I was touched beyond words by your sweet comments and emails on my last blog post. I know that our family is not the only one dealing with the emotionally and physically draining process of caring for elderly loved ones. It's another one of those personal details that we deal with offline that has a huge impact on daily life even if it doesn't normally get a mention on our blogs. Bless you all for your kind thoughts and prayers for my family, and blessings on those of you who are walking this difficult road alongside us. There are days when it seems that we're not going to be able to take another step, and then somehow we find a way to go on.
It was a very long, tiring day, but we were able to get my grandmother safely moved into a beautiful nursing facility that's only ten minutes away from our home.Though she had been dead set against leaving her house, she came willingly with us when it was finally time to go. Upon our arrival, the caregivers immediately lavished Grandma with love and attention, and it was a joy to see her blooming in response. She loved the quilts on the walls, the new quilt and matching pillow that I had made for her bed, and her new "plush" apartment, as she kept calling it. We were even able to all come back for a visit in the evening with my girls who hadn't seen their great grandma in months. It was such a relief to leave knowing that she was safe and surrounded by people who would take good care of her until we returned for our next visit.
"It's a good thing you did," she told my mother before we left last night.
Amen to that.
This is such a great post...I'm glad you shared with us your personal moments. I too, had the same experience, having to move my grandma into her own assisted living apartment. How hard it must be for them to move from being so independent. Your grandma holding your darling quilt is a great picture. And how wonderful that she will be so close to you still.
ReplyDeleteGod bess you on so many levels! Thank you for sharing your experience. We've walked through one and continue to with other family members and it isn't always easy. One foot in front of the other on many days. So nice your grandmother took it with as a good thing, bless her!
ReplyDeleteIn the craziness of things lately, I missed your last post Heidi, but I am so glad to read that your grandmother is doing well in her new space. It is such a blessing for your family to have that peace, and for such a wonderful place to be so close. My family has recently been faced with the same challenge with my grandfather, so your post really touched me.
ReplyDelete:) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
I am so glad that it all went well Heidi! I'm sure your grandmother would have been very touched by your thoughtfulness in making her room as comfortable and cozy as possible. I hope that she settles in well! xx
ReplyDeleteGreat job! It is exciting to see her have that response. I wished my grandmother would have dealt with us that way, but she fought us tooth and nail. It will be a great place for your grandma and maybe she can even make some friends along the way!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the move went well. I love your photo with the quilt on your Grandma's lap.
ReplyDeleteI hope she settles in well. You are fortunate to be so close for visiting.
We can only do what we can and pray that everything goes smoothly. Enjoy this new beginning with your Grandma and family.
Therese x
Thank you for sharing the update and I am glad it is going well.
ReplyDeleteLovely...
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family the best, Heidi!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that wonderful! Bless you Heidi as you care for your loved ones
ReplyDeleteI am just catching up on blogs and just saw your last post. Your grandmother is so lucky to have people who worry and take care of her. It is so hard seeing our loved ones grow older and I am sure your grandmother will treasure her quilt. It is so nice to be able to make something that makes that transition easier.
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful photo Heidi - one to treasure xx
ReplyDeleteSo happy for your story ending! What a great photo of your grandmother with the quilt you made her. She is so lucky to have such a wonderful family! May you all be blessed!
ReplyDeleteThe picture itself tells the story. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful thing for your Grandma told your Mom. It was a wonderful gift to all of you.
ReplyDeleteI hope Gran settles in Heidi. And I am sure the quilts will help her enormously, in terms of comfort and love. You keep yourself well too - not too much running around if you can help it. It is a busy time of the year normally!
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs
Amanda
Oh I'm so glad. The quilt is beautiful - I WISH I could make my grandmother a quilt I miss her so. What a great picture.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all in this trying time. it is difficult to see loved ones in this situation.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very good thing that you have done.
ReplyDeleteMay you and your family gather blessing upon blessing from the decision.
It sounds like the move went well. I'm sure it was hard on everyone but knowing that she will be safe is tbe best thing of all.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard isn't it..my Granny died last week aged 100 we are very sad but also happy she was surrounded with love much like your Granny is xox
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ReplyDeleteI was there with my mother almost nearly a year ago. She was ill with Cancer and being an only child, it was very hard on me and my DH and son as we cared for her. Eventually she was moved to assisted living in May 2013 but it was for hospice care, and all this was on the heals of my dads passing Sept 2012. Mom passed away July 2013. We can only do our best and take it one day at a time and know that the love and time you devote to your loved one means the most to them over anything.
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