The Hannah Family

You were right

If you were yelling from your computer chair for me to box up the Christmas tree Jack already destroyed it. First it was on the ground a couple times, then it was broken in half -- no way to repair. Mark encouraged corporal punishment for Jack, but I suggested he take a long walk off a short dock, didn't rescue these kitties for them to get knocked around a year later. "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."--Thomas Edison

Parent-teacher conference

I met with Dave's teacher this morning and she said he is doing great. He is at or above each fifth grade benchmark, readily answers questions in class and she has no concerns. Go Dave! I told her about mom's dementia so she has a frame of reference if Dave writes or talks about what we're going through. She said she is struggling - trying to come to terms with a family member of her own who developed dementia symptoms after a fall/head injury, but cannot imagine dealing with it at age 10 so he has a sympathetic ear at school if he needs one.

Occasionally she is spot on

Mom: This has been a very confusing year. 

My now 16-pound "kitten" Jack is determined to finish what he started last year

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Over 6 months at Brookdale

The best thing is seeing mom relax and knowing she is in a safe environment. Every day she seems to wake with a new agenda, but it rarely makes sense. Yesterday her plan was to get out while the staff was busy with breakfast so she could take the new pajamas I'd brought her "to Ruth in her coffin," her exact words. She said she just needed to find the Barnes and Noble on the corner (presumably in Tampa), and she would know where to go from there... I told her Aunt Ruth doesn't need PJs and these are for her. Tomorrow it'll be something else. Mom doesn't like to hear the word no, but that locked door gives her solace because deep down she knows she can't go out and get lost. She only goes out with a caregiver who will watch out for her.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Matt's home for Thanksgiving

Surrounded by cats and the dog... and the rest of the family.

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Confusion Chronicles

Mom was very mixed up today (couldn't figure out how to wash her hands and went to three different sinks), but she wasn't the only one. Another resident was agitated and declared loudly, "This is my house! What are all these people doing in my house? They CLAIM they stay here!" Mom whispered wisely to me, "she'll be really lonely if we leave."

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No coincidence Claire will be a teenager in less than a month

Claire was feeling sick and run-down last week, but reports feeling great after sleeping 17 hours straight. I checked on her a couple of times, glad I didn't have the heart to wake her!

Keep the quote

The kids voted and Dave won from his whole class as the best fit (the carving is a representation of a our old kitty Leo).

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