Mary Anne Snyder

Whether you know her as Mary Anne,  Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Aunt Mary Anne or Mrs. Snyder we all love and respect this lovely lady who turned 91  on July 13, 2017!  For many years she was so active in her adopted hometown of Barrington, RI -- serving on the Community Scholarship Foundation Board for 40 years, creating the  annual Handbook for the Barrington Woman's Club for over 25 years, and being a faithful member of St. Luke's Parish.

 While the past year has had some high points (becoming a great-grandmother), it has also had some challenges.  This once brilliant woman's mind is not as sharp as it used to be (which she recognizes, but she still holds her own!) and living in her home of nearly 52 years, which has always been her joy, has become more challenging as her strength, balance, vision and hearing are all diminished -- but whose wouldn't be at her age?

This summer, a few minor medical situations (laceration on a shin, Baker's cyst, etc.) required daily monitoring, so she reluctantly agreed to have some CNA (certified nursing assistant) assistance in her home. I have always told Mom, "I support your decision to stay on Teakwood Lane as long as it is manageable and safe; however, if you won't go to the services (such as Assisted Living), you must let the services come to you".  

In late April I accompanied Mom to a visit with her Primary Care Physician whose first question was, "when was your last fall"?  Mom and I looked at each other with confusion and then she replied, "I haven't had any falls", which was true. Perhaps that jinxed her, as starting in late May she had a few falls.  One, where she used her alert button and the Barrington Police arrived to assist her back up; a second where she was in the garage putting out recyclables, and just out of range her alert button working. Thankfully, she called out and a teenage neighbor heard her, got his father and came to her assistance.

However, on Friday, July 28, she had her third fall, and it was a doozie!  You'll read more about it in my first journal entry. 

Upon learning of her fall, and stay in Rhode Island Hospital and then St. Elizabeth's Manor for rehab, Mom's family and friends have been so thoughtful and are all interested in updates.  I truly appreciate the emails and texts asking for updates. However,  trying to keep everyone updated, while traveling back and forth to visit Mom is hard for me to keep up with. So, I created this Caring Bridge Page.  I won't be posting every day, but when there are key updates, I will post and you will get an email letting you know there's new info.  Thanks for understanding that using this wonderful tool is a great way for me to keep you posted on Mom!  

Thanks to all for your concern and prayers! They are much appreciated!
Love, Barbie