They Remembered Me!

Saturday, December 20th

Hello, All,

Here are some pictures from my birthday party on Saturday. A lady never reveals her age but I’ll give you a hint; December 19, 1931.

It wasn't one of my better days and I wasn't very engaged, but everyone seemed to understand. That jingle bell elf hat Patricia brought was a big hit and so funny, it did get my attention.

My Family

My Brothers and Sister

I'm The Birthday Girl!

My brothers, Frank and Johnny, were there, as well as my son Greg with his family, (wife Debra, granddaughter Morgan and grandson Layne with his girlfriend). 




Nieces Patricia (with her husband Ron), Darlene, Donna, Belinda, and, of course, my daughter Tracy and sister Barbara were there. There were gifts, snacks, drinks, and ice cream birthday cake to enjoy along with all the fellowship and family love.

My room looks festive with the fresh roses and microfiber candle, plus I’m also receiving lots of Christmas cards for my bulletin board.  Thank you for remembering me.

I’m remembering all those past Christmases; Santa always found us and I prepared Christmas breakfast in our home with pounds of bacon and lots of eggs and homemade biscuits, not to mention the rest of the menu. And I always looked forward to having my extended family at my home for Christmas dinner the first Sunday after Christmas Day.  The house was beautifully decorated and overflowing with loved ones who all brought covered dishes to fill every flat surface.  

Many of my siblings and their mates who always came have passed on, but there’s still plenty of love to share. I hope the new generation will continue to embrace the family unity my parents instilled in us.

Let’s offer up our prayers for all for a safe and happy holiday season and a Merry Christmas!

Happy holiday wishes and lots of Love from me to you, 
Addie

My Birthday is Coming Soon!

Happy birthday to me,

Happy birthday to me,

Happy birthday, dear Addie,

Happy birthday to me!

My twin brother, Alcoy, and I were born on December 19, 1931, so you can do the math. They named me Addie Naomi Basham. 

Naomi, of all names. I never liked that name.  Mama said her cousin Naomi had promised if she would just name that pretty baby after her she would give me a present on every birthday.  Wonder what happened to that promise?  I got the name but never the gift. I got used to it after a while, but you’ll notice I always signed my name Addie B. Dillon.   :)

The years passed by so fast.  This past year I became a great grandmother.

My, my, how time does fly.

I thought you might like to see some pictures of my past birthdays.

Celebrating at Kubuki with Tracy and Friends

Cutting the Cake at My 80th Birthday in Bedford Mountains with Family

Thinking of you!

Love, 

Addie

Time to Be Thankful!

Look at this beautiful card I received from a Sunday School friend, Linda Boitnott.  It's so nice to be remembered by my church friends.

I remember many wonderful Thanksgiving holidays spent with my family. Time changes things, but memories remain.
Have a Blessed holiday with your friends and loved ones and, if you're traveling, be safe! It is, indeed, "A Time to Give Thanks"!

Love, Addie

Company Came!

My sister visited from North Carolina this week and she brought her scissors.  I really was in need of a haircut, but hopefully next time it will be someone with greater qualifications.

I also got to see my son Greg twice on Saturday which is always wonderful.  I hope they remember how much I love them, Tracy and Greg.  And my grandchildren, Morgan and Layne.

No More Ponytail!  Haha

Thursday, November 6th

Hey, Y'all!

It's been interesting (?) around here lately.  Tracy comes in one evening lately to check up on me and feed me my dinner (which, btw, I'm continuing to try to feed myself and once said to Tracy, "Let me do it.") and guess what she finds lying on the nightstand by my bed?  Soiled undergarment.  Just left lying there.  So disgusting.  It's really a good thing I don't pay much attention to detail lately; this would be mortifying for me. Just plain STUPIDITY!

(Author's Note: Addie - always such a stickler for cleanliness and privacy).

Tracy is considering joining a protest group on the grounds at the White House.  Yes, seriously, there is such a thing in process.  Anyone interested in joining her?

BTW, I think a photo of the soiled undergarment is being posted on the Nursing Home Complaint site - it's not appropriate for this blog.

Wishing all of you a beautiful autumn weekend.

Love,
Addie

BOO!

