Not another one, I hope

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Another of my dear old clients has been admitted to the hospital for "observation".
So far so good, but he'll be 97 in just a few weeks so....
I sure hope he recovers and comes home soon.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRENTDREAMER 5/25/2011 11:07PM

Again, sorry to hear. Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 5/25/2011 4:05PM

Oh, Elizabeth! You're going to have to stagger your ages of people you care for so they don't all go into poor health all at once! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 5/25/2011 2:18PM

Hope he recovers too! Gosh, 97. Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 5/25/2011 1:06PM

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AGASSIFAN 5/25/2011 12:54PM

My thoughts are with your friend....hopefully this nice weather will "bring him back" soon.... Peace & love! DebbyO Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 5/25/2011 6:06AM

My prayers are definitely with you. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 5/25/2011 3:04AM

Hope he's home in time to enjoy his birthday. Sending positive vibes Report Inappropriate Comment

GRYPHON55 5/25/2011 12:12AM

Hope all goes well with him, fingers crossed. My dad is turning 86 on Friday, but he says he's one of the kids in his retirement village because there are so many ninety-somethings! Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYWAGNER1 5/24/2011 11:22PM

Praying for a speedy recovery. Please, keep us posted on your client. Thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

DOR2BFIT 5/24/2011 9:27PM

Oh my. Hope he's good for his 97th. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 5/24/2011 8:41PM

I'll add him to my prayers. Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 5/24/2011 8:20PM

I sure hope so too. Report Inappropriate Comment

Fun with family

Monday, May 23, 2011

One good thing about entertaining people with toddlers in tow- they don't overstay their welcome!
My son Pat and my wonderful DIL, Jean, brought Lucy, 2, and William, 6 months, to dinner and my older son, Chris, the world traveling yacht captain, was here as well, along with my kooky but lovable DD, Mimi.
It's the first time since Christmas we have all been together and it was very relaxed and informal and just plain old fun.
Lucy usually goes to bed at 7 so they left around 7:30 and Chris left a half hour later.
It was just a wonderful simple family evening and for that I am so grateful.
On a sad note, another of my old people went to the ER today. He hadn't been feeling well for about a week but getting by alright.
Well, today he went downhill in a hurry and it took 3 of us to get his shoes on and get him into his daughter's car so they could take him down to get checked out. He's a sturdy old Yankee,a retired professor but he is 96 after all, so one never knows when his time will be up.
G'night, peeps!
I have had an eventful day and have to get up early for Lucy and William in the morning.

PS- it just occurred to me- how little it was about the (delish) food tonight and how much it was about just being all together again!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AGASSIFAN 5/25/2011 12:57PM

One of my older gentlemen is having problems too...I'm hoping that it's just the weather bringing him down.... Report Inappropriate Comment

BVICTORIOUS 5/24/2011 6:24PM

Aw, that sounds so wonderful - and isn't it such freedom to enjoy the family and not worry so much about the food? I think we have been focused on the wrong things for so many years. Glad you had a chance to enjoy your family. How is the sturdy old Yankee doing? Report Inappropriate Comment

REZZER 5/24/2011 8:40AM

you sure have a sweet life : ) Report Inappropriate Comment

SPIFFYCAT 5/24/2011 7:39AM

I can feel the great big grin on your face x Report Inappropriate Comment

GRANDMABABA 5/24/2011 3:23AM

TOGETHER IS such a blessing! Hope that elderly man improves. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 5/24/2011 2:44AM

Family time is wonderful Elizabeth, glad you all had a good time. Sorry to hear about your elderly gentleman. Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 5/23/2011 11:40PM

Oh, you said it, sister! FAMILY is EVERYTHING! Report Inappropriate Comment

WINFIELD28 5/23/2011 9:49PM

Being with family is just the BEST in my book! Glad you had a wonderful time! Sorry to hear about your client. Isn't it something when food isn't the focus of a meal? The company & conversation is! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 5/23/2011 9:22PM

so glad you all had a good time. sorry to hear about the old gent. rest easy! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 5/23/2011 8:58PM

I'm so glad you had the best time. Hugs, Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

TRENTDREAMER 5/23/2011 8:57PM

"PS- it just occurred to me- how little it was about the (delish) food tonight and how much it was about just being all together again! " * :) Hope that your client gets better. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 5/23/2011 8:39PM

Sentimental & sweet with the family. So glad you enjoyed the evening. I hope your elder friend makes it through this illness. Report Inappropriate Comment

I am SO excited!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

My older son, the yacht captain, is in RI for the summer (on his boat) and my entire little family (all 3 'kids' and 2 grandkids) will be at our house for dinner tomorrow night.
Such a thing is a mother's dream come true, especially when you have a son who is a world traveler.
We're having our first full-on cookout of the season, with burgers, hot dogs, corn, coleslaw, tomatoes/mozzarella salad, and strawberry shortcake.
Maybe I'll even make a pitcher of sangria

