Duane, it is difficult, isn't it? Seeing your parents, once so vibrant and strong, being reduced to such dependency...You hit it right on the nail-head when you said that you're trying to "soak this all in"...With Mom in the NH, time with her is so precious, so much more tender than when she lived with us (for 11+ years) and I was so busy looking after her physical needs...I remember once, when our daughter was just born: I woke for her feeding, warmed her bottle and as I sat there with her, I truly remember saying "remember this...the baby smells, the warm bottle in my hand...the rocking chair...the street-light outside casting a warm glow over the March snow..." and to this day I can still bring that memory up. I do the same with Mom now....and I know she feels loved. Fairegold: what you said about our Moms changing their behaviours in a NH was truly thought-provoking! I recall the number of times my Mom asked me if she was a 'burden' to me (to which I replied of course not!;-). So I wonder if, in that facility, with its caring staff and homey atmosphere, that they can finally 'let down their guard' and relax more into how they really feel, physically and emotionally. They can be themselves, because they don't have anything to prove to us. They don't have to pretend to be stronger than they are for our benefit. Interesting theory....much to think about... Thank you, Ladies, and Gentleman, for your responses...she's truly in a wonderful environment...I should know: I've been there often enough! ;-) Every second day, now. Blessings to each and every one of you, my Friends...I do keep you all in my prayers each evening... Have a lovely day Lindi

Social work is actually a good piece of advice.... Although they can't give you information protected by Hippa, they can direct you in the legal documents that you and your mother can sign to make it ok for you to get information. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but calling the Hospital Admin- no matter how demanding, angry, persistent, etc that you are- will get you the same result. As a nurse, I can tell you, HIPPA is something that is pounded into our heads on a daily basis. Trust me, sometimes it would be easier to give family the information so they aren't continually calling to harrass us for what we aren't allowed to give. This goes for Hospital Administration, as well. Social work is your best bet. Nurses can't give information that the doctor read and charted because if by some chance we give the information back incorrectly, we open ourselves up for lawsuit and the hospital for a lawsuit. This is also a rule- at least everywhere I have ever worked. Sorry but their are rules that need to be followed. Our society has made it hard because of the fear of lawsuits.

Lois, my mom left a huge stack of granny squares! I assembled them into about a dozen lap robes and gave them to the local nursing home. That’s what mom did with the ones she completed. The nursing home staff was thrilled! Donna

I received this text from my nephew yesterday: "Kids opened the quilt last night. Aaron (the GGS) loved it! He has such great memories of grandma. Cassie (new wife) was sorry she didn't get to meet her after hearing us swap stories of her. Great gift. Thank you so much for doing it." I was really pleased to hear this! I was sad we couldn't attend the wedding, but it was too far to go and still have hubby make his church commitment on Sunday. Donna