Wednesday, October 29th

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

In case you didn't know, I've always been politically active and now that the polls are open for early voting, I hope you get out and vote.  If you can't go early, don't miss the deadline!  Your vote is important.  Just be sure to vote conservatively, AS I ALWAYS DID.  :)  I took my turn volunteering at the polls for many years and enjoyed the entire process.  Always had patriotic clothing and my American flag.  One year I bought really cute t-shirts for my sister and myself.  We wore them until they fell apart - literally.

Tracy gets soooo outdone when she finds things like this (picture below).  Occasionally, I need to be repositioned in my chair or lifted out of bed.  No matter how often they're told otherwise, aides continue to lift me by my pants.  Yes, rips up my pants and, potentially, harmful.  What's a girl going to do?  They can't be monitored all the time.  Or can they?  Anyone ever heard of a nanny-cam???

And these were my favorite jeans!

If you're out Trick or Treating, watch out for the traffic.  Not to mention, witches, ghosts & goblins.

Happy Autumn.

Love to all!

Addie

It's the WEEKEND!

Friday, October 17th

Hello, All,

Here I am having a cup of ginger ale.  Seems simple enough but an accomplishment for me!

Also, thanks, Rocky Mount Baptist Church.  Another nice greeting care received.  So thoughtful.

Love to all,
Addie

I have always loved company!

Monday, October 6th

What a great surprise yesterday to see my former employee for many years and a beloved caretaker once my physical situation changed.  It was great to see Joyce who brought her daughter and her husband with her.  Now that she knows where I am, I hope to be seeing more of her.

If you happen to be at Valley View Mall and have a few minutes to spare I'd love to see you.  Friendship Manor is located on Hershberger about five minutes away from the mall.  Afternoons are great for me and I do love company.  

(P.S.  I've lost 8 ozs.  Not a huge number but it's better than gaining 8 ozs...agree?)

Love to you all,

Addie

Hey!!!

Thursday, October 2nd

This time I'm sending out a big "Thank You" to my niece, Cheryl Gowen, for the beautiful greeting card I received from her and Wink this week.  She's always been one of my favorites.  I spent many weekends at their home with her mother and father, Gertrude (my sister) and Pete Fletcher.

Sometimes you just have to shake your head and say "What the heck!"  Last week when Tracy arrived for our evening visit, she found me in wet clothing. Naturally, she assumed my toilet needs had been ignored, so she summoned an aide.  Lo and Behold, a change of underwear was not required.  Obviously, it had been ignored long enough for my outer clothing to be wet and, obviously, the aide who finally got around to taking care of me just put the wet outer clothing back on me. Can you imagine????????

This seems to be the appropriate time to pass along a Facebook address for you to research.  And here's a thought: Someday, if you're lucky enough to live that long, you may find yourself in a similar situation to mine.  All of you need to be thinking along the lines of how you'll spend your final years. In home costs will deplete a life savings and financial resources very quickly.  Unless you have unlimited financial resources, when you can no longer be cared for at home (wheelchair bound in particular), you're probably going to be needing the services of a nursing home. It's probably going to take a lot of people a lot of years to get it right. Now's the time to begin working to improve the situation.

Here's a Facebook address for you:  https://www.facebook.com/nursinghomecomplaints

Until you hear from me again, thanks for checking up on me.  You are remembered with love.

Hello, All!

Tuesday, September 23rd

Here we are - already into fall.  Soon everyone will get busy with holiday plans.  We don't get too excited around here about special days, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are not too bad.  I even think I heard some whispers about a birthday party planned for me sometime around December 19th which is my actual birth date.  (Shhh.  I'll keep you posted.)

I'm getting excited these days about the greeting cards I'm receiving.  Tracy reads every word to me and shows me pictures.  You're all so appreciated for sending them.  Niece Beverly Chrismon, your recent card was such a blessing.  And, Niece Ann Basham, we loved the picture of little Audrey Jane Basham.  Thank you for sending. Tracy gets almost as excited as I do when we share these.

Look who came to visit me recently!  Tracy calls this my "granddog".  Don't know about all that, but it was good to see her.

Harlee was so well behaved when she was here.  Not a single bark or jump.
Obviously, she didn't want to cause alarm.
Anyone besides me think that animals are intuitive?

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Do I still need Ensure?

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Do I still need Ensure?: Thursday, September 18th I have a new mode of getting out of bed lately.  Take a look at how they're getting me up. Kind of reminds me...

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Do I still need Ensure?

