Guardian Angel

This post is dedicated to Dolores Gamble.
She was mom's roommate @ Riddle Village for 6 weeks, and they became good buddies. Once I got here, I fell in love with her, too.

Dolores had agressive cancer that had racked her poor body, and then travelled to her brain. Three days after she got here, she lost her ability to speak. Mom became her voice, her advocate and her friend. I called them " my girls ", and ran all over the place to get them whatever they wanted.

Unfortunately, we lost Dolores yesterday afternoon. The poor thing was in so much pain the past 3 days, and went downhill rapidly. On Tuesday night, I stayed until 2am to hold her hand and wipe her forehead ... Mom and I talked to her the whole time, and one of the aides, Tory, came in and sang hymns to her.

We have another angel looking out for us now :)
She was a financial aid counselor at Widener, and had 6 kids, all who we have become close to in this short period of time. They love my mom, and are/were so thankful that they were roommates. The grandkids really like mom, and she has a ton of drawings on her bulletin board from them.
Most people would not have been able to handle this situation, but my mom is such a care-giver that Dolores became her responsibility. All of the staff here has commented on mom's unbelievable compassion & caring, and that she was the only one who could understand Dolores.

We will miss you, Dolores! You were really someone special, and mom & I will carry you in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, and a long time from now, we'll drink Pink Squirrels together, sitting on the clouds.

Heading East

So I am heading to Media this Thursday to see my momma, and assess her situation with my own eyes.

She has been away from home since February 28th!! She is doing really well at the Riddle Village rehab, and is like the queen of the manor there. They have a gourmet chef, beauty salon, cooking classes....she's having a ball, and has also found a few church ladies that are there, too, so she is socializing full force. I don't think she realized how closed off she's been for the past 2 years in the house by herself. She enjoys being around people, so she actually is thriving in her current environment.

I will be home until the 30th, unless ak comes and gets me after 2 weeks. He's been threatening to on a regualr basis. I could be there to celebrate my 40th, who knows? Mom and I have a lot to talk about, and plans to make for the future.

Along with hanging with my main girl, I am looking forward to seeing all the good buddies :)

Ok...I am getting myself together here, and making sure ak doesn't starve while I am gone or run out of undies.

See you soon, peeps!