For many years, I worked down the road from their home at 451 Lamont Dr. On my way home on Monday, Wed, and Fri I would stop by to play Rook (old story:). Dad and Kent were partners, mom & me. Same seats, same partners. Eventually, when dad got to feeling bad, then worse, he played when he didn't want to. He knew mom & Kent did. Many times, when it was freezing and I had just come from bus duty, I didn't want to stop. I would call just to ask, on the hope they would say "it's bad out, you need to go on home". No, mom would say "you do what you think is best" and I would go by.
Then, dad passed and the three of us went to rummy (again, old news). My point to this post is that none of us know when the "last" time is. Last time you see your loved one, last hug, last "I love you", last Rook game, last Rummy game. We played Rummy for four years, 2-3 times a week, until this January, 2015. Clyde and I went to Florida, our last game was in December right before we left. I didn't know it would be the last game.
Now, mom and I don't play. I am sad about that. You may think we could, and we could. But now, I go and visit and she just sits. Sits out in the lobby waiting. Waiting for the next event, for lunch or supper, or for each of us to drop by. Now, don't get me wrong, she has plenty of visits. But no more Rummy. I have a hard time leaving. Things have changed. Mom has changed some. She is quieter. I think she is happy enough and likes her friends there. She likes the fun things they do, the performers who come, but she is sad too. She misses those games. She misses Kent. She still misses dad.
This is mom's table of friends. They eat all meals at the same table.
The above pics were from the 4th of July celebration there. They had a performer.
This gentleman is a true "gentleman". Such manners. I enjoy him a lot!
This little doggie is Tucker. Such a great doggie! Brings the residents SO much joy.
The above and ones below are from today, July 30, 2015. This lady likes Wendy's frosty's. I brought her one and will again, but getting them there, when she is downstairs and when she isn't about ready to eat, or has just eaten.....not easy. She has given Lucas $3 at different visits ($1 each time). I try to tell her no, but I don't want to rob her of the joy of giving.
Luke like moms wheels. He sits there, runs it around, rolls all over it.
This is Tucker's (the doggie) dad. Lucas honestly just walks over to these men, and climbs up in their lap. They don't ask, he just does it. The women I can't get him to sit still for a photo.
Jason is such a sport. He comes by here to pick him up and is SO hot and tired and hasn't been home to change, but he comes in. I heard mom say today that Lucas' dad was coming and he always comes in and gives her a hug even though he doesn't like coming straight from work.
These two are random pics from last week. Not today.
I am looking forward to going to Florida in January-March. How am I going to leave mother? What if I go and she isn't here when I get back? I am so excited to leave but concerned. I am wondering if she could make the trip south for a couple of weeks. Something to think about. For now, I will not take these moments for granted. I will appreciate each visit and count them a gift.
