Mom

On Valentine's Day, as I wrote previously, mom was air ambulanced back to Ontario. She spoke to the customs agent when the plane landed in Orillia. Somewhere between the airplane and the hospital (knowing that she was back on Canadian soil), mom peacefully stopped breathing. 

Mom was 83 years old and she's been ready to die since before Christmas, so, as much as I will miss her, she is at peace and she is no longer fighting the illnesses that have plagued her since she arrived in Florida.

I'm so glad that we were able to get her back to Canada where she wanted to be and where she wanted to die. 

Rest In Peace, mom - we will all miss you.

Our Mother

Mom left early for Florida this year - she left before Christmas. Somehow I think that she knew that this would be her final year in the "Sunshine State". Since her arrival she has been in hospital 4 times (and she headed south this year and apparently the last 4 years without and health insurance!!!!)

Last week we made the decision to try and get mom strong enough to bring her home on a commercial flight with a medical escort - I feel like I have spent almost all my time in the past week on the phone. Our intent was to bring mom back to a retirement home and we were able to find a lovely, brand new one in Richmond Hill. No, it is not particularly close to any of her children, however, it is central to everyone - children and grandchildren. Best of all as far as I was concerned is the fact that my mother's best friend since she was a very young girl lives there. Can you imagine being able to ,make this difficult transition with your best friend!!

Unfortunately, yesterday mom's health started to slide backwards and we made the decision to air ambulance her back to Ontario. As I write this, she is in the air, on her way. She will be admitted to Soldier's Memorial Hospital in Orillia for a medical assessment (we are all hoping that this will be a short-lived hospitalization). Again, hopefully we will be able to transfer her to the Retirement Home and let her get on with her life.

I Survived

A week and a half ago I had my second back surgery and what a difference from the first. This time I actually remember my time in the PACU (Recovery Unit), although that may have something to do with the fact that I was there for almost 7 hours! Unfortunately, my BP was a constant issue throughout my admission. I routinely have low blood pressure - my normal BP is around 90/60. When you would think that someone's BP should be going through the roof - serious pain for instance, my goes lower - as low as 60/40. No wonder they worry. Despite my BP, I survived. Hated my entire hospitalization though - my roommates were quite inconsiderate (they included a screamer and a lady who liked her visitors 20 at a time).

I had my surgery Friday afternoon and I was home by noon on Monday. Quick you might say, however, you truly do heal faster at home. Now I am able to wander the main floor at will. I am able to make my self simple meals. I am able to stand for longer and longer. Sitting - not so much!. Graham will be heading back to work this Sunday and I think that I will be okay - I have a couple of friends who are retired and have offered to help me out any time. I have other friends, who still work, but have offered to help out inany way they can - I'll be fine.

The best part of all of this - I'll be back at work by the time I originally expected to have my surgery