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Do I still need Ensure?: Thursday, September 18th I have a new mode of getting out of bed lately.  Take a look at how they're getting me up. Kind of reminds me...

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Do I still need Ensure?

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Do I still need Ensure?: Thursday, September 18th I have a new mode of getting out of bed lately.  Take a look at how they're getting me up. Kind of reminds me...

Do I still need Ensure?

Thursday, September 18th

I have a new mode of getting out of bed lately.  Take a look at how they're getting me up. Kind of reminds me of the good ole days at the fair in Rocky Mount.  Shoot the Moon .... Wheeeee........

Okay, so I've gained a little weight..... :)

What the H---------

Wednesday, September, 10th

Things have been rocking along fairly well here at Friendship for a while and then this is what Tracy finds tonight when she comes for her evening visit.

My toothpaste and toothbrush had been thrown back into my basket of toiletries with complete disregard for any kind of sanitation.  And what the hay is that on my toothbrush???

I have a new toothbrush because Tracy wouldn't consider sterilizing this one since she has no idea what's on it.  Would anyone want this in their mouth?

I don't know what's been going on around here today but, obviously, in addition to a staff worker who had little or no regard for the residents, the kitchen must have been a catastrophe. Dinner was light and all starches, nothing green, no cottage cheese (well, after Tracy complained they did send cottage cheese in at 7:30 but in my way of thinking, dinner had BEEN over.)

Friendship Retirement Community should be ashamed to see this post.  I'll bet the administration's toothbrush doesn't look like this.  Then, maybe it does!!!  

Editor's Note:  These are the kinds of things that make you just want to go punch somebody's lights out!!!  Total and complete disregard for the resident and total and complete stupidity!!!

Barbara Basham Bostic: The Lush Green of Summer

Barbara Basham Bostic: The Lush Green of Summer: It's rained all day long here in Apex, NC.  From the looks of things when I awakened this morning, it rained all night.  Flood watch is ...

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Thank you!

REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Thank you!: Monday, September 8th Thanks to Cheryl and Wayne Gowen for the very thoughtful greeting card I received last week.  I inspected it thoroug...

Thank you!

Monday, September 8th

Thanks to Cheryl and Wayne Gowen for the very thoughtful greeting card I received last week.  I inspected it thoroughly as Tracy read it to me and explained who sent it.

I am continuing to show some differences in my demeanor.  Nothing terribly significant but an interesting change since this doesn't usually happen with dementia patients.  Yes, there will be good days and bad days, but not this kind of change.  I am showing an interest in feeding myself lately, and  I let my sister know that I recognized her when she visited over Labor Day.  There is a more intent expression on my face and I often respond reasonably to simple Yes and No questions.

One of my favorite nieces believes this all began with this post.  Maybe the simple act of your reading it and thinking about me and remembering me in your prayers is creating some kind of positive universal reaction.  Who knows?  Whatever it is, it's nice to be remembered. Thanks for thinking of me and for including me in your prayer list.  :)

ME AND MY GIRL!

I love company!

Wednesday, September 3rd

Yes, I do love company.  The Labor Day weekend brought a visit from my sister in NC.  I think she was more than a little surprised that I knew her (?) since it's been a long time since I gave her any indication that I did.  I even managed to speak most of her name - Barba.

My next post is going to be concerned with my recent changes.  Don't miss it.  It's uplifting.

Thank you, all of you, who read this post, who think about me - especially those of you who have me on your prayer list.

(Needed my shades - the bright sunlight bothers my eyes a bit.)

Stopping By to Say Hey!

Tuesday, August 26th

How's your week going?  

I'm okay, but Tracy can't figure out why my iron supplement was discontinued (the nurse says she called to tell Tracy...yeah, right).  Subsequently, my iron level started falling off, so here comes Tracy with the chicken livers again.  I do love them, but it just creates another stop for Tracy on her way here.  I hope now that the iron supplement has been restored, the chicken livers won't be necessary.

I also want to say "Thank you" to Rocky Mount Baptist Church. Another thoughtful card received from them last week.  This is my son Greg's church.  I get a card from them every month. How nice that they do that.

What's This?

Thursday, August 21st

Hello, All!

I know Tracy and Greg are always wondering what's going on with me.  If I could communicate with them, maybe we could figure it out.  :)

But, seriously, for the past few weeks things have been changing.  Sometimes I really respond normally with word and action and my facial expression is often completely normal, focused and connected, without that vacuous expression I've worn for the past year.

