Hi, Everybody.

I hope your Holidays were full of joy and laughter, and that this already INSANE new year hasn't dimmed too much of that for you.

I am happy to be able to tell you that mom's general health has been holding steady over the past month, and she has received both of her corona virus vaccines. I am a little bit downhearted, however, to tell you that the three of us together have made the decision to transfer her care over to hospice. After consulting with specialists and therapists over the past four weeks, it has become very clear that her cognitive decline and muscle weakness are continuing to progress despite active intervention on both fronts. Changing the focus of mom's care from rehab and recovery to happiness, and comfort has allowed all of us to begin to step out of "fight mode," and that alone has already provided some much needed stress relief.  

In addition to a change in mindset, beginning the journey with hospice has allowed mom to finally move out of a quarantined hospital setting for the first time in eight months. Yesterday, we were able to get her settled in at a really wonderful board and care home in Costa Mesa. She has a beautifully furnished private room in an actual house where caregivers and hospice staff can attend to her every need 24 hours a day. We can decorate her space with pictures of everyone that she loves, I can bring the dog to visit her again, and we can bring her her favorite Starbucks coffee at almost anytime of the day or night. Unfortunately, corona virus has affected their visiting policy, and we are not allowed to sit inside her room with her, but she does have a big sliding glass door that opens up to a landscaped patio with a table, and chairs where we can spend time with her as long as the weather holds. I will also be able to talk to her on the phone anytime she needs me, or I need her.

Although mom's ability to attend to tasks, and her ability to communicate as fluently as she wants to be able to have definitely been affected by her form of dementia (primary progressive aphasia), she absolutely remembers all of her friends and family. She and I talk about our memories, and funny stories with so many of you as often as we can, and it really brings her joy. Please feel free to continue sending the wonderful cards, messages, and emails that you have been so kind to forward to her, because it keeps her spirits up, and she likes telling her caregivers about each of you, your kids, and your pets. And honestly, I love hearing about all of them too.

Moving forward, I will continue to use this page to keep us all connected through this new chapter in the life of our family, and I hope you will as well.

Sending Love,

Megan