More Family!

Now it is time for a happy post and a sad post all mixed into one.

Stephen's parents came to spend New Year's with us.  It was a wonderful treat to have them here.  They arrived on December 30th and got to spend some time with Devyn before he headed back to college on January 4th.  Dad even went on a segway tour with Devyn and Stephen.

Segway tour--fun times!

Gotta love Dad's helmet!

Their visit didn't turn out quite like they expected.  Mom got very sick and had to be hospitalized.  She had bowel surgery and was in the hospital for 2 weeks.  She also had other medical issues the doctors were working on.  It was a tough time for her.  Dad, Stephen and I got into a routine while she was at the hospital.  Dad and I would go in to the hospital every morning and stay with her.  I'd leave after Dad had lunch and go home to get some things done.  Then Stephen and I would go in when he got home from work, bring Dad dinner and visit with Mom and then we'd bring Dad back home.

In the hospital--Stephen had a cold hence the mask.

On days Mom was feeling okay, we'd have some great talks.  One time I really enjoyed was listening to her share her memories of her grandparents.  And the opportunity I had to tell her how loved she has always made me feel as her daughter-in-law.  Stephen and I loaded a digital picture frame with pictures of the whole family and brought it to the hospital.  Mom loved watching the pictures go by and feeling her family close to her.  It helped her at times when the pain was intense and gave her something to focus on--all of the family that she loved.

Mom was happy to get out of the hospital. Their insurance wouldn't pay for in-home health care outside of Colorado so Dad and I did all of the nursing care for Mom when she was able to come home.  They stayed with us for 2 more weeks.  Mom was very weak and couldn't walk.  While she was here, we watched movies together, talked and shared memories and had some nice wheelchair walks in the neighborhood.  Mom loved the beautiful temperatures here, feeling the sunshine on her face and all of the beautiful plants, trees and birds.

Mom loved seeing the pink flowers against the green palms.
She asked Stephen to take this picture so she could remember how pretty it was.

Going on a walk with Dad and Mom.

Recuperating in matching recliners.

And then, Mom really wanted to get home to Colorado.  She was determined to get back home even though she wasn't in the best of shape.  They left on February 1st. They made it to Denver with a little adventure on the way.  An ambulance had to be called to pick up Mom from the airport.  Her artificial hip had popped out of place as she went through airport security. She was in excruciating pain but determined to get home.  She traveled all the way home that way and then had to be carried off the airplane and she couldn't get in the car.  The ambulance transported her to the hospital where her hip was reset.  Mom and Dad finally made it home early the morning of February 2nd.

 Mom's condition continued to get worse and on February 5th she passed away.  We miss her!  We're grateful we got to spend some time with her before she left this mortal existence.