Of greatest interest is that I've recently been attempting to feed myself again.  When given a cup of liquid, I drink it on my own, picking up the cup, drinking from it, setting it back down.  And as you can see from the picture, I can manage my fork.  Greg and Tracy continue to feed me because this is a very slow process and I might not be very well nourished left on my own, but it's certainly something new in our world.  In light of the fact I've put on some weight lately, that might not be a bad thing.  :)

Puzzled!

My Friends

Wednesday, August 13th

Good morning, All!

Today I'm remembering my sweet friends.  Both of them have passed on to their greatness, but here's a picture of them with me (center) taken at my Retirement Party fifteen years ago.  We shared so many good times together and we also shared some sad times.  I'm grateful for all of them.

I hope you're having a great week.

My good friends, Nancy and Kate!

Throwback Thursday

Thursday, August 7th

It's been 15 years since I gave up Frank's Cafe in Rocky Mount.  I always wanted to make it to the year 2000 to retire, and I almost did, but things don't always work out the way we plan, do they?  It was actually 1999 when I made the difficult decision to sell the restaurant.  It meant giving up something I loved very much; all the loyal customers we'd accumulated over the years and a wait staff that became like family.

When the final day came, this beautiful cake was presented by that wait staff.  It  meant more to me than they could ever know!

And there was another cake - 



My sister made this cake for me.  She said it was in response to all the times I told her on the phone that someone else on the wait staff had quit. Someone was always quitting.   Finally,

I QUIT!

After Frank passed away, I couldn't keep the restaurant open enough hours to make it worthwhile so the day came when I turned it over to Hema's. For many years after that I enjoyed going back, sitting in the same booth I always took my lunch in.  It wasn't the same menu:- simple family style dishes like country fried steak, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, tossed salad - or Frank's famous pizza at night - but I enjoyed it just the same.  And the new owners never once charged me for  my meal.  I really liked that :)
But what I missed most were all the people.

Memories, memories - good ones, bad ones - my life now in my memories.

WHERE'S MY HELMET?

Sunday, August 3rd

I hope you made it to church this morning.  (I see the writer of this blog did not!)

I was an active member of Franklin Heights Baptist Church for most of my adult life.  I was also active in my community, but did you know I was also a baseball coach?  Yep, that's me - full hair and make-up, coaching an intent Little League player on the fine art of bunting.  My son, Greg, was a Little Leaguer, too.

Never content to sit on the sidelines, at the ball field or in life, I put on my make up and showed up for life every day.

I'm still showing up every day - not as involved in my community as I would like to be, but I'm still showing up!

You can do this!

Now that's putting your money where your mouth is :)

Thursday, July 31st

I won't say which one, but one of my favorite nieces (and you're ALL my favorite) just made a contribution to the Alzheimer's Foundation in my name.  She didn't bring it to our attention herself, but Tracy was notified by mail about the donation.  I don't get to see her often anymore but I remember being in her home when she was just a little girl and I was visiting with her mother and father and, again, visiting with her and her family in her home as an older adult.  Distance makes it difficult for her to visit me now, but knowing that she was thinking about me touches my heart.  Thank you, Niece.  I know that you love me and that's what matters most.

I receive cards routinely from Rocky Mount Baptist Church and sometimes from others.  While I may not actually understand the process anymore, it does please Tracy and Greg to know that I'm not forgotten.  This may be the hardest part of dementia for family members.

Actually, Tracy has been a bit surprised lately by some of my actions.  I'm showing more awareness of what's going on around me and WITH me.  I'm talking more (what I say may not be pertinent to the conversation, but I know what I mean - and sometimes it is), and I'm performing more routine and automatic behavior - like reaching for my beverage cup and drinking from it without assistance.

Thanks for keeping up with my blog.  Who knows?  I'm physically very healthy and there may someday be a treatment that will bring my mind and my life back together.  We're all hoping for that.

ME AND MY FAVORITE GIRL

Heyyyy

Saturday, July 26th

Today will be Greg's turn to visit.  He's my only son and I really to do love that he continues to come here at least twice a week to spend time with me and check on my well-being.  Both of them, Greg and Tracy, have busy lives and they've continued for many years now to visit and see to my needs.  It's not easy.

