September 11, 2015 evening

I’ve been home in mid-MO for a few weeks. At first I felt numb because not only did I have elderly parents in northern Illinois, I had other family members with drama going on here in Missouri, and all I could do was sleep a lot, spend a bit of time with gal pals, and wait to see my psychologist. Two visits with my psychologist later, I’m feeling more grounded, but always on edge. I continually expect to receive some emergency call that will take me away from home and back onto Planet Elderly.

Have only spoken to Mom a couple times. She’s doing okay, although I learned from her neighbor, Kevin, that she already had her Oct. 6 eye exam. She was worried about it, called the doctor’s office 15 times, and they agreed to do it a few days ago.

Spoke with her last night. She seemed in a good mood. Later she called me back to see which phone number was mine. Then she talked about not having any money or a bank account of her own, so I reminded her of her bank account situation and she felt better.
Since neighbor Kevin is my angel of sorts, voluntarily checks on Mom frequently and helps her out, I sent him a copy of the book The 36-Hour Day. He called yesterday to thank me. Apparently he’s a bit amazed to read about dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimers.

Was planning to go up to see Mom Oct. 4 because she had that Oct. 6 eye doctor appointment. Now she doesn’t, but she will have an assigned date and time to be on the phone with an adviser to help her transition to a different supplemental health insurance plan. I’ll need to be there at that time. Kevin said the mail with that information has not arrived, but he would keep me posted when it does.

September 14, 2015 8 a.m

Received a call from Kevin. Mom’s cell phone died. It’s a basic flip model from Consumer Cellular. According to Kevin, the battery was bad and he claimed no one makes a replacement battery. Hmmmm. Maybe.

I’ll just get her a replacement phone…same model because it’s familiar to her…get it activated, add some phone numbers I know and then send it to her.

Maybe this week I’ll learn when I’ll be going back up. It depends on the date we’re scheduled to talk to a supplemental health insurance adviser.

I have a gnawing feeling at the pit of my stomach at the thought of going up there. I should feel more compassionate.