Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Best Laid Plans...

I've just spent the last 20 minutes canceling my flight, hotel and van pick up for the convention. When I first planned to attend, little did I know how quickly my mother's health would deteriorate. I could see it accelerating over the last two months. I thought having a paid companion and my saintly husband takeover in my absence would be OK. I was wrong.

Today she had what is known in Alzheimer's parlance as "a catastrophic reaction" -- panicked, and beyond consolation. She didn't have the words to tell me "Don't go," but in the end, she didn't need to say a word. After a quick trip to the ER, she calmed down. But there is no doubt I must stay home.

As much as I will missing seeing my paper doll friends, I am also relieved. Something just didn't feel right, and my mother figured out a way to communicate exactly what she needed, and exactly what I had to do. I'm glad I got the message in time
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10 comments:

  1. Tattered and LostJune 28, 2010 at 12:17 AM

    So very sorry to hear this.

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  2. AnonymousJune 28, 2010 at 2:54 AM

    I can understand why you would stay at home

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  3. FunoldhagJune 28, 2010 at 6:51 AM

    Such a sad, sad illness. Bless both your mother and you. Carol

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  4. GardenOfDaisiesJune 28, 2010 at 3:22 PM

    You made the right choice. Bless you and your Momma.

    Maybe there is a way for you to still participate in the convention events and auction, via computer.... do any of your paper doll convention friends have lap tops... you could set up a skype call and see all the fun right on the computer screen. Just a thought.

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  5. Anne DonzeJune 28, 2010 at 11:01 PM

    We will miss you, Linda, but we understand.

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  6. AnonymousJune 29, 2010 at 11:59 PM

    I'm so sorry we'll be missing you at the convention. I was looking forward to seeing you. But you have an issue on your hands and I certainly can understand. My father's hearing and then memory started to rapidly decline only about 2 1/2 years ago when he was 95-96. It has been a rapid decline since then, so I really understand where you're coming from. Best of luck to you, your husband, and your mom.

    Kwei-lin

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  7. LindaJune 30, 2010 at 12:34 AM

    Thank you for your kind thoughts! I'll look forward to next year's event in Philly.

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  8. LindaJune 30, 2010 at 8:10 AM

    Kwei-lin,

    You always do a great job on the Yahoo paper doll news group of describing the convention and its highlights. I'll look forward to reading your post.

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  9. Beth NiquetteJuly 2, 2010 at 10:19 AM

    Oh, my dear. ((hugs)) I have aging parents, too. Some of these issues are soon to come for us--but it is coming. I will be praying for you and your dear Mother.

    All my best to you, dear Friend.

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  10. Christine H.July 2, 2010 at 3:35 PM

    How sad, but your devotion is very touching. You obviously have your priorities straight. I know you'll be missed.

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