Yesterday was another one of Tracy's days.  After my dinner of ham and sweet potatoes (along with the usual fare), she pushed my wheelchair outside so I could get some fresh air.  The evening temperature was comfortable and as you can see there was a slight breeze.  I enjoyed the change of scenery.  Since I no longer walk on my own since the broken hip and dehydration episode, my scenery is pretty much limited to the inside walls and halls so, even though I've never really enjoyed being outside, it's nice to see something different.

If you're shopping in Roanoke and in the Hershberger area, stop by for a visit. Visitors are always a treat for me.  Maybe you could just plan a special trip to visit?

Tracy and I enjoying the evening breeze. 

Ho Hum...

Not much happening today.  Tracy was here for my evening meal and I did my best to please her with my hearty appetite. Dinner was actually good.  Pork roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted red potatoes (yes, two potatoes - probably some kind of kitchen error but they were both good), lots of carrots (which I really like), strawberries, cottage cheese, fruit cocktail, and my usual beverages. Whooooh, I'm full.

Every day at Friendship is a Throwback but since there's this Throwback Thursday going on these days, I thought I'd find something to amuse you.  That's me front row left.  Click on the link to hear a song that fits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trD3Kqf-g0w

Sisters, Sisters, there were never such devoted sisters.........

Update!

(Several days ago)  Today I had an outing to a dermatologist's office.  Not exactly the kind of outing one looks forward to, but an outing, nonetheless. I have a skin eruption which the doctor believes is pemphigus.  There are two types but if his diagnosis is accurate, I probably have this type:

• Pemphigus foliaceus.  The blisters, which usually begin on your face and scalp and later erupt on your chest and back, usually aren't painful, and occur primarily in older people.

We should have results of the biopsy within ten days.  In the meantime, they don't seem to bother me much; they are medicated and bandaged to keep me from bumping or scratching, causing further injury.  I'll keep you updated.)

Update:  Back to the dermatologist's office today for results and it was GOOD NEWS. The doctor was extremely pleased with how well I am responding to medication. Will stay on the meds until there is a complete cure but it's healing fast. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers and good thoughts.

Here I am in the waiting room at the doctor's office.  (Anything for an outing).  The folks at Friendship insist on brushing my hair straight back off my forehead and I would NEVER have liked that, but what the hey?  I think I look pretty darned good!!!

It's the Weekend!

Good morning, All!

Here it is Saturday again.  I hope you have something fun to do this weekend.  I have so many wonderful memories of sharing fun times with lots of you.

Did you ever get to meet or know my twin brother?  I wanted to share this picture of Alcoy with you. We lost him before our 16th birthday to a tractor accident on the farm.  People say there's an unexplained connection between twins; I don't know about that but I do know that every time I've walked into a room filled with people, I was always looking for someone.  I've missed him all my life.

He was a bit unlike most of our family - quiet, almost wistful - with a sweet spirit and personality. I always thought he had the soul of a poet.   And, as you can see, he's quite handsome.

William Alcoy Basham  / 1931 - 1946

Excitement?

There are many different kinds of excitement and this place is usually pretty quiet but I'm sure by now you've heard about the shooting that took place here last evening.  Just in case you heard and were wondering, I'm fine.

There's no word yet from the dermatologist visit last week, but they did say within ten days.  I'll let you know when I hear.

This picture was taken at a high school reunion many years ago.  This was about the same time when I was president of my chapter of ABWA.  Time is a vapor.

Wednesday, July 9th

Today I had an outing to a dermatologist's office.  Not exactly the kind of outing one looks forward to, but an outing, nonetheless.

I have a skin eruption which the doctor believes is pemphigus.  There are two types but if his diagnosis is accurate, I probably have this type:

• Pemphigus foliaceus.  The blisters, which usually begin on your face and scalp and later erupt on your chest and back, usually aren't painful, and occur primarily in older people.

We should have results of the biopsy within ten days.  In the meantime, they don't seem to bother me much; they are medicated and bandaged to keep me from bumping or scratching, causing further injury.  I'll keep you updated.

I hope you're enjoying your day today.  What day is it?  Oh, that's right, it's Hump Day!  There's that silly camel.  (Yes, I occasionally see things that you can't see.  HaHa!)

Thanks for going along to the doctor's office with me, Tracy!

