Yearly Letter

01/19/2015

I was trying to think about how I would construct a letter to send all of my family members to let them know how we made out this past year.

Dear Friends and Family:

Another year is past and I just wanted to let everyone know how we are doing. Last winter was extremely snowy and JW spent practically the entire winter season in the house. We were only able to get him out 2 times to go to doctor appointments. He still can get around pretty good and there was no major health emergencies.  Am looking forward to Spring.

Spring is finally here. The boys that we have in the neighborhood have been here raking and helping clear the back yard garden. They painted the garage and put the three tier water fountain together. We also have a stationary bird bath that needs to be put out.  All we need to do now is get some annuals for Mother and get everything planted and weeded. JW is starting to sit out on the front porch which is his favorite place in the summer. He gets to watch the traffic, people and the world go by. Still doing good on health.

Summer has snuck up on us. The garden is in full bloom and the birds have found the water fountains. We are redoing the kitchen so we can prepare meals for Mother and JW easier. A larger stove and larger refrigerator. We are planning to take a vacation in the fall but I am having major anxiety about leaving the country for a week. Alzheimer never takes a vacation and he is really dictating my every move. At least in the summer I know that the boys are outside most of the time and they keep an eye on the house.

Fall has arrived. We have had to move back into the house on the cool days. JW is getting quite frail and has stumbled a few times. He has fell twice and Mother was trying to get him up on her own. I really have to bite my lip to not yell my head off. I had double bronchitis and had been coughing so hard I hurt my back. I could barely move. I went to the Pain Clinic and sure enough I had fractured my back. I had to cancel our yearly trip and I missed 3 weeks of work. I went and had spinal blocks for the pain and now I only get back aches if I pick up any weight.

Winter is moving in and the nights are getting cold. JW was admitted to the hospital on Christmas day and so it was just another day for us. He was in the hospital for 4 days and now needs constant care. Mother and I are hiring someone to stay with him when we go to the store now. The young man that shaves him once a week comes in and just watches T.V. with him or watches him sleep. My worse fear is that he will be alone when he passes. It is a small relief to me that someone is with him all the time. The children have not been able to come over for Christmas yet so the tree is still up and all their presents are under it. My grandson has the flu and that has been a concern. The flu has been deadly to children this year. I seem to be in a constant state of prayer.

Well, that is all that has been going on here for the past year. Hope to have a better one coming up.
Good Wishes your way.  Every day is a gift.

Phylllis.