Saturday, June 20, 2015

Empty Nesters

Mommy said it's official as of today..... We are empty nesters. What does that mean for us you might ask?

Grandpa Bob arrived back in New York 4 hours ago and is being checked into his new home at "Happy Acres." While it is not really called Happy Acres, it is a beautiful facility where he will be safe and well looked after. Uncle Bob and Aunt Cindy flew in 2 days ago to get him back to NY today.

Mommy has been crying all the time for over a month now because she knows she can no longer take care of G-Pa Bob. It was a heart-wrenching, gut agonizing decision on her part but knows that in the end, it is the right decision.

Unfortunately, a total of 6 falls (#6 was 3 days ago), and each time doing a face plant on the floor did not treat his brain well. He is now permanently in a wheelchair as the brain doesn't tell the feet what to do anymore.  Of course, you can imagine what those falls also do to his memory, etc. Not good!

Mommy and Daddy just could not provide him with the 24/7 care that he now requires.

After living together for almost 8 years, Mommy said the pain she feels in her heart is sometimes unbearable and she feels like a horrible daughter at times. She knows she provided well for him over the years but this makes her feel guilty. Yes, right now she's having a pity party.

She has been working endlessly for a month to coordinate everything it takes to get him into a facility like the one he is now in. Thank goodness she is organized, because she can tell you, others are not. These are the many reasons we have not been around much at all.

Now, the new Happy Acres is only 4.5 miles from our NY house and Mommy will still continue to see him every day (just like she did here in FL in the rehab facility.) But.... she said it's just not the same as having him home with us.

Through all of this, G-Pa Bob remains happy & smiling. Guess it's a good thing he doesn't quite understand it all. Mommy said that would make things much worse for everyone.

Daddy and G-Pa Bob
We will be starting our drive to NY hopefully on Wednesday. The past 3 days have been miserable at our house. House Air conditioner #1 died on Wednesday. Repaired. House A/C #2 died Thursday. Repaired. The A/C in our van died yesterday and can't be repaired until Tuesday afternoon. We got no luck at all! If the van takes longer to repair than 1/2 day, our trip north will be delayed until it is completed. And please, let's NOT talk about the $$$$ these three A/C's are costing!

Mommy said she needs a drink now, so we gotta run. We're gonna leave you with some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

We love you all!

Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin

G-Pa Bob loves his ice cream




Zoo Day at Rehab

Blood transfusion day. See, he's still smiling!


22 comments:

  1. Your poor mama! She's not a bad daughter at all - she cared for your grandma with amazing tenderness and selflessness, when many others wouldn't. It's not her fault that things get too big for people without the training to do it. Hugs!!! I'm always here to talk if you need it, Kim.

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  2. You are an unbelievably wonderful daughter to Grandpa Bob. It was time to make this decision and you did, after all those years of being his everything. I, for one, admire you immensely. I hope that all those A/C's get fixed and you get driving soon!

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  3. Oh boy. What a tough situation. Deep down your mom knows she did the right thing so it's OK for her to have a pity party. Hurt hurts. It doesn't matter if it makes sense or not. Sending love and ear licks <3, Noodle

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  4. Oh boy. What a tough situation. Deep down your mom knows she did the right thing so it's OK for her to have a pity party. Hurt hurts. It doesn't matter if it makes sense or not. Sending love and ear licks <3, Noodle

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  5. Oh boy. What a tough situation. Deep down your mom knows she did the right thing so it's OK for her to have a pity party. Hurt hurts. It doesn't matter if it makes sense or not. Sending love and ear licks <3, Noodle

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  6. There comes a time when you just have to make those hard decisions. You have been a wonderful daughter and Grandpa Bob - and he KNOWS that. God bless you for all that you have done for him and we are sure will continue to do even if he isn't in your home. Please give him a hug from us and here's an even bigger one for YOU.