Have a grrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat week, my dear sparkpeeps!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STFY31 5/26/2011 11:40AM

Tomato/Mozzarella salad is something I have never heard of and it sounds DELISH! Do share if you have the time :) Hope you had a fantastic dinner with your family! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRANDMABABA 5/24/2011 3:18AM

Hope it was everything you hoped for. What a great opportunity. Hugs all around! Report Inappropriate Comment

JAYRIC 5/23/2011 8:01PM

So happy for you! Enjoy the time with your family! Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDBIKER 5/23/2011 7:14PM

Sounds exciting and a fun time. I'll show up just to get some good grillin' recipes of course. Have fun and keep us posted. Report Inappropriate Comment

NHGRL68 5/23/2011 4:36PM

Sounds like fun! Enjoy yourself with your family:-) Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 5/23/2011 3:58PM

What time is dinner? I'll bring a low calorie dessert. I am so excited for you. Have a wonderful time. Hugs, Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYWAGNER1 5/23/2011 1:32PM

What time is dinner? We will be there. lol! Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

FITGRL124 5/23/2011 1:01PM

Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPIFFYCAT 5/23/2011 9:30AM

how wonderful have a splendid time Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 5/23/2011 9:29AM

terrific! I know you will enjoy! Peanut Report Inappropriate Comment

JAMARIGOLD 5/23/2011 7:58AM

Sounds fabulous!! have a GREAT time! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 5/23/2011 2:51AM

WONDERFUL Elizabeth!! Enjoy the family cook out!!! So pleased for you Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 5/23/2011 1:21AM

Oh, Elizabeth! ENJOY every single second! I'm so THRILLED FOR YOU! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOING-STRONG 5/22/2011 11:18PM

Sounds very yummy and what a way to start the season! Enjoy and you have a great week also. Hugs, Rhonda Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 5/22/2011 9:39PM

Now that sounds wonderful! Have a great time! Report Inappropriate Comment

BEGONIAC 5/22/2011 9:08PM

So happy for you. Nothing better than all being together! Congrats Ms Motivator!! You are supremely deserving and I'm so proud you have been recognized! (((((HUGS)))))) Report Inappropriate Comment

WINFIELD28 5/22/2011 8:45PM

Yes! There's nothing like having ALL your family together! And for a good meal! LOL! Sounds delicious! Enjoy the time with your family!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Life is full of ups and downs!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Imagine how boring it would be otherwise.

I went to Mr. Kelley's wake tonight as I can't go to the funeral tomorrow (working with my new client already).
His family took turns hugging me and thanking me and telling me that Mr. K loved hanging out with me.
It was extremely gratifying and rewarding.
I assured them that it had truly been my pleasure to get to know him and spend time with him these last few years.
I have learned so much about life spending time with these wonderful old people.
I have worked with about ten different folks in the 4 years or so since I sort of fell into this retirement job and there was really only one woman I did not care for.



In other news, I got to babysit two days this week as my grandkids daycare mom had a death in her family.
Here's a cute pic of William, who is 6 months old today and a lot less cranky than he used to be:


And here's Lucy, helping her little almost one yr old cousin, Sophia, who we also took care of this week, with her 'baba'.


Hanging out with babies and going to a 98 year old friend's funeral- this is what life is all about, isn't it?
G'night, sparkpeeps!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRENTDREAMER 5/21/2011 7:47AM

Good Night. I could use a little more boredom. Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYWAGNER1 5/20/2011 11:41AM

Yes, it is. Awesome photos. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 5/20/2011 10:57AM

You seem to have best of all worlds. Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 5/20/2011 9:32AM

that sure is what life is all about. the grandkids are beautiful. they grow so fast don't they! Enjoy your day and week end. Peanut Report Inappropriate Comment

EUGENERUGOSA 5/20/2011 6:39AM

great way to look at things. you are blessed & the kiddos are so cute! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 5/20/2011 4:19AM

Elizabeth you are truly blessed hun. Love the pics! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPTEMBERSPIRIT 5/20/2011 4:07AM

You are so incredible in recognizing the beauty of life's ups and downs... for every death there is a birth... and the children in our lives remind us of just that LIFE!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 5/20/2011 12:40AM

wow... that last photo just stole my heart! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIMICOTO 5/19/2011 10:11PM

You have such a wonderful perspective Elizabeth.....thanks for the reminder to take a breath and enjoy the ride! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 5/19/2011 9:56PM

