Visiting Grandma Ham

Grandma is now on Hospice. Her physical needs are becoming greater and greater. Hospice was able to get a hospital bed in her room. It makes it easier for her to get into and out of bed, which is good. Some days when I visit her, she's not very aware that I'm there or very responsive. 

And some days she is very aware and involved in the conversation. She doesn't say much anymore, but she laughs along when we're talking about funny memories, and gets emotional when we talk about meaningful memories. I love the times when she laughs along with us. Her smile and laugh make me happy.

Ron and Diane came to town to visit her. We met them and Haley at Summit and had a great visit. I think it meant a lot to my mom that they came to see her.

She eats most of her meals in her room now.

Gary came into town to visit her too. She was laughing right along with us that day too.

I'm so glad Mom was more aware that day and that Gary got to see her like that.

Dad always takes such good care of Mom. It is very touching to watch him take care of her.

Tessa, Damon and I went to see her today. 

Al, Caitlyn, Mel, and Grandpa Ham came too. We spent a lot of time looking at the pictures in Grandma's Aura frame and reminiscing on all the fun times our family has had. I considered buying Damon an orange swimsuit the other day so he could match Grandpa Ham. We found the picture of him and Grandma in Cabo where he's wearing the orange swim trunks. :)

Tessa was asking about a picture where Grandpa and I were painting the dining room when I was a teenager. I told her that I wanted to go on tour with my high school orchestra, and Grandma and Grandpa had me pay for half the trip. Painting the dining room was one way I earned money for the trip. Paul and I have Tessa pay some of the cost for her Nationals trip every year, and now she can see where we learned that parenting technique. :)

It was good to see Grandma, and the rest of the family that was there too. It's always hard to say goodbye to her though.