Monday, July 7th

Hello, It's me, again!  Addie -

Summertime is here - I spend a lot of time lost in my memories these days and I've been thinking about many summers ago when we used to have a place at Campers Paradise on Smith Mountain Lake.  Back then, there were camper lots on the hillside above the marina and for several seasons we had a vacation trailer located on one of them where we spent the warm summer weekends.  My brother built and owned the original marina; in those days it was just a dock with a gas pump, a refrigerator for fish bait, and vending machines.  A true Campers Paradise.

So many memories of family visits, children sliding downhill in the mud, getting that boat launched successfully into the water (or not), children fishing from the dock and squealing with delight at their catch.  Boating with the family - my little ones in their wet swimsuits, wet towels.  It was a long time ago, like so many other important happenings.

Last week was a good week with a visit from a precious friend (J. D. Robertson and his son, Chaz) from the old days.  It's nice to be remembered.  I hope all of you will be - always.

In the meanwhile, have a BALL this summer!

Sunday, July 6th

I've missed Tracy this weekend.  I think she's been visiting with her aunt in North Carolina and I know she needs a break every now and then.  Greg filled in for her, visiting each day, so I have not been deserted.  My children are very dedicated to my care, thank God.

Here's a picture Tracy took recently.  She likes to take my picture and I've always like having my picture taken so it's easy for her to get me to smile, but it can be dangerous.  Once she told me to say "cheese" and look what I got!

Would you offer this to your mother for dinner/supper?  To your dog?  Not every tray looks like this but, seriously???

Wednesday, July 2nd

ONCE UPON A TIME!

What a wonderful day.  I had a visitor from the past.  I knew him right away, as you can tell from the picture.  The sweetest part?  I got a kiss on the cheek and he prayed with me.  For one precious moment, time stood still.  We were young once again, teenagers at Epworth Methodist Church.  Young and strong.  Time passes so fast.

Thank you, Chaz, for bringing your dad, J. D. Robertson, to see me.  Not every son would do this.  You did.  Addie's family loves you.

Tuesday, July 1st

As promised, today's message will explain the best visit situation.

I am not an early bird.  If you come before eleven, you will probably find me still sleeping or, at best, fairly unresponsive.  My lunch is around the noon hour (whenever the trays are delivered).  After lunch, I'll be awake and fairly alert for an hour or so and then I'm going down for an afternoon nap until 4:30-ish.  Dinner trays are out around 5:30 and I'll be fairly alert until 7-8:00.

So the best time for a visit?  After lunch and dinner.  If I happen to be sleeping in my room, the staff will get me up for you.  Or I may be hanging out in the Day Room.

If you can alert Tracy you're coming, she'll let the staff know so they can make adjustments ahead of time for your visit.

Also, if I'm having a good day and able to respond to your questions/comments, please give me time to process.  I have too much time without mental stimulation and it takes me a while to get there.

I learned today an old friend plans to visit later this week. That's a great thing!

MAKES ME SMILE!!!!

Monday, June 30th

Remember last week I described my food tray for the evening meal? Here's a picture.  What do you think?  

Tracy knows I don't care for brussels sprouts (yes, those are cooked-to-death brussel sprouts), so I didn't eat those.  

There just doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to food trays.  Sometimes, there's enough food for a farm hand; other times, a scant three or four bites.  Enough about the food.

My weekend included an additional visit with my son.  What would happen to me without my children who keep a sharp eye out for me?  There are many people here who don't have visitors.  Some of them eat very little and fail to prosper.

If you have a loved one in a care facility, please look out for them.  They can't look out for themselves.  They may not be able to ask for help or to thank you for caring.  Go, anyway.  Do, anyway.  Many of them (most, really) are as vulnerable as babies and completely dependent on their caregivers.  And some caregivers don't care.  

Thanks for stopping by here.  Come see me.

(Tomorrow we'll discuss a daily routine for Addie and when the best times are to visit.)

Friday, June 28th

Dinner tonight was interesting.  Ham again (probably left over from last night - but that's okay, I like ham.  I'd just like more than four bites.)  Another resident's tray contained a whole piece of ham (he's on a soft mechanical diet like me which means everything is supposed to be chopped or pureed if it's difficult to chew or swallow) but his ham was NOT chopped and they pureed his SWEET POTATO? Sometimes some things around here just don't rate a comment because I can't think of one!

Tracy was surprised at some of my responses today.  I actually answered some of her questions with total clarity and diction.  