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  7. As hard as it is - it is the right decision. Sending lots of hugs - you deserve them for all you have done for Grandpa Bob
    love
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  8. We know what a tough decision that was. Once you are close enough to visit, you'll feel a bit better. We can only send you hugs (and best wishes that all the A/Cs are working soon.)

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  9. Yes, we understand what a heart-wrenching decision it is to make. Having been through it with both my mom and dad...there is no words. Sending love and hugs to you...and prayers that your A/C issues all get fixed and you are on your way back home again. Grandpa Bob sure does look real happy and that...is a VERY good thing! You are an AWESOME daughter and one I am proud to call my friend!! We need to get together when you get back and things settle down a bit. Safe travels! xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

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  10. Mum had to go through this over Christmas, it is very hard and emotional but it is the best thing to do, don't be hard on yourself!
    Mum and I send you loads of luffs and hugs
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  11. We KNOW this is really TOUGH on your MOM... butt it was done with the greatest of LOVE.... We just ADORE Grandpa Bob.... and we think this is better fur HIM and fur everybuddy else.... It is SAD butt Better... No more Face Plants fur our beloved Grandpa Bob... and just think of all the 87 MEGAWATT SMILES that he will be flashing at everybuddy there... he will make THEIR life BETTER Too!!!
    HAPPY Father's Day to your DAD and to GrandPa Bob.

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  12. You are a great daughter and Grandpa Bob will be well cared for in his new home. We hope your AC in the car gets fixed fast so you can get up north again.

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  13. You have to do the best you can for the ones you love, and sometimes that means not keeping them with you because you can't do everything they need. Grandpa Bob will be very happy in his new home, and you'll be able to see him often still.

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  14. Oh guys ~ I knows this is really, really, really tough, butts as you know, it is better for everyone....especially Gpa Bob. Rehabs are full of the most amazin' peeps, that do God's work, that care and love their patients. And just lookie at Gpa Bob's happy face!!! I thinks it'll be the same at the Rehab...plus, your Moms will finally gets to breathe...and have a margarita...I send a pitcher right overs....☺
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  15. You are one tough lady, Kim. I know you'll always be strong enough to come out on the other side of this with a smile just like Grandpa Bob (hard as that may seem to you right now). I only wish we would have been able to get together like we planned to before life got in the way. But there is always the next time to look forward to. Have a safe trip back to NY. My prayers go along with you that all will be well when you get back home again. Hugs to Lily and Muffin. My love to you.

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  16. Hi girls, so thankful for the update. Thought you may have already been back in New York. Grandpa Bob looks so good in all of his pictures. Hope your mom will relax and be at ease that he seems very happy . Tell your mom that I have a new foster named Amy. She is a little chocolate color girl and she and Kourtney play non stop. Princess June seems to be relaxed and happy

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  17. Howdy mates. We think you have made the best decision but also the most heart wrenching. Nothing will change the love between your mum and grandpa Bob. We have always LOVED Grandpa Bob's smile, it's just the best. Take care and hope the air con gets fixed soon. No worries and love Stella and Rory

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  18. You are the BEST daughter, sometimes it is very hard to give ourselves a break when it comes to the peoples we love the most, we have this unattainable idea that we can do it all, and fix all that is broken, or changed. Sometimes we just have to gently hand them over to the people who are trained and find new ways to show them our love. I am giving you our best hugs, your grandpa bob has the best smiles. stella rose

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  19. We have been so worried about all of you, and we are so grateful to read hour updates. This change is so painful and challenging. Your mom is totally pawsome, and we know this to be true. Please give her double licks for us, from us.

    Sending you so much love.

    Love,
    Tootsie & her mom

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  20. I know that must have been a very difficult decision but I am sure you are doing what is best for Grandpa Bob. I hope you get everything fixed and have a safe drive back to New York. I will pray for all of you.

    Anne and Ziggy

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  21. Mom apologizes for being so far behind. We are so sorry for your mom but she did the best she couldm above and beyond what anyone should or could do. Your grandpa will now be well cared for at his new place. I hope you get to visit him I'm sure he misses you guys badly too. Love Dolly

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