Sunday, December 19, 2010

Year's End

It's been a while, but things have been crazy...actually they are always crazy, who am I kidding.
Mike's aide had been out a few days and having subs always creates it's own issues. Thankfully we survived.
Getting ready for Christmas this year was more difficult than last. Brandon seemed busier than usual and Courtney's classes extended into this week -added to that fact is that she is still working at Disney, so when she's not at school, she's working. Therefore, there was little or no time for them to help me lug decorations down from the attic. I was able to decorate but not as much as I have in years past. I believe this was a foreshadowing of my future. With Courtney and Brandon both in college in Sept., for all practical purposes, I will be on my own.
Last week I got one of the biggest surprises of my life. While at my desk on Fri afternoon, I looked up to see my sister (she lives in Pennsylvania), Courtney and Brandon walking in with a bunch of balloons, yelling Happy Birthday. My first thought, which I said out loud was, "it's not my birthday". Unbeknownst to me, my sister had been conspiring with Courtney and Brandon for her surprise visit to NY since September for my 50th Birthday! Once I got over the shock of seeing my sister in my office, I was informed that the next day we would be going into NYC to see Rock of Ages, see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and go to dinner. Courtney had to request off the entire weekend for this to work and she and Brandon were "in charge" of Mike Saturday night so I didn't have to rush home. It was the best birthday gift ever. The show was excellent - brought me back to the carefree time of my life. I sat there thinking about how Mike would have loved the show. We had a full day and we both slept very well that night. The next day my sister left early because the weather was terrible (torrential rain). I was terribly humbled by all the time, effort and money that it took to make it all happen. Once again I was given proof of how blessed I am.
Last week though, was a different story. Mike woke p on Wednesday with a 102.5 temperature. He was very congested. Thursday Mike's aide was out, so I stayed home with the sub. I was supposed to go to my office Christmas dinner that night, so Courtney was home to help with Mike. Unfortnately, I never made it to the dinner - Mike was terrible. He continued with the fever all day Thursday and his congestion was so bad he seemed to have problems breathing. Courtney was nervous and asked that I call hospice. I chose not to because I KNEW what they would have said - what I've heard before...."this is it" I did not want to hear it. On Friday morning I DID call hospice, and they prescribed an antibiotic. I was exhausted from not sleeping for 3 nights, but I only had to go into work for 1/2 day. I prayed for numerous reasons, the first and most important was that the medicine worked and help Mike get the mucus ot. It tore my heart out to see him struggle to breath. He wanted so much to cough, buut was fighting it.
Today is day 3 on medicine and it seems to have helped. He has been fever free since Friday and he'e been coughing and sneezing alot of "stuff" out. Once again the reality of Alzheimer's Disease reared it's ugly head, and the roller coaster ride took off once again. When Mike is that bad, there's no way for me not to think, "maybe this IS it". Then I think about and prepare for "IT" - wondering exactly what it will be like. Just as I prepare myself for what could happen, Mike turns a corner and starts recovering. It's a cruel disease, on all levels. When I think about all the illnesses Mike has overcome, all the health scares he has beaten, it's no wonder we call him the "Energizer Bunny"
On a more positive note, it was confirmed last week that for next semester Courtney will be living on camps (for her first semester at Fordham, she was living off camps in graduate housing). We hope this will help her experience Fordham at it's fullest and make it easier for her to connect with other students with the same interests. Living off camps as a transfer student in graduate housing isolated her and she was having a difficult time. Moving on campus is a plus, having to move her out of her current dorm by this Wednesday - not so mch. It could not have come at a worse time, but I will make it happen. Anything to get her on campus.
Brandon got his first acceptance letter from Quinnipiac Unversity (Ct) for the physical therapy-athletic training program. He was estatic, but I am not quite sure why he's been so nervous. Like Courtney, he has an A average with his best subjects being math and science. He applied to Quinnipiac under rolling admission. We expect to hear from his other choices within the next 3-4 weeks.
In case I do not back before Christmas, I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing Christmas. I pray for good health, to be shared with good friends and family. Thank you all for yor friendship and support.