The Tender Work of Caring for Mom

This week, we are in the final home stretch of radiation with chemo. YAY! It's amazing to think we're nearing the finish line of radiation. Mom's oncologist has been so optimistic and once again filled us with HOPE when we met with her on Monday. After this week, Mom will have a 4-6 week break from chemo. It will be nice for her to have time for her brain to heal and regain some energy. Radiation has really wiped her out. Major fatigue has set in and has been a bit alarming at times. Her oncologist reminded her that her body is telling her it needs to rest and not to worry.  It's hard for mom to be slowed down this much. As you know well, she's always been a go getter and loves to be busy with things so being slowed down this much has been rough. As tired as she is, she's still up for a little car ride and likes to run an errand here and there. She's starting to remind me of Grandma Barwick a little bit with how she enjoys the simple things in life.  She has...

Mom and Hollie added a touch of spring to her planters on the front porch. Nothing makes mom happier than some lovely blooms to greet her friends and family.  Mom makes plenty of time for power naps. She has been a little surprised by the fatigue but we keep reminding her as do her doctors, that her brain is doing all it can to heal and getting plenty of rest is essential. She likes to be busy so this has been a bit of an adjustment for her.  Hollie brought this really fun game called "Penny Drop" with her when she came to mom's in January. It's a fun game for the whole family. We enjoyed a sweet visit from Hillary's family the Sunday before Easter and spent some time playing it with Trenton and Wyatt and "Penny Drop" was a hit! Notice mom's spiffy new glasses? These are new prescription glasses that have helped expand her view and adapt to the partial loss of her peripheral vision. Hollie has been good about reminding mom to wear them as much as pos...