51 Years Today!!!!!

Its hard to say "Happy Anniversary" today. Its is a wonderful anniversary shared by two people who share really love each other. The kind you just don't see very often. Yet, with Mom coming home from the hospital under the care of Hospice, its hard to say its a "Happy" anniversary. Still 51 years of marriage is definitely something to celebrate.

In fact, according to answers.com, the average marriage lasts 7-10 years. So, lets raise our virtual glass to toast my mom and dad. In the meantime, I apologize for not blogging. Its been a tough couple of months all around. Fortunately, Lane is feeling much better. He finished his first quarter of high school with stellar grades and some new friends. He also finished his cross country season running a 7.5 minute mile (running 2-3 miles at a time). Now onto fencing competition and then track in the spring. And if that is not enough, Lane was voted best new delegate for Model UN. Larry is working hard and I am going back and forth between Detroit and Chicago.

Mom has been in the hospital since October 17th. She went in for a kidney/bladder infection and internal bleeding. In the hospital, she received antibiotics, protonics for her stomach, and a host of other medications. An IV buffet if you will. While the antibiotics took care of the infection, we learned that her cancer spread to her liver. Just another issue to deal with. Then, while in the hospital she developed fluid in her lungs and some swelling in her arms and hands. She had a procedure in the hospital to remove the fluid. Her vitals are now stable and she is home and comfortable.

Catherine, Joan and Bonnie, her amazing caregivers are back at the house and are working closely with Hospice. And my mom is still fighting. And perhaps the one that needs the most support is my Dad. He represents exactly what the rabbi meant when he said "for better or worse." He is the sweetest, most wonderful man I know. Providing my mom with anything she needs, making sure she is home and not at a facility.

Overall, Dad is doing okay. He is holding up, while having to make decisions that impact his life and my mom's life. He is compassionate, loving, and amazing. Steve and I have also been a large part of these decisions, but we are very respectful of my dad and his wishes.

And Steve has also provided my dad and mom with support and comfort and love. It really does take a village to take care of a loved one. I know that this was not what Hillary was referring to. But I believe, it takes a village to take care of one another whether it is taking care of small children, seniors or those too sick to take care of themselves.

In talking to Catherine this evening, mom was tired from the hospital and was resting. She is on soft foods for now, but will hopefully get back to regular meals. I am heading back to Detroit this week and will continue to go back and forth. As I know more, I will try to blog more.

For now I will sign off. Goodnight.
Ilene