We went to the vet to try one more thing.  Results were not good!  Yesterday evening I came to the decision that if the results were not good, that I’d have to say goodbye.

So, as I feared the results were not good, so I brought her home for a couple of days for a “final” cuddle, treat, and goodbye.   We are going to try one more thing this weekend, and if still not successful, we are going to part ways.

The battle was hard fought, but, it’s not worth it to me to make her suffer more if the results don’t improve Monday.

Nermal

This is my “theme song” this past couple of days.  Grandma has been having troubles with her heartbeat, finding it hard to walk, or exert herself too much.

She went to the Family Dr.  Had a Cardiology report done that her heart isn’t beating properly,  and was placed on a waiting list for a caridologist.

Saturday, she felt faint at Church and so the ambulance was called to take her to the hospital as this is what the Dr. recommended.

They admitted her, as she passed out in the E.R., and will not be released because of the fainting/passing out worry, and the fact she lives alone.

So, now the waiting game of getting her in for the Cardioligist to do a Pacemaker surgery, and then recovery time etc.

The poor thing isn’t very patient, so must be fun for the Aides and Nurses up there.

But, for the moment she is in the best place possible.

Faut que j’annul les cours parceque j’ai pas assez l’argent.  Mais je vais verifyier si il y a un cours disponible au bibliotheque pour imprenter.

Having fun baking Banana Bread and Cobbler to make it smell like Christmas in here.  Should be ready in time for Coffee Break.

Yesterday I had to learn how to give a needle of insulin to the poor thing.  The tip of the syringe is so fine I don’t know if I’m doing it right.  Tempted to hide her dosage with moist food as when the needle goes in, poor Nermal yelps.

I hope eventually she will get used to it, and will just be another part of our routine.  Had to change her food to something else.

It’s a bit expensive, but, I hate to put her down.  As she is such a nice and cuddly cat.  Loves affection and pets, purrs like crazy.

Nermal

Today, 20 years ago I would have been in transit heading towards this location.  I left Winnipeg by Greyhound bus, and travelled 2 nights, and 2 days (never again) I swore.  But, thought if I was to take a vow of “poverty” this was the way to travel.

I arrived the following morning early, and a Sister came to pick me up and generously took me to the Noviciate of the Nunery.  The Maitress de Novice (Novice Mistress) let me rest until the 13th of December, as their was another girl coming to join and we both could start our engagements on the 13th of December.

Settling into the routine reasonably fast, the early (5:30) mornings were a challenge, and by the time lights out came at 9:30 trust me I was happy to get to bed!

I had to be up so early as my responsibilties entailed the Refectory (dining hall) and preparation of Breakfast.  Then onto the Morning Religious Offices, Mass, finally Breakfast, and the rest of the daily routine.

I found it enjoyable, and a challenge being away from friends and family for so long and far.

Come early February, there was some activities with the group of which some of the Winnipeg Friends came to participate.  Including My Grandmother.  So the Novice Mistress called us into the office and she told me that “This isn’t your place.”  Gave me a couple of very lame reasons, and I was sent home back to Winnipeg.

So, I was crying, I felt happy there.  Didn’t understand why, but, came home to Winnipeg, and then tried looking for work, and found menial jobs.  Eventually taking “training” as A Home Care Aide, and then the rest they say is “history”.

But, reflecting back, it seems just like yesterday.

From a Mexican Bandit, to “Yogi Bear” thanks to a grizzly bear hide that belongs to my Uncle John, to Winnipeg Airport where I sewed mini-sized aluminum planes on a t-shirt and wore a bigger one as a hat. To a clown, to the Pilsbury Doughboy, to a princess and an angel. This year I am hoping to find enough material to be the Tin Man. Stay tuned. Hope I can find what I need. And I’ll ask someone to take pictures of me dressed up. Till then, have a great day!

As my Grandmother is aging, she is having more strokes and generally slowing down, finding harder to move around and do things.  Gardening and taking care of her beautiful house and yard.  These things were easy for her not long ago, but now even to just do an “ordinary” day chore is exhausting and trying for her.

It is difficult to watch and see her go through these struggles.  As a caregiver, it is especially trying.

Now, she is starting to sort through many years of “stuff” and start to pack or give away things she can no longer use.  As she will be moving into a small 1 BR. Apartment soon, and has sold the large house that Grandpa built.

Yesterday, I spent some time to help with the packing and sorting and only made a very small dent.  Next weekend I plan on doing the same for helping her out.

As fall, is approaching with a vengence now, and the winter weather soon to be upon us, in one way; I am happy and relieved to know that Grandma will be soon be safe in a place, where she doesn’t need to worry about a garden, nor shoveling the sidewalk and driveway.

She also will be relinquishing her car to give to my Aunt once she is re-located to the new suite.

Changes are inevitable they say, but, there are times it is difficult and challenging to accept that they have to be.

Yesterday, We had the funeral, it was a difficult day to go through.   The internment at the cemetery, was particularly sad.

Three of the younger Grandchildren passed out a fresh rose to all the family members and we each had a turn to put one on the coffin.  Auntie had a great devotion to St. Therese of the Child Jesus.  And in St. Therese’s writings she promised once she was in heaven she would “shower us” with roses.  And roses were abundant and “showering” down on the casket yesterday.  I found it a difficult day to get through, and it was nice to have support of family and friends to help get through.