Plus, another visitor had a humorous story to share with her.  This visitor accidentally stepped on another resident's foot while trying to maneuver a wheelchair into position, and she apologized profusely. It's always been my nature to look out for people around me so I took the towel I like to hold in my hand, snapped it sharply at the offending party and said, "You leave her alone!"  

(That's the spirit, Sis!) 

I've always loved company.  Come see me!

Thursday, June 26th

Today was Greg's day!  He's usually here on Thursday and Saturday.  It's hard for my children to know if I recognize them, but sometimes there's a reason to think perhaps I do.  I was in a good mood for him and enjoyed the dinner he fed me.  

This past week I developed small blisters on my inner arms and thighs, and on my back.  One small eruption on my face.  The nursing staff is convinced it isn't a staff infection, but I have an appointment in two weeks with a skin doctor. The doctor on staff thinks it has something to do with the auto immune system. Another thinks it's the combination of aspirin and Plavix that I'm on.  Anybody's best guess? It's difficult to get into dermatologists so, hopefully, by the time the appointment date arrives, I'll be all cleared up. 

Thanks for stopping by and staying in touch.  No one wants to be forgotten!

Wednesday, June 25th

Hello!

Well, here we are halfway through another week.  I hope yours is going well.

Dinner tonight was pretty good.  Chopped ham (meat is always chopped for my soft mechanical diet), mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.  Always get my side items of magic shakes, cottage cheese and fresh fruit.  Sometimes I have jello, and almost always a dessert.  My appetite was good tonight.

Here's a picture of my new haircut.  Notice:  No more color from a bottle.  Au natural!

That pretty girl on the left is Susan Everett.  She's Tracy's hair stylist and now I guess she's mine, too.  She did a great job and I STILL love getting my hair done.  

If you're looking for a stylist in Roanoke, she's your girl!

Tuesday, June 24th

Today was pretty much a normal Tuesday, if you can call anything about living here normal.  Dinner tonight was edible - pinto beans, cabbage, potatoes, which Tracy fed to me.  Of course, I got my regular cottage cheese with fresh fruit and my "magic shakes", which are packed with protein. .  Most meals include some kind of meat.  The cook must have been on vacation today?

After I broke my hip at Carriage Hill in Bedford on December 31, 2012, I was moved to Friendship Manor in Roanoke for treatment in a skilled nursing facility.  I was making fair progress recuperating from that surgery but I was allowed to become dehydrated and spent a week at Roanoke Memorial.  I lost a lot of weight simply because I couldn't feed myself and no one was feeding me.  The nursing staff kept sending me for blood transfusions; I was losing blood, but how, where?  Tracy finally began bringing chicken livers (which I love) and my blood began to rebuild.  I lost a lot of my ability to communicate after the broken hip episode and I have been wheelchair bound since then.

Tracy is usually pretty satisfied if I eat 50-60% of my dinner.  She or Greg are here every day to make sure I receive the nourishment I need.  The staff supposedly feed me breakfast and lunch and Tracy has raised such a fuss with the staff that now my food is adequate and I stay hydrated. I've regained all the weight I lost, so no more forced feeding.  Thank Goodness.

This Picture was taken when I was living for a few months at Pheasant Ridge in Roanoke before moving to Carriage Hill.  These were difficult decisions with little choice, but my children have been devoted and dedicated to doing what's best for me.  I have to trust that.

I'm Ba-a-a-a-a-ck!

Hello, Again!  

Did you miss me?  I've been busy - lots of company lately.  And, yes, I got that haircut.  How do you like it?

Tracy's hair stylist came to Friendship Manor to cut and style my hair.  She did a great job at no charge.  Can you believe that?  I'll have to ask Tracy for her name so I can pay it forward. 

Saturday, June 14th

(Author:  If you have a loved one or friend in a nursing home, please visit them.  It really does make a difference in the treatment they receive.  Addie is at Friendship Manor in Roanoke. Sometimes the care is good, sometimes it isn't.  Future posts will include both.)

I was in fairly good spirits when Tracy arrived this evening, just a bit sleepy and non-communicative.  Dinner was pretty good; spaghetti and a green vegetable mixture, but I wish I could show you the video Tracy shot of the BREAD.  After Tracy repeatedly banged it on the edge of the table, not a single crumb broke loose.  Hard as a brick.  Now, I've had hard rolls, but never had a ROCK served to me before.  That probably wouldn't have gone over too well at Frank's Cafe in Rocky Mount.  Maybe somebody will figure out how to transfer the video so it can be uploaded here.  It's pretty funny (not).

