All in all...A really good day!

I spent most of the day down at Magnolia again today.  I met with the hospice nurse today, and we will be officially starting hospice for Dad on Friday, once the swallow evaluation is complete.  They will be looking to provide things that are going to work to keep him comfortable, including a new mattress that will be better for his skin, oxygen (if he needs it), more frequent bed baths and company.

Today was a very good day...I got to give Dad chocolate ice cream...And he gobbled it down with no problem, and loved every second of it!  He polished off two of those single servings in about 7 minutes.  And at dinner, he ate all of his mashed potatoes, all of his butterscotch pudding, half of his roast beef, all of his milk, another chocolate ice cream, and half of his vitamin water.  And he enjoyed every single little bite.  I was almost afraid that he was going to overflow seeing

 as how he hasn't eaten in a few weeks.  It was so good to have him eat and truly enjoy something, a gift from heaven.  He wasn't very conversational, but I did get a couple smiles and lots of eye contact.  I am sure he is still tired from yesterday.

Mom was not as good today as she was the past few days as far as her patience and tolerance goes, but better than she was before.  She says she is trying to be a better patient, and this means that although she gets frustrated, she is not screaming all the time, and not banging on her bed.  She still expects me to push her around when I am there but she isn't as quick to snap, and is usually calm enough to listen to me when I tell her to calm down if she gets anxious.  Today, she was a little more impatient, but I think she was more tired today.  She said she took 30 steps on the bars, with assistance, and I am still convinced she is not sleeping well at night.  The nurse and I discussed it, and we are going to try the lowest dosage of Ambien tonight to see if it will help her to get more solid sleep.

Today was like a mini holiday.  Mom, Dad and I all got really wonderful, impactful cards from family back East, Mom got a gorgeous Harry and David gift basket from her sister and family, and Mom got a kicky sun hat.  One of my friends at work loves her haircut, but is thinking ahead for summer...Her head will be prone to sunburn...So, she bought Dorth a wonderful sun hat.  Dorothy looks so cute in it!  See for yourself!:)

Ain't she something???  Thanks Mariana!:)  She loves it!  Anyway, it was all such a good day all around!:)

Much love to all!