You are so lucky! Report Inappropriate Comment

RIP, Mr. Kelley

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

One of my all time favorite old guys, 98 years young, has passed away.
He went to visit his other son in NH, got sick, was hospitalized and never came out of rehab.
His NH son called me on Saturday to ask if I would talk to Mr. K on the phone (I said I would be delighted) but they were doing his morning bath- he said he'd call me back but he never did.
Milton died on Sunday.
This man had an incredibly interesting life and was lucid and friendly and talkative the year and a half I had the privilege of hanging out with him twice a week. He never complained about anything.
I used to take him down to his ramshackle camp on a spectacular waterfront site and we would have lunch on the porch and sit for hours.
I got PAID for this!
I already miss him.
Here's his obit:

www.legacy.com/obituaries/providence
/obituary.aspx?n=milton-kelley&pid=151
101925

He buried two wives and will be buried between them- he showed me where- he said they would both be keeping an eye on him. :)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CINDYWAGNER1 5/20/2011 11:37AM

I know you will miss him. Sorry, for such a lost. You were lucky to know him and work with him. I know you will get through it. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRYPHON55 5/19/2011 11:58PM

What an amazing life Mr. Kelley had, and how lucky you were to get to know him. My condolences on his passing. Report Inappropriate Comment

FMREES 5/19/2011 12:55PM

What a cutie!!! He lived a rich life, by the sounds, and seems as though he had a lot of spirit and humor. I am sorry for your loss - enjoy the memories of your time with him. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 5/19/2011 12:41PM

I am sorry about your loss. But he lived a long and full life. Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

JAYRIC 5/19/2011 12:29PM

So sorry for your loss. I'm sure he enjoyed the time you spent together. May those fond memories help to comfort you. Report Inappropriate Comment

PATTICAKES08 5/18/2011 8:31PM

I am sure you will miss him greatly and think of him fondly. I am sorry for your loss. Report Inappropriate Comment

PERFECT01 5/18/2011 8:08PM

Sorry to hear of your losing a friend. I'm sure his family is so happy that he had someone like you to help make his life wonderful these past months. Having gone through this ourselves, I know what an angel you are to be able to offer this loving care. Maybe them not calling was because things happened quickly and they were wound up in all that. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 5/18/2011 6:10PM

so sorry for your loss. I know he was lucky to have you as part of his life. RIP Report Inappropriate Comment

GRANDMABABA 5/18/2011 5:42PM

So sorry for your loss. He sounds like a very special person. 98 is pretty amazing. My mom is 97 and complains about everything. My mother-in-law is almost 96 and has such a positive loving attitude toward everyone and everything. It is remarkable how differently we age....of maybe we just grow more and more like ourselves as we go. Report Inappropriate Comment

WINDSTAR3 5/18/2011 4:54PM

I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like he really lived a great life, and will be sadly missed. Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 5/18/2011 2:24PM

Aren't old folks awesome?! I love talking to them and hearing their stories. I'm sure the hole in your heart will be filled with love for anoher elder with whom you will bond and share. Report Inappropriate Comment

MIMICOTO 5/18/2011 1:00PM

How wonderful that you shared a part of his walk, 2 afternoons at a time Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 5/18/2011 12:58PM

I am so very sorry for your loss of mr. kelley. RIP Sir! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAM60SUMTHINK 5/18/2011 12:45PM

While I'm sorry for the sense of loss you may feel, I think it wonderful you've had the privilege of having spent time with this gentleman. From your mention and from his obit facts, Mr. Kelly sounds like one of those folks that you can feel it's been a life-enhancing experience to have known! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 5/18/2011 12:37PM

I'm sorry you've lost him Elizabeth he sounds such a lovable rogue. 98 takes some beating, what a wonderful life he must have had and I'm sure you being a part of it enriched it for him as he has obviously enriched yours. RIP Report Inappropriate Comment

DETERMINED56 5/18/2011 11:53AM

I'm sorry. He sounds like he was an very interesting person. And you had the honor of knowing him! Reaching 98 years old is quite an accomplishment. Report Inappropriate Comment

OURELEE1 5/18/2011 11:34AM

So sorry for the loss of your friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHEFKATLEANER 5/18/2011 10:50AM

How sad. I'm sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 5/18/2011 10:50AM

Awww, Elizabeth, he was a very nice gentleman, wasn't he? I read his obit, and was impressed with all of the service he did for others! You do a labor of love that is truly rewarding, don't you? Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPTEMBERSPIRIT 5/18/2011 10:42AM

That is quite the obituary - he certainly live a good life! You know the conference I attended, one of the exercises was to write our own obituary... as a way of seeing what we think people would remember about who we were and what we did (and it was an awakening to recognizing our own accomplishments as well). I always find how death reminds us of LIFE! Report Inappropriate Comment