I'm thinking I'd like for Tracy to bring me some of her homemade spaghetti.


Time for a haircut on Monday. 

.

Friday, June 13th

My son, Greg, visited last evening to make sure everything is okay with me.  He and Tracy trade off visits, but one of them is here with me every day.  They also make sure I receive proper nourishment and hydration while they're here.  I know it's hard for them; every day since January, 2013.  But I love them for caring for me.  Tracy also does my laundry.  She wants to know my clothes are clean so she washes and bleaches and rinses, sometimes three cycles, depending on the state of soiled clothing.  She knows how I feel about dirt!

Note from Author:  Tracy and Greg, you're respected and loved more than you'll ever know for your devotion and dedication to your mother.  I think somewhere in her mind she knows what you're doing.

Tracy's hairdresser is coming to give me a haircut on Monday.  Thank goodness!  It's long enough in the back for a ponytail.  Well, a short ponytail, anyway.  As you can see, my hair color now is natural and very becoming, don't you think?

Thursday, June 12th

Yesterday was a much better day for me.  I don't have a UTI, and when Tracy arrived, I was in a much better mood, smiling, talkative, and the appetite is BACK!  I know by the amount of food I'm eating that Tracy is cutting back on my calories and must admit it's time, since I've added back a lot of the weight I lost when I became dehydrated.  But I miss my chicken livers!

And I DO LOVE ice cream!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Today was not one of my better days.  After a long period of being alert and fairly communicative, today I wanted to sleep.  Hardly opened my eyes for Tracy, but she learned a long time ago that I have a great appetite and will eat with my eyes closed.  Tonight, though, I didn't have much appetite.  These periods of sleepiness and being uncommunicative sometimes indicate a Urinary Tract Infection, so Tracy has ordered a UTI test.

Tomorrow?  Maybe a better day!

Hard to believe all these years have gone by since I came into the world. I've seen so much in my lifetime, it's impossible to capsule my history but some things never change. For 45 years, my husband and I owned and operated Frank's Cafe in Rocky Mount, VA. I miss all the public we served. So many of them became like family. Now I'm in a nursing home in Roanoke suffering dementia. I don't remember very much anymore but occasionally I favor my daughter and son with some brief exchange of remembrance.

This was our family home.  I am the fifth born daughter of Oglesby and Madeline Basham.  Here's where we lived when my twin brother, Alcoy, was killed in a farm tractor accident when we were 16 years old.

After graduating high school, there was a happy time of living in Roanoke with the Littons, who were like parents to me, I worked at a mill job and traveled by bus back to this home almost every weekend.  Then ---

You live your life, busy, tired at the end of the day, only to wake in the morning to begin all over again.

You get married, start your business, buy a house, have your babies.  You enjoy holidays and birthdays.  You travel.  You honor your parents and choose a church which you will attend for 40 years.  You lose your parents and family members.

Then one day you lose your mate, and you're alone.  Alone with a business you cannot manage alone.  So you sell it.  Then there are the house and grounds; too much to keep up alone.  So you sell it.  And you enjoy the freedom an apartment brings for several years.

Then, one day, you're confused.  You call for help and later on, you can't remember the three days you spent in the hospital.  The doctor diagnoses Alzheimers.  MRI's indicate mini strokes.

Slowly, day after day, memories fade.  Medical emergencies happen.  Long story short, now I'm wheelchair bound and in a nursing home in Roanoke.

My children visit me every day, making sure I'm nourished and hydrated so I don't end up dehydrated and in the hospital again.

Sometimes I know my visitors; sometimes I don't.  Give me a chance to recognize you.  Staying engaged is stimulating and mentally very healthy for me.  Your visits help with that.  Come see me.

Author Barbara

Addie's daughter, Tracy, and I will be blogging this for Addie. We will be her voice as we post about her day.  We hope you'll be interested in following this blog.

Addie says:

Here I am, holding Dale's hand, standing between him and Larry, at the last reunion I attended in 2012. These are my nieces and nephews that were there.  That's my daughter, Tracy, 4th from the left.  She's a hoot.  I love her and enjoy every visit.  Recently, she was able to get me on video telling her that I love her. She was soooo excited.