Wednesday 21 March 2012

Back at last!

Last week we celebrated my mother's 90th birthday. A very happy day indeed. Until recently, mum has been unhappy. I believe it all began at Christmas 2009 but I failed to recognise the signs as a problem. Mum had health problems during 2010 (bowel cancer) but came through an operation relatively easily and without the need for further treatment. However, 2011 was a very stressful year for her and therefore for me also. She was resisting residential care but in November 2011 declared that was indeed what she wanted. As soon as we got her into her home of choice she became a different person and so it has continued and Mum is "as happy as a sandboy"!

Such a relief all round! Everyone who knows her say they can see the difference in her and recognise the lady they used to know. The home is pleasant and bright with lovely gardens and the staff are very caring. Mum has a fairly large, sunny room with her own furniture and decorative belongings and enjoys going to the dining room twice a day, preferring to stay in her room from lunchtime onwards. There are no pressures on her and she has no worries. The home is a 5 minute walk from where I live! Not sure yet if this is a good or bad thing!! Only joking!

We had a family time to celebrate her birthday and I made her a cake and she also had one provided by the home. Her room is still full of flowers.



Because of time pressures on me last year and until the end of last month when I finally disposed of my mother's home, I haven't had the inclination to do any posts or to visit blogging friends very much. I have definitely missed it and do hope to be able to continue with it now. I will certainly enjoying "catching up" with some old friends.

10 comments:

cheshire wife said...

Welcome back! So pleased that your mother has settled into the home and is happy there. It must have taken a load off your mind. Hope that you are now able to enjoy life yourself.

CWx

Maggie May said...

Welcome back! Missed you!
Glad you got your mother settled into a home if that is what she wanted.... also that she has settled in so well.
It will probably be good to live so near as you can check on her without any bother.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

joo said...

Welcome back Anne! Happy birthday to your Mum - such a great age! Nice to hear that she is fine:)

just Gai said...

There's a time for everything. I'm glad to hear that your mum's settled and that you're now free to devote more time to your own interests.

Sandi McBride said...

I am so happy that your Mother is happy and settled. It will mean more to you than you know.
hugs and prayers
Sandi

Cezar and Léia said...

Bonjour sweet Anne,
It's a special date, and glad that your mammy is fine and enjoying this beautiful moment with family. The cake is wonderful!
purrs and love to you all
Luna - wE LOVE LUNA and hugs from mammy Léia

jabblog said...

Good to see you again:-) You made a beautiful cake for your mum's birthday - it's nice to hear that she has settled so well into her new home.

Ladybird World Mother said...

Welcome back!!! Lovely to see you again... so glad your mother is happy. And that you are too. All love xxxx

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

CW - It is such a relief, for many reasons.

Maggie May - very pleased to be back and hope to posting on a more regular basis now.

Joo - good to hear from you, thank you.

Gai - We are all so much more relaxed now.

Sandi - thank you so much for your kind comment.

Leia and Luna - thank you so much for your sweet comment.

jabblog - thank you for welcoming me back again.

LWM - Again, many thanks for the welcome back. It is good to be back.

So lovely to get such special comments from you all.

PixieMum said...

So pleased that your Mother has settled well as that makes it easier to sort out her home.

Have been there so I am glad for you that you are near your Mother too.

Look forward to reading more blogs.