The night Dad died, Miko, Missy and I stayed close to Mom. We knew she needed us there. Dad had needed us earlier in the day, but we then needed to devote our attention to Mom. The hospice lady told Mom that she was about in embark on what they called the Year of Firsts. A few days later, Mom had her first New Year’s … Continue reading Part 128 – Another of Her Firsts
Mom has been sad this week. I know that a number of things will have her thinking about Dad. I tell her that I’ll always listen if she wants to talk. I’m also ready to snuggle close when the tears come. Miko and I watch the pictures of him that sometimes show on her TV when she leaves the room. I like to reach out … Continue reading Part 127 – More Loss
Mom and I did not make a post on Wednesday. She decided it was time for a camping trip at the beach. She packed the van; loaded Miko, Missy, and me; and pulled out of our driveway early. I didn’t like the start of this trip because it was foggy out. I don’t like to look out the window, but when Miko complained I knew … Continue reading Part 126 – The Beach
Our house has three doors. Mom and Dad installed the one at the very back of the house that goes to the back deck. It normally only get used in the summer when Mom wants to sit in the shade there to read or if she wants to use the BBQ grill. Dad is the one who picked out the grill, but he stopped doing … Continue reading Part 125 – At the Door
This morning is cold again. It started last night, and is expected to continue for a few more days. Mom likes to nestle on the sofa in front of the fireplace. She usually has a warm cup of tea and one of her projects. I join her because right now, I think she needs extra snuggles, but not due to the cold. A delivery man … Continue reading Part 124 – Ashes
I mentioned before that we have at least three Outside Cats (OCs). They sit on the front porch or hang out in our carport. I watch them from our windows. Mom had fixed a box with foam as insulation and a layered bag for them to sleep in. Only one has decided to spend 90% of his time here. The other two OCs only come … Continue reading Part 123 – An OC
Thursday, I sat at the window watching as the driveway went from gray to white. The snow alternated between tiny flakes and big fat ones. Mom said the big fat ones meant that it was almost ready to stop. It didn’t. It snowed all day long and then dropped below freezing over night. Since then, we have had warmer days but the freezing at night … Continue reading Part 122 – A White Blanket
We have lived in Texas long enough to know that January and February can be cold. For a week every few years, it can be below freezing both day and night. I complained about the cold about this time last year, but that was only for one day! It has been cold for 3 days already. Mom said they are now talking about SNOW for … Continue reading Part 121 – Cold Again
Mom has been cleaning and rearranging things. She did a lot of that when Dad had his first hospital stay, and then came home with a walker. She rolled up all of the area rugs and vacuumed up the sand that had collected under them. (I’d call the sand “dirt” but that just sounds bad. Our house may have fur, but it isn’t dirty.) She … Continue reading Part 120 – Furniture
Mom explained that Tuesday night was New Year’s Eve and the Wednesday is the start of a new year. To be honest, I don’t really care. I know that each day will be different than the days before Dad died. I know Mom has a whole new list of things she wants or needs to do. My job is to help her take care of … Continue reading Part 119 – A New Year
Alyne Bailey - Author 