked looking a pictures on our phones.
He pulled out his nasal tube three times yesterday and his hands were in hard plastic ‘bags’ to keep him from pulling it out again. We tried to explain to him that if he eats and drinks enough without choking, they probably will be able to remove the tube. It’s heartbreaking that he will probably never be able to ‘come home,’ barring a miracle, but I’m very grateful that we found a place who calls him, “Pa,” and his nurse thinks the fact he is stubborn is an endearing quirk.
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KinderCare
I’m back to painting the sketches in my sketchbook and having a great time. I’m carrying the Christmas cards I painted so that I can give them out as I see people. The rest will be given when we will go to a party hosted by the family who ‘adopted’ Harvey and me as honorary grandparents. We keep showing Harvey pics of their son and daughter, but he probably won’t see them in person. By the end of the year, I may fill up this first sketchbook. I think I’m making some progress in trying to learn to draw what I see better. I have a lot of fun trying, and I have a 2nd book to start when this one is finished.
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My dolphins jigsaw puzzle may be more of a challenge than I can handle. I’m making extremely slow progress on it. The change of my chair to one that rolls around, though, is great. I can now roll up to one side or the other and see better what I’m trying to do. Brian is happy I’m slow because each time I finish a puzzle, he takes a picture of it and orders a print made of it on glass that I put on my ‘statement’ shelf in my living area. He teases me, griping about the cost of the glass prints. I have two so far…. š
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Today is ‘old lady yoga stretches’ day. I did my mile walk on the treadmill at the gym this morning, and will spend a good long time (30-45 minutes) with the yoga stretches. I’m adding a couple of new moves to my practice, as Brian has suggested some things that concentrate on my core more. I will also do the Internet balance exercises and may dance a bit, if I don’t run out of time…
Pngtree
I’m finally within about 5 pounds or so of my weight loss goal. I hit a new low this morning (hoooooraaaaaaay!!!!!!) I will see where I am and how I’m feeling with the loss of 5 more pounds and then decide if I want to go for 5 more. I want to be to the place I can maintain my eating, being able to splurge at times without guilt, enjoy getting some jeans that fit (I’ve taken in the waist of the ones I’m wearing three times now), and concentrate on my exercising – working on flexibility, balance and core strength, as well as trying to build up my arm strength.
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Make this a happy day!
creativeartworksblog 
Your life seems full. Heartbreaking about your husband. It is hard when we start losing the one we love before they are gone. It is a long road of grieving. Keep enjoying the moments of each of your days.
Audrey
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Thank you, Audrey. Your caring words mean everything.
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Although this is not the life you imagined, you are finding more ways to enjoy it and seemed to have found contentment in your day-to-day living. You are adaptable.
Congratulations on your weight loss. You have worked hard and it shows.
Thank you for sharing about the visit with your Harvey. He seems to have adjusted to his living situation and enjoys your visits. Life is tough at times, but so are you! (Donna)
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Thanks very much, Donna. I think that the key to being happy is deciding to be. Then most everything else falls into place as you learn to look at things differently. I appreciate your kind words and encouragement.
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I’m sooo glad your visit with Harvey went well today. It does seem like a long road, one step forward and three back, but he’s beginning to keep up with things you tell him. I am sorry to hear that about him pulling that nasal tube out. Ugh! It just takes the brain time to retrain, retain, remember, or reorganize the new with the old and if he lost any part of his brain (like my husband did), then other parts of the brain have to take over. And of course, hydration and all that plays a role. It’s a wonder any of us are alive because our bodies seem so darned complicated! At any rate, I’m glad you’re enjoying the puzzle even if this one is challenging. Challenges are good for our brains. Speaking from my troubleshooting experience. Though I haven’t always liked my chosen, career. You know I’m retired, but am thinking of taking on a part-time gig, as you saw from my resume list on Substack. I may not get any eyes on that, other than yours, and it’s okay. I’ll finish this book and maybe start writing a smaller one next year. Maybe a novel. I like the way that old grey thinker author guy writers on Substack.
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Thanks for the encouragement about Harvey, Sheila. It means a lot. You inspire me to try new things, to fully enjoy my hobbies, to keep learning. I love it that we know each other!
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Oh, I love that too, Linda! Yes, I encouraged my son to try new hobbies the other day too, when he called me and was DOWN and discouraged and didn’t know how to find happiness! Ugh
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I hope your suggestion helps, Sheila. Fingers crossed.
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