Hello Everyone:

Where has the time gone? Since I last wrote, we have started a new calendar year and welcomed the Year of the Rabbit. It has been a strange and busy time. A whirlwind in fact. I had so many intentions to put a few words down but time has gotten away from me.

So I interrupt the regular Warriors update for this breaking news flash: On December 13, 2022 we had to call the ambulance to take my mother to emergency. She lost her ability to walk and get out of bed on her own. After spending 73 days in hospital and a transition centre – notwithstanding lots of drama, tears, looking for a long term bed, and dealing with multiple social workers and care co-ordinations, a MIRACLE happened. We were offered a private room at Mon Sheong in Scarborough. A place where the waiting list is 5-7 years long. I had it placed it as my number one choice when our LTC application was accepted (after almost a year of working through bureaucracy). Our prayers were answered. While there was relief, there was also the utter sadness and an underlying sense of guilt knowing this will be my mother’s new home and she would not return to her own condo. I signed the admittance documents with a heavy heart. As I write this, I sit bedside at the hospital. We had to bring her in again today. She had a low grade fever, lethargic, sleeping constantly and unresponsive to the nursing home staff. Thankfully, the fever has passed and we are awaiting test results. Just spoke to one of the doctors. May not be a fever after all. It might be something else related to her drugs. He thinks a mini-breakthrough. Waiting now to speak to the internal medicine doctor. Sadly due to Covid, my mother hasn’t really had consistent medical care. Stay tuned!
My mother has not walked on her own for nearly 4 months. While she is no longer combative (they had treated her back in December for an UTI (who knows how long she had it), she has become more distant and non-verbal. I sing to her and we hold hands. Sometimes she looks at me and smiles. Sometimes a tear drops from the corner of her eye. Simply heartbreaking. I am heart-broken.

Her dementia – Alzheimer’s and vascular has robbed her of her dignity and independence. The deterioration can be staggering and happen faster than one can imagine. All I can do is be there for her and be the wind beneath her wings.

It is not what we have, but who we have in our life that matters. Thank you for being in mine!!

With love and affection,

Winnie, the Warrior xoxo