September 11, 2010 - Day after Rosh Hashanah

Well, its been a while since I have posted. I will try to do a better job so you all know what is going on. I was in Michigan last weekend for Labor Day for a whirlwind 48 hour trip. My mom was doing okay and prior to the Labor Day holiday she was walking with the physical therapist. I helped her caregivers take care of her. She still has a smile on her face, when she is not tired. She also had a lot of visitors and my mom is very lucky to have such wonderful people in her life. And speaking of wonderful people, her caregivers Catherine and Joan are amazing. They are immensely caring people and take very good care of my mom.

Thanks to all who have called, visited, sent their prayers. You have no idea how much that means to my mom to our family.

I came back to Detroit on Thursday to spend Rosh Hashana. And believe me, it hard to say this is going to be a "sweet" or "happy" new year. All we can hope for is that my mom will grow stronger, so she can receive treatment. I am not unrealistic, but still have to remain positive for my mom and my dad. So really, I am thankful to know my mom is not in pain, is at home and is surrounded people who love her.

It is really day by day as you can imagine. On Thursday when I arrived, I was greeted by a house full of people and a big smile on my mom's face. Although, I am a pretty sure that smile was for her grandson, even though she was happy to see Larry and I. That night, we ordered dinner and carried my mom up to the kitchen for dinner. We all had greek food and enjoyed being with mom and being together.

On Friday, she had a tough day, she was uncomfortable. Restless. And probably a bit over tired from all the excitement. Friday night, my Dad made a special Shabbat Dinner for my mom. We set the table with her favorite China and crystal and had a traditional Friday night dinner. As always, Rabbi Ed, led the prayers and we all joined in. My mom really enjoyed the dinner and Uncle Milt, Marcia and cousin Barbara were there to be a part of our holiday dinner.

Saturday, was a better day, once my mom got some sleep. She again had a lot of visitors from in and out of town, which made her smile. And my dad bought her a very comfy Lazyboy chair (aka. Lazylady Chair), which she seems to be more comfortable sitting and sleeping in. And he picked out the perfect fabric that goes with the rest of the furniture.

Really, that is a small thing, but my Dad has been amazing and is an inspiration to my mom. He holds her hand, kisses her, feeds her and is so wonderful. And while my mom has caregivers around the clock and many many people around her, I feel like my dad needs support too. So Steve and I try hard to be there for him too.

Overall, my mom is not in pain. The sad news is that they cannot treat the cancer now because she it too weak. But she is trying to get stronger and we will